Midfielder of the month: The nominees

This November, the elite league of European midfielders put up quite a show for football fans, as they went on to create a resounding impact for their sides. While the footballing giants like Barcelona and Bayern Munich continued to build on their impressive league starts, there were also a string of impressive performances from Everton and an ever-improving Napoli that grabbed several headlines throughout the past month.

A select few from the top five leagues in Europe have been nominated for Sportskeeda’s European midfielders of the month running and it will be your votes that will decide the eventual winner. But be quick. Polls close on December 5!

Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)

The German midfielder was in sparkling form this past month as he led his Dortmund side to an unbeaten run that kept then in contention for the Bundesliga title. Gotze was instrumental in the Dortmund’s resurgent run as he scored twice and created another five in all competitions, this November. His most notable performance of late came at the cost of a mauling for Ajax on their own turf, as Gotze pulled the strings of the Dortmund attack that smashed four goals to seal the top spot in the group of death of the Champions League.

Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich have been on a rampant run in the Bundesliga, as they head into this weekend with a 10-point lead at the top of the table. Most of this is down to Franck Ribery’s stellar displays throughout this opening phase of the competition. Ribery racked up a couple of goals and three assists as Bayern dismantled the likes of Hannover, Freiburg, Nurnberg in the league. He has been crucial in providing the perfect service from the flanks for his strikers, and his form and fitness will be vital in the long run for his side.

Steed Malbranque (Lyon)

Malbranque, 32, has been quite a revelation on his return to Lyon, as the veteran’s calming presence at the heart of midfield have earned his side enough points to maintain the lead in Ligue 1. The midfielder has been playing in a deeper role in the midfield, yet his ability to influence his side’s attacking front has seen him score a couple and create three league goals in the past month. His defensive contribution this season for Lyon have earned him plaudits from his coach as well as the media, as Steed looks to make a mark in his second stint for the side.

Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid)

Arda Turan has been a pleasant surprise in a league that is overshadowed by the glittering stars of Real Madrid and Barcelona. His consistently prolific outings for Atletico Madrid have been immense for his side’s near-perfect run in the La Liga this season. Turan scored two crucial goals and created another from his role on the left flank – enough to earn him a spot in our nominations.

Marek Hamsik (Napoli)

The Slovakian attacking midfielder has been indispensable to the Napoli attack in the past month. Hamsik was brilliant in a rather difficult game against AC Milan and then turned on some style in his side’s comprehensive away win at Genoa. He has been an exceptional feeding machine for Cavani up-front, as the duo lead their side’s Serie A title challenge against the more experience contenders from Turin and Milan. Hamsik, in the past month, created two and scored another couple, being a focal figure in the creative hub of the team.

Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

Let’s put it this way – Everton wouldn’t have been a formidable force this season without their influential Belgian. Fellaini has been the focal figure in Moyes’ formation, as almost every goal-scoring opportunity demands his decisive touch of genius. He single-handedly secured important points for Everton, with 4 goals and an assist to his name, in the month of November. His most notable performance was at Craven Cottage, where he scored twice in the second half to give his side a chance against a promising Fulham unit. Moyes’ optimism to land a Champions League spot at the end of the season, for now, solely depends on the playmaking prowess of Fellaini – and for now he seems to be delivering the goods for the Merseysiders.