Europe player focus: 11 top picks from this gameweek (21-24 October)

By Maya Mahadevan

Modified Oct 26, 2016 08:38 GMT

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Harry Arter of AFC Bournemouth (L) and Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) — Harry Arter (L) was excellent against Spurs

#3 Leo Messi, Barcelona

Opponents: Valencia CF

Competition: La Liga, Spain

VALENCIA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 22: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona scores his team's third from the penalty spot goal during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Mestalla stadium on October 22, 2016 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) — Messi scored a late penalty to beat Valencia

What is a list without the world’s best, eh?

The super-talented Messi scored two vital goals to give Barcelona all three points and take them top of the table (albeit temporarily) on Saturday evening.

The maestro is yet to regain full fitness post his brief absence due to a groin injury but ensured that his class shone through on an otherwise see-saw evening for the Catalans.

Messi’s first gave Barca the lead but Valencia equalised and then took the lead through Munir and Rodrigo. Suarez scored Barca’s second goal and won an important penalty in the dying minutes of the game.

Cue for Messi to step up and he did just that. The Argentine coolly slotted home from the spot and left Valencia goalkeeper Alves, a terrific penalty-stopper himself, stunned.

Edited by Staff Editor