With a several records being broken this Week 35, Dave Taylor looks back on four days of exciting football and picks his best XI.
Marco Silvestri [Cagliari]
In his first game of the season he earned the Isolani the points with a handful of brilliant saves. Two were absolute miracles, the fingertip save from Amauri’s header and his fabulous palm away of Antonio Cassano’s free-kick. Stupendous.
Emiliano Moretti [Torino]
With a several records being broken this Week 35, Dave Taylor looks back on four days of exciting football and picks his best XI.
Marco Silvestri [Cagliari]
In his first game of the season he earned the Isolani the points with a handful of brilliant saves. Two were absolute miracles, the fingertip save from Amauri’s header and his fabulous palm away of Antonio Cassano’s free-kick. Stupendous.
Emiliano Moretti [Torino]
As the perfect component of a classic back three defence, he was always in the right place at the right time. Completely blocked out any Udinese advances into his area of responsibility and almost scored at one point. Determined.
Raul Albiol [Napoli]
A tireless performance by the ever alert Spaniard, which left Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio as upset as fans of Brazilian Panini stickers. Also bailed out teammate Miguel Britos and to an extent full-back Henrique. Diligent.
Leandro Castan [Roma]
Had Mario Balotelli in his pocket from the off and was his usual unbreakable wall of muscle, awareness and intelligence limiting Milan to long distance shots. Resolute.
Juan Iturbe [Verona]
Was subbed on in the 36th minute and devastated Catania with his acceleration and dribbling, which played a big part in Verona’s poker. He finally climaxed an overwhelming performance with a fabulous curling strike into the far corner. Illuminating.
Gokhan Inler [Napoli]
Man of the Match and linked the defence, midfield and attack almost seamlessly. Got off a handful of dangerous shots including a great move that finished with him foiling Inter’s ‘keeper, only to see his ball bounce of the post. Spectacular.
Miralem Pjanic [Roma]
Scored possibly the goal of the season, destroying defenders like balloons in the jaws of a demented dingo before slotting home past a bedazzled Christian Abbiati. After his ‘Maradona-esque’ four man slalom he continued to light up the night. Stunning.
Juan Cuadrado [Fiorentina]
Scored twice and set up Josip Ilicic as Bologna were completely overran. Scored his first goal with a fabulous run and a right-footed volley. The pick however, was his real screamer from 18 yards. Dazzling.
Luca Toni [Verona]
Was in majestic form all afternoon and scored the first goal and the second, which was harshly judged an own goal. Also had another strike chalked off and played like a hurricane despite the storm in the second half. Powerful.
Ciro Immobile [Torino]
The youngster was a problem from the off and his first attempt just whistled over the bar. Kept up the pressure and sprung the offside trap before snapping on to a perfect pass to right foot home his 21st goal. Influential.
Carlos Tevez [Juventus]
Answered the call when needed and scored the equaliser with a terrific thunderbolt from 18 yards out with a slight deflection, from a ‘parked bus’. Always a menace, was inspired throughout and could perhaps have scored a hat-trick. Brilliant.
Special mentions: Claudio Marchisio [Juventus], Simone Zaza [Sassuolo], Senad Lulic [Lazio], Adem Ljajic [Roma], Dodo [Roma], Alessio Cerci [Torino], Mattia Perin [Genoa].