Following an extended weekend in Serie A and some superb goals from defenders Dave Taylor selects his best XI for Week 13.
Orestis Karnezis [Udinese]
Hardly to blame for the two well-taken goals yet if not for his superb saves, brilliant blocks and courageous clearances, the visitors would have conceded more. The Greek was especially ingenious when clearing Adil Rami’s goal from behind the line. Resourceful.
Bruno Peres [Torino]
Following an extended weekend in Serie A and some superb goals from defenders Dave Taylor selects his best XI for Week 13.
Orestis Karnezis [Udinese]
Hardly to blame for the two well-taken goals yet if not for his superb saves, brilliant blocks and courageous clearances, the visitors would have conceded more. The Greek was especially ingenious when clearing Adil Rami’s goal from behind the line. Resourceful.
Bruno Peres [Torino]
A solid performance climaxed by arguably the goal of the season as like Marco Borriello on his way to a Moscow strip-club, he after-burned 80 yards, screamed past four Juventini then rocketed the ball past the ‘keeper. Powerful.
Paolo Cannavaro [Sassuolo]
As commanding and unyielding as Gervinho’s private pilot repelling all boarders, the former Napoli defender made a handful of interceptions and clearances while negating Luca Toni at almost every turn. Particularly sharp when blocking a powerful shot from Lazaros Christodoulopoulos. Imposing.
Adil Rami [Milan]
Led the back-line, had the most touches and the best pass rate of any defender while making several clearances, a few important interceptions and crucially blocked a menacing shot on target. He also had a goal controversially disallowed. Inventive.
Jose Holebas [Roma]
Worked excellently down the left with Radja Nainggolan and just after half-time he not only opened the door to the win he blasted the hinges off it with an Exocet that left Samir Handanovic dumbfounded. Commanding.
Joaquin Sanchez [Fiorentina]
Completely ruled the right flank and put some powerful crosses into the area. Almost scored at one point only to be foiled by a last ditch block while he also made several key passes including setting up Mario Gomez’s goal. Creative.
Miralem Pjanic [Roma]
Unbound by orthodoxy the Bosnian bustled about the pitch leaving Inter looking as ridiculous as the FA banning Massimo Cellino for boat tax fraud. Scored a brilliant brace including an out of this world free kick. Significant.
Mati Fernandez [Fiorentina]
Always looking to menace, the Spaniard was a hive of creativity and caused problems throughout. Almost scoring with a free-kick early on, he netted with his second attempt before getting his second goal with a low but powerful 20-yard screamer. Innovative.
Luca Antonelli [Genoa]
Took hold of Cesena’s right flank and refused the opposition any room or chance to progress down field. Made several solid interceptions and caused problems up front, scoring from close up after latching on to Alessandro’s Matri’s clever back-heel. Impressive.
Eder [Sampdoria]
Was a constant problem for the visiting defence with his clever running and superb control. The Brazilian had already one goal disallowed before making up for it with a fabulous solo effort as he placed a perfect ball past Rafael. Undeniable.
Jeremy Menez [Milan]
Always alert, the intelligent Frenchman was full of running and forever exploited space in the opposition half. Set up attempts for others while narrowly missing scoring several times himself before he put away a well-placed penalty and a scorching second. Inspiring.
Special Mentions: Duvan Zapata [Napoli], Faouzi Ghoulam [Napoli], Nicola Sansone [Sassuolo], Diego Perotti [Genoa], Paulo Dybala [Palermo], Radja Nainggolan [Roma], Andrea Pirlo [Juventus]