Champions League group stage round 3: Team of the Week

With the latest round of games from the Champions League wrapped up, there were some fascinating performances lined up for us. A silent week for teams like Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid and Juventus. But there were some mind-blowing performances helping the teams pave their ways up on the tables in the group stage as we reach the halfway mark of this section of competition.As we reflect on the action from the third round of games from all the 8 groups, there were some players that shone through more than the others because their contributions made a massive impact for their sides. Let’s have a look at some of the herculean performances of those who made it to the Champions League team of the week.

#1 Goalkeeper

Petr Cech (Arsenal)

Petr Cech, as an all round goalkeeper has always been impressive. He put up a solid wall against the Bayern strikers saving some important goals for the Gunners. He saved a monstrous attempt from Robert Lewandowski, this definitely was the pick of the game.

Also, due to a mistake by Manual Neuer on the other side, Cech’s performance made a huge impact in the 2-0 win against the German side. This was the first loss for the side from Munich this season. Cech’s brilliant performance picked up a huge clean sheet for the Gunners as they kept one of the most potent attacks of this season at bay.

#2 Defenders

Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Left Back

The Spanish footballer playing as a full back for Arsenal proved to be a good choice over Gibbs. He offers a good attacking threat on the left and almost provided an assist for Theo Walcott but the Englishman was denied by some great skill from Manuel Neuer. He was excellent against Thomas Muller and didn’t let him go through easily. Monreal made sure that Muller had a quiet night, He had only 1 crucial pass and 1 shot off target and he also put in a solid defensive effort.

Raphael Varane (Real Madrid), Centre Back

Varane put up a brilliant show against the French Giants. He showed them what a solid defence actually means. He was comfortable in taking the ball forward and was good aerially too. He showed how he can grow as a world class defender as he was up against one of the best attacking sides in the tournament.

Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Centre Back

Silva with all his experience was a speed breaker against the Real Madrid attack. He almost scored in the first half with a powerful header but was barely off target. Moreover, he put in a number of effective tackles just when it looked like the Spanish opposition would finally break through. He made 7 clearances and made 5 crucial interceptions, which helped hold Real to a draw. Thiago Silva has always been an essential force in keeping those clean sheets and thus makes a spot in this week’s top XI.

Serge Aurier (Paris Saint-Germain), Right Back

He definitely was the best PSG could have on the night. Serge Aurier on top of his game was always up against Ronaldo but the Ivory Coast international won most of the battles against him. He even tried to push the attack for PSG but was caught offside frequently. He was a constant threat for the right back and put up a dependable performance and helped the team keep that clean sheet.

#3 Midfielders

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Left Mid

Ozil has always been known for his assists and for the playmaker he is. With Arsenal winning 2-0 against Bayern’s unstoppable force, it was Ozil who actually won the game for his team. Ozil’s pace and dribbling with the help of team-mate Santi Cazorla created many problems for Pep Guardiola’s side. Neuer put in a fine save against Ozil’s shot at first but Mesut won the battle in the end by scoring late into the game. He was an easy pick for this week’s team of the week.

Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Centre Mid

The Big Ivorian put in a match-winning performance and answered his critics yet again. He was there whenever the Sky Blues needed him. He laid the foundation of the game with Kevin De Bruyne and in the end it was the two who combined before the Belgian slotted home City’s last minute winner. Yaya Toure’s presence on the field had a great influence on City’s game as he shifted gears beautifully during the game and beyond doubt he showed what he really is capable of.

Ivan Rakitic (FC Barcelona), Right Mid

Ivan Rakitic didn’t start for Barcelona against Bate Borisov, but was brought on in place of an injured Sergi Roberto and netted 2 goals, helping Barcelona to clinch the game 2-0. Rakitic scored one goal from a powerful shot from distance and the other one being a close range shot but it was his presence on the field that inspired his team’s win, especially his contribution in the second half.

#4 Forwards

Jackson Martinez (Atletico Madrid), Left Wing

This was one of the better performances by the Colombian footballer for his team against FC Astana. Martinez scored a decent goal in the 29th minute of the game, after being disallowed a goal in the 27th minute. His goal was deflected by a defender before going in the net. Martinez could have scored another when his header was stopped by the FC Astana keeper. He was then substituted for Torres but Martinez could have scored a hat-trick had he been more clinical.

Javier Hernandez (Bayer Leverkusen), Striker

Chicharito might have finally found himself in a comfortable striking position for Leverkusen. The Mexican scored 2 goals in this crucial game against Roma. The match ended at 4-4 and Hernandez scored one from a penalty and the other one was a brilliant shot hit on the turn that was saved at first but the Mexican forward capitalised on the deflection. His 2nd goal helped the team to recover and come back from behind.

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Right Wing

An extraordinarily consistent performer for the English team. He has been one of the best buys of this season and has proved already at his new club. City would have drawn this match against Sevilla on their home turf had it not been for the play between De Bruyne and Toure. He stole the match and grabbed those important 3 points for his team.

For their notable performances, these players found a spot for themselves in the substitutes

Keylor Navas (Real Madrid), GK

Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow), RB

De Rossi (Roma), CM

Jordi Alba (Barcelona), LB

Neymar (Barcelona), LW

Anthony Martial (Manchester United), ST

Miralem Pjanic (Roma), CM/RM