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11. Lionel Messi
An unusual place on any list for the Argentine, Lionel Messi’s month was average by his standards but nevertheless, his ever-reliable contribution to the Barcelona frontline with 2 goals and 1 assist in La Liga in August ranks as one of the best across the globe. With an average of 7 shots per game, 4 key passes per game and an average match rating of 8.6, the 29-year-old shows no signs of fading.
As well as his two strikes in the league, Messi managed to wrap up a two-legged Super Cup affair against Sevilla with a goal. FC Barcelona now sit second in La Liga with six points from two games and seven goals already scored this term. You can expect MSN to shatter that tally come the close of the campaign.
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10. Curtis Davies
Davies’ statistics from August are so good, it’s laughable. Among the candidates for the Premier League’s player of the month, the centre-half was (quite literally) at the heart of Hull City’s surprisingly strong start to the new Premier League season.
Against Manchester United Davies, despite defeat, put in arguably the best performance of his career. In August, the 31-year-old recaptured his form of old with an average of 11.7 clearances and 7 interceptions per game. Having made nearly 40 passes at a completion rate of 85%, it is clear his gritty approach is balanced by calmness in possession too.
Never has old-school defensive football looked so spectacular as in Curtis Davies this past month. Let’s hope for the Tigers’ sake that he can continue such fine form.
