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16 games and a galore of goals. Roberto Mancini arriving in Turin, Mourinho registering his first win in the campaign, Di Maria’s brilliance, Ozil’s wizardry, Zenit’s Stalemate, PSG’s dominance and Man City’s dismal form in Europe were the highlights of this week’s Champion’s League group stage.
The Champions League team of the week :
Manager:
Roberto Mancini(Galatasaray):
The Italian is back into the arena. After being sacked by Manchester City for not achieving the objectives for the season, Galatasaray acquired his signature after the sacking of coach Fatih Terim. In his first match as coach Mancini traveled to his home country to hold on to a draw at Turin against the Bianconeri. Juventus were held on to a second straight draw and their chances to qualify hang in the balance.
GoalKeeper:
Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
The goalkeeper is having the time of his life with Barcelona. Criticised after his performances last year Valdes has improved a lot this season. Probably this being Valdes’s last season at Barcelona, has prompted the Spanish Goalkeeper to give fine performances between the posts. A fine display against Scottish Champions Celtic earns him a place in this squad.
Defense
Right Back:
Kevin Grosskreutz (Bor Dortmund)
Germany’s home grown talent, Grosskreutz played as a midfielder for Dortmund for the past two years. Owing to the long term injury to Dortmund’s right back Lukasz Piszeck , Grosskreutz happily stepped into his boots. The makeshift defender has been brilliant in his role so far in the Bundesliga as well as in Europe.Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp hails Grosskreutz as a real and rare talent.
Centre Back:
Marquinhos (PSG)
One of the marquee signings for PSG in this transfer window along with the high profile signature of Edinson Cavani. Marquinhos has stepped in for the injured Thiago Silva and the former AS Roma player has performed up to the expectations. With two goals in two games in all competitions Marquinhos is ready for the PSG centre back role.
Centre Back:
Marc Bartra (Barcelona)
The young Barcelona centre back has adjusted to life at Barcelona’s senior side, with continued injuries to defenders Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol giving him the necessary first team action. Criticised early in his career for his defending skills and strength, the defender has improved considerably and even club captain Xavi has heaped praise on his young team mate.
Left Back:
Erik Durm (Bor. Dortmund)
Young prospect for Dortmund. Durm set the game when he slid in a pass for striker Lewandowski to score the first goal of the match. In the absence of Schmelzer,the first choice left back for Dortmund, Durm has had enough chance to prove his abilities.
Midfield:
The Maverick German, since his arrival at Arsenal has ignited the quest for a title hunt. Arsenal seem very strong this season and come April we wont be surprised to see Arsenal reach the semi finals at-least. Ozil got the game going against formidable opponents Napoli and quickly assisted Olivier Giroud for a clean victory for the Gunners.
Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)(C)
Nor Bale nor Isco seem to bother him, Di Maria has shown why he is so important for the Los Blancos after scoring a brace and providing a beautiful cross to see Ronaldo score his fifth goal of the campaign. His linkup with Cristiano seems to be getting better and better each time they play together. Di Maria has surely added to the selection headaches of his coach Carlo Ancelotti. Due to his brilliant performance Di Maria is the skipper of this team.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
CR 7 scores again against minnows FC Kobenhavn of Denmark after a demolishing hat trick against Turkish giants Galatasaray. Scoring a brace in Wednesday’s game Ronaldo is now the top scorer of this season’s champions league.
Ramires (Chelsea)
The stamina tank as he is called at Chelsea, was excellent throughout the game against Steau Bucharest. Scoring a brace against the Romanians, Ramires is one active midfielder any manager would want to have in his squad.
Strikers:
Konstantinos Mitroglou (Olympiakos)
The Greek national and ex Borussia Monchengladbach star scored a hat-trick away against Belgian top side Anderlecht. Mitroglou exhibited perfect predatory skills to down a good Anderlecht side.
Robert Lewandowski (Bor. Dortmund)
The Polish striker has been in news for declaring that he will join league rivals Bayern Munich in January but he seems to give his every bit for Dortmund at the moment. Lewandowski lifted Dortmund against Marseille at home after a dismal loss at Napoli. Lewandowski is the key if Dortmund have to progress through and beat Group favorites Arsenal.
Other notable performers were Fabregas(Barcelona), Arda Turan(Atl Madrid), Julian Draxler(Schalke), Danny Welbeck(Man United).
