A regular feature on our website is the Talent Radar Team of the Week with the best young players compiled into an XI from across Europe’s top seven leagues. You can read this for all details on Talent Radar, who is eligible under it and what else we publish within this feature.
[Max. Age Limit: 22 years old on match-day for outfield players, 23 years old for goalkeepers]
Mike Maignan continued a solid start to the season for himself and for Lille with a clean sheet away from home at Monaco. The Stade Louis II isn’t an easy arena to get results at, but Lille came close. The obvious highlight of the game for him was his penalty save from Falcao, allowing Maignan to save the points for his side. On the other side, Almamy Toure also had a fine game. The young full back has been on the verge of breaking through for a couple of seasons now, and one hopes performances like the one he put in this past weekend will seal the deal for him. Newly promoted Reims also managed to pull off a shock win against Lyon, putting them in the Champion’s League places for the time being. Left back Ghislain Konan did a good job setting up his teammate to finish and score that goal in the first half, allowing Reims some confidence and some breathing space.
In the middle of defence, we have Giangiacomo Magnani, one of the stars of Sassuolo’s shock win over Inter Milan. The defender made his job look quite straightforward, with his 12 clearances and 90+ pass completion rate allowing his side to hold on to their lead over most of the game. Partnering him in our defence is Joe Gomez. The Liverpool man was subjected to quite the test at a hostile Selhurst Park, going up against Christian Benteke and co. The defender passed with flying colours, doing well to follow the lead of his senior partner, and ensuring Liverpool keep consecutive clean sheets. The Reds’ good start will definitely make them among the Premier League favourites, as Betway Sports suggests.
The Premier League flavour continues into midfield, with James Maddison and Matteo Guendouzi manning our pivot. The former has been one of Leicester’s summer signings, and Claude Puel has put faith in him, starting him for the first two games. He’s repaid his boss’ faith almost immediately, scoring a fine goal in his side’s 2-0 win over Wolves. His partner, Guendouzi, has had a rough start to life in the top flight. He’s started in the defeats against City and Chelsea, but has emerged with credit and plaudits. The fact that he’s managed to look more assured on the ball than Granit Xhaka (and consequently outlasted him) will excite a number of Arsenal fans.
Our ultra attacking 4 man forward line has two of AZ Alkmaar’s forwards. Criminally underrated coach John van den Brom’s team have charged out of the blocks this season, scoring 9 times in their first 2 games. The forwards have made merry in each other’s company. This past weekend, Oussama Idrissi and Myron Boadu shared the spoils together. Idrissi got on the scoresheet twice, with Boadu assisting one, and scoring himself as well. The duo ensured a comfortable 1-4 win for their side. Alongside the Alkmaar duo is French sensation Kylian Mbappe. The World Cup hero made the difference for PSG, coming off the bench and scoring two late goals to take them to a 1-3 win away from home. The last name on the sheet is that of Andre Silva. The striker has had a tough year, struggling after a big move to AC Milan, and losing his starting spot in the Portugal team as well. He’s made a move to Sevilla, and showed us a glimpse of his tremendous talent with a hattrick on debut. His movement and explosive finishing were too much for Rayo, as they ended up suffering a 1-4 defeat at home.
Read all our Talent Radar articles here
