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]
We see a change in possession of our much prized gloves this week, with Florian Muller of Mainz taking charge. The 20 year old made 3 solid saves as Mainz kept a clean sheet to hold on and take 3 points. He’s protected by a back 4 this week as well. Lining up as the wing backs are Davide Calabria of AC Milan and Angelino of PSV Eindhoven. The latter performed well in tandem with Talent Radar alumnus, Hirving Lozano. The pace and trickery of Lozano leaves Angelino with a supporting role in attack, and he played his part well, executing 2 dribbles for his side. The right back, Calabria, was desperately unlucky to finish on the losing side in a thrilling tie at the San Paolo. He got on the end of what will surely be one of the goals of the season to put Milan in control. Of course, his defending is to be improved, as Mertens ghosted in on his flank to score the winner, but Gattuso will have few complaints, if any, with Calabria. In the middle of the park, Evan Ndicka played very well as Eintracht recovered from their thrashing against Bayern to record a fine 0-2 win at Freiburg. The Frenchman made 11 clearances, and was trusted by Hutter to get on the ball and find his forwards. His partner, the only man to retain his place in this team, Joe Gomez, once again impressed as Liverpool showcased their newfound defensive resilience. Gomez, a relic of the Brendan Rodgers era, has been unlucky with injury during his time at Liverpool. His early performances certainly look like he’s justifying his inclusion ahead of the likes of Matip, and the silver medal hoarding Dejan Lovren.
The first name in midfield this week is Gerson. The Brazilian shone as Fiorentina gave their fans plenty to cheer about with a 6-1 win over Chievo. He managed to score once, and rack up an assist in his 70+ minutes on the pitch, and left to rapturous applause from the Viola faithful. Much like Fiorentina, Ajax too romped to a handsome win, taking FC Emmen apart 5-0. Youngster Carel Eiting played his part in midfield, picking up an assist and generally serving as a good platform for the creative talents in his side to make their mark. The last man in our midfield trio is Jonathan Bamba. The midfielder broke the opposition lines effectively, ripping through them to register 2 goals, one early on, and one late in the game.
Leading the line is Bertrand Traore, who starred for Lyon as they returned to winning ways after a shock defeat last weekend. The former Chelsea man started the game in a more fluid role out wide, but made his energy count, getting involved in tackling, and also scoring a goal. Partnering him is Francois Kamano, of “crisis club” Bordeaux. They may be without a manager after the shock sacking of Gus Poyet, and the apparent refusal from Thierry Henry, but you wouldn’t know it on the basis of this weekend. Young Kamano did a lot to lift spirits with his penalty to go with an injury time winner against Monaco. Rounding off a rout friendly week is Donis Avidijaj. The wide forward scored twice as Willem II defeated Heracles 5-0 at home.
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