Who has made the very first Team of the Week for Serie A 2014-15? Dave Taylor runs through the best XI.
Diego Lopez [Milan]
Had a cracking debut making four decisive saves including pushing away a dangerous volley from Antonio Candreva. Under siege at times but coped admirably while also saving a penalty. Commanding.
Who has made the very first Team of the Week for Serie A 2014-15? Dave Taylor runs through the best XI.
Diego Lopez [Milan]
Had a cracking debut making four decisive saves including pushing away a dangerous volley from Antonio Candreva. Under siege at times but coped admirably while also saving a penalty. Commanding.
Kosta Manolas [Roma]
The young Greek slipped effortlessly into central defence on his debut and was elegant in every move and pass. Never allowed either of Fiorentina’s forwards into the game and was given a standing ovation when subbed. Natural.
Martin Caceres [Juventus]
An efficient performance that saw him involved in the opener when rising above everyone to nod home off a defender, while almost scoring a second in chipping the woodwork. Always precise in his tackles, passing, pushing and probing throughout. Resourceful.
Cristian Zapata [Milan]
A prominent performance and at times made the Lazio forwards look as clumsy as Laurel and Hardy pushing a grand piano up a narrow staircase. A slow start but gradually became a rock at the back. Important.
Stephan Lichtsteiner [Juventus]
Forever pushing down the right flank, which the Chievo defence simply could not handle. Sent over several crosses which were sadly not exploited but played a big part in the away win. Significant.
Radja Nainggolan [Roma]
The man of the match urged his teammates onward, set up attacks and was at the heart of the action. Scored the killer opener by following up on Gervinho’s rebound then set the Ivorian up for his late goal. Vital.
Nigel de Jong [Milan]
Was everywhere, blocking shots, destroying any build-up play and a more than effective defensive shield in front of his back four. Won all his aerial battles and played a major part from his central midfield spot. Imperative.
Jonathan de Guzman [Napoli]
It did not take the Dutchman long to make his mark after coming on as a sub. Twenty minutes later with seconds to go he scored the winning goal with a left-footer into the bottom left corner. Superb.
Carlos Tevez [Juventus]
Another typical, hard running, all-action performance from the Argentinean, who played a little deeper than normal. Had more shots and made the most key passes of anyone while he also hit the post and never allowed the Chievo defence any peace. Exceptional.
Luis Muriel [Udinese]
The Colombian striker was everywhere and set up several chances for others, which were not taken, while also hitting the woodwork himself. Set up Di Natale’s first goal after a clever one-two with his captain and did everything but score. Outstanding.
Antonio Di Natale [Udinese]
New season, same old Toto, two goals and a lesson in how not to defend for the visitors Empoli. Scored the opener by sidestepping the ‘keeper, then slotted away his second after latching onto a back pass. Incomparable.
Special Mentions: Rafael [Napoli], Stefano Sturaro [Genoa], Stephan El Shaarawy [Milan], Simone Zaza [Sassuolo], Kingsley Coman [Juventus]