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.
[Eligibility: As of 1st June 2016 – 21 years old and below for outfield players // 22 years old and below for goalkeepers]
The last ToTW of January rolls in after another busy weekend across Europe. While Barcelona in Spain dropped points, and most teams moved forward with their league schedules, England continued with the FA Cup in the lead up to midweek fixtures, including a massive top of the table clash at Anfield.
Defence: Making his first appearance on the ToTW is young Croat Josip Posavec. The youngster may have made a crucial error, but was quite superb overall to keep the score at 1-1, and win Palermo the point. An astounding 9 saves from the keeper meant that Napoli had to be satisfied with just 1 point, where they had probably expected 3.
Marc Navarro retains his spot at right back from last week, as Espanyol caused quite the upset in the title race with their win over high flying Sevilla. The right back is getting a lot of purchase going forward, with a goal and an assist to follow up his assist last week. On the other flank, was another upset creator, Theo Hernandez. The teenager starred in Alaves’ draw against Atletico, having a strong all round game. Hernandez was especially good oing forward, and managed to keep a skilled opponent like Yannick Carrasco quiet.
Another player retaining his spot in the team is Joris Gnagnon. The defender made 3 tackles and 2 interceptions, and even added a goal to get his team an important point against Nantes. While Gnagnon retained his place, Davinson Sanchez made his return to our ToTW after a while. Ajax cruised to a 3-0 win against ADO Den Haag, as Sanchez made 2 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 5 clearances.
Midfield: Starting off on the right wing is Gelson Martins. The tricky winger scored a goal for his side in a comfortable 4-2 win. Martins was a menace on that win all through, completing 4 dribbles. On the other side though, Yassine Benzia taught Lyon to beware on an ex, as he scored a brace at his old stomping ground to get a 2-1 win for Lille.
In the middle of the park, Dani Ceballos makes his first appearance in the ToTW after a dynamic performance against Barcelona as the Andalucian club secured a great 1-1 draw. Ceballos was all over the pitch, offensively and defensively. He made 4 tackles going backwards, but he also got 2 shots on target going the other way. It was all the more impressive considering that it came against a powerful midfield combo like Barcelona. His partner, Naby Keita has been one of the best midfielders in Europe this season, let alone best young midfielders. Naby Keita has been shifted to a slightly more attacking role of late, and he did the damage here, ending the last unbeaten streak in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Keita scored 2 assists as Leipzig managed to beat Hoffenheim 2-1 in a hard fought encounter and stay close to the leaders, Bayern Munich.
Forwards: Like his Ajax teammate Sanchez, Dolberg also makes his return to the ToTW after a long time. The young striker played really well to score a goal and an assist. Dolberg was desperately unlucky as well, as he hit the woodwork twice.
Yet another man who has retained his spot from last week is Giovani Simeone. The Genoa man participated in yet another exciting match that ended 3-3 at Fiorentina. The man scored twice, including a late penalty under high pressure to level the game.
Talent Radar Team of the Week // Performance Rankings
