After so many superb individual performances and 38 goals over the weekend Dave Taylor found it hard to pick his best XI for Week 33.
Samir Handanovic [Inter]
Made a handful of absolutely brilliant saves and was exceptional throughout. Especially alert when stopping Maxi Lopez’s penalty and Gianluca Sansone’s free-kick, which he flew to the right to palm away from the top corner. Impenetrable.
Walter Samuel [Inter]
After so many superb individual performances and 38 goals over the weekend Dave Taylor found it hard to pick his best XI for Week 33.
Samir Handanovic [Inter]
Made a handful of absolutely brilliant saves and was exceptional throughout. Especially alert when stopping Maxi Lopez’s penalty and Gianluca Sansone’s free-kick, which he flew to the right to palm away from the top corner. Impenetrable.
Walter Samuel [Inter]
The grisly veteran was as frightening as a life-size puppet of Serbian ‘beast’ Ivan Bogdanov as the Samp forwards cowed before him in the ‘Wanda derby’. The Wall by name and nature also scored with a rare header. Immovable.
Giorgio Chiellini [Juventus]
It almost feels natural that he should be in every Team of the Week such is his consistency. Italy’s best defender showed his vitality when skipping past opponents on a 40 yards run to set up a Seb Giovinco effort. Insuperable.
Dodo [Roma]
The young Brazilian produced a strange assist with an overhead acrobatic kick on the by-line for Rodrigo Taddei to scream home. Always a menace down the left, he won all his aerial battles as well as many clearances and interceptions. Impressive.
Dries Mertens [Napoli]
The Belgian was a consistent irritation, buzzing around like a Killer bee, stinging Lazio with a swerving Exocet into the top corner. Continued being a menace and won the penalty before being taken off. Incisive.
Alberto Aquilani [Fiorentina]
One of the best on the field, he swapped flanks, took over in the middle and generally caused problems. He also had a couple of shots blocked before finding space to tuck a ball into the far corner. Impeccable.
Daniele De Rossi [Roma]
In top form and made Julius Caesar look like St Francis of Assisi crushing everyone in his way, making tackles, key passes, and clinical interceptions, especially his crucial block on German Denis. Also produced a clever assist for Adem Ljajic’s goal. Immense.
Borja Valero [Fiorentina]
Looked to be one of the world’s best and a human dynamo that continuously challenged the host’s defence. Never put a foot wrong and scored the third goal after snapping on to a rebound as well as setting up the opener. Illustrious.
Rodrigo Palacio [Inter]
Two assists and a goal topped an energetic and intelligent performance by the Argentinean and his teammates. Always hunting for the ball he finished off another great move by running into the box before hitting an angled drive home. Immaculate.
Alberto Paloschi [Chievo]
A Man of the Match display from the 24-year-old who may have just saved Chievo from relegation. He was involved in all four goals scoring a hat-trick and setting up Cyril Thereau’s effort and deserved all the plaudits. Immeasurable.
Gonzalo Higuain [Napoli]
Back in business and bang on form. No goals for 300 minutes then three inside 45. His second was exceptional as he exploited a high ball from Lorenzo Insigne, spun a defender, allowed it to bounce then half-volleyed home. Imperious.
Special mentions: Maxi Lopez [Sampdoria], Mauro Icardi [Inter], David Pizarro [Fiorentina], Adem Ljajic [Roma], Juan Cuadrado [Fiorentina], Fernando Llorente [Juventus], Riccardo Montolivo [Milan], Sebastian Giovinco [Juventus].