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European Team of the Week based on stats: Man Utd and Liverpool stars join Lyon ace
MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool both have players in the European Team of the Week based on statistics, but who joins them?
Premier League weekend round-up for August 10-12
Manchester United kicked off the Premier League season with victory over Leicester at Old Trafford on Friday night.
While it wasn’t a vintage performance from Jose Mourinho’s men, one player did stand out in the 2-1 victory.
Luke Shaw received a match rating of 8.2 from WhoScored after the left-back scored the winner against the Foxes.
The England international is joined by several Premier League stars – including Liverpool forward Sadio Mane – in the European Team of the Week, but just who makes the cut?
GK – Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace): 8.6
The Welshman was in inspirational form to keep Fulham out at Craven Cottage, pulling off a big save from Aleksandar Mitrovic to help secure all three points for the Eagles.
RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Crystal Palace): 8.6
Saw off the challenge of Ryan Sessegnon then dealt with Andre Schurrle in a composed performance from the 20-year-old.
The right-back looks to have cemented his spot in the first team and is set for a breakthrough season at Selhurst Park.
CB – Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur): 8.4
Opened the scoring early on for Spurs against Newcastle and looked assured alongside Davinson Sanchez, despite only recently returning to training.
CB – James Tarkowski (Burnley): 8.4
Made four blocks as Southampton were reduced to just three shots on target at St Mary’s.
Tarkwoski needs to continue impressing after the arrival of Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough, but performances like this will definitely help.
LB – Luke Shaw (Manchester United): 8.2
Popped up to score the winner for United against Leicester, although it may not be enough to keep his place with Ashley Young set for a return after his post-World Cup holiday.
However, this was an encouraging showing from the 23-year-old following some tough years at Old Trafford since his move from Southampton.
RM – Nicolas Pepe (Lille): 8.9
On target and also provided an assist in a 3-1 victory against Rennes.
The Ivorian winger is just 23-years-old but has already scored 16 goals in 69 Ligue 1 appearances.
CM – Memphis Depay (Lyon): 8.9
The former Manchester United ace scored Lyon’s second goal against Amiens as they got their 2018/19 season off to a solid start.
Ex-Chelsea striker Bertrand Traore also found the back of the net in a comfortable victory at the Groupama Stadium.
CM – Roberto Pereyra (Watford): 9.3
At the double to ensure Watford comfortably eased past Brighton, including a sensational volley from Jose Holebas’ cross.
The Argentinian picked up the highest match rating from WhoScored across the top five European league this weekend.
Maybe the Hornets won’t miss Richarlison too much after all…
LM – Sadio Mane (Liverpool): 9.1
Scored twice as a rampant Liverpool blew away West Ham at Anfield.
There was a slice of fortune surrounding his second goal with a suggestion of offside, but the Senegalese forward was a menace all afternoon.
ST – Callum Wilson (Bournemouth): 8.4
Supplied an early assist for Ryan Fraser but then fluffed his lines from the penalty spot following a clumsy challenge by Bruno Ecuele Manga.
However, the striker made amends late on when he tucked home Simon Francis’ cross to secure three points.
ST – Valere Germain (Marseille): 8.7
Germain and his Marseille team-mates ran riot against Toulouse, putting four goals past their hapless opposition on Friday night.
Dimitri Payet scored twice before Germain and Florian Thauvin added gloss to the scoreline late on.