Goalkeeper: Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)
An important win for Marseille that keeps them in the top three. In the 1-0 victory over Monaco, Geronimo Rulli made five important saves to keep the visitors at bay. The Argentine is arguably the best keeper currently playing in the French league.
Defence: Malo Gusto (Chelsea)
Having netted his first professional goal just over a month ago, Gusto didn’t wait long to score his second. Having set up Cole Palmer for Chelsea’s opener, Gusto linked up well with Pedro Neto to nab the second goal of the game. A professional defensive display in the second half ensured a clean sheet to round off an excellent day for the French defender.
Defence: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen)
Having predominantly played as a defensive midfielder throughout his career, Andrich is settling in well as the central centre-back in Hjulmand’s 3-4-2-1. Leverkusen were on a run of back-to-back league defeats, so nothing less than three points against Köln would do. Leverkusen made hard work of it, but a solid defensive display, a goal of the season contender from Terrier and a well-taken finish from Andrich secured the points.
Defence: Davide Bartesaghi (Milan)
The 19-year-old left-back scored the first two goals of his senior career, but it still wasn’t enough to claim victory over Sassuolo. Having gone behind, a double either side of half-time from the young Italian put Milan ahead, but they were unable to hold on to their lead. The draw extended their unbeaten league run to 14 games, but the dropped points gave city rivals Inter the opportunity to leapfrog them at the top of Serie A.
Midfield: Raphinha (Barcelona)
Two late goals for Barca’s captain extended their lead at the top of La Liga. Having been frustrated by a resolute Osasuna back five for over an hour, Raphinha fired home the opener before tapping in the second late on.
Midfield: Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
The young English midfielder has been in scintillating form since the last international break. Against West Ham, Rogers scored a second-half brace to continue Villa’s impressive unbeaten streak. With the World Cup just around the corner, Thomas Tuchel will be liking what he is seeing.
Midfield: Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest)
Forest’s recovery under Sean Dyche continued with an impressive 3-0 win over Tottenham. Defensive midfielder Sangaré set up both of Hudson-Odoi’s goals, before they switched roles and the Englishman assisted the Ivorian. Having also won two tackles and five duels, it was a good day at the office for the midfielder, who will soon depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Midfield: Harry Wilson (Fulham)
The Welsh wizard’s impressive run of form continued with a goal and two assists against Burnley, taking his tally to eight league goal contributions for the season. Wilson’s curling effort into the far corner was among the standout goals of the weekend.
Forward: Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
The only one of Liverpool’s summer signings who has lived up to his price tag. Against Brighton, the French forward scored twice in what is arguably his best performance to date for his new club. With Isak still faltering in front of goal, Ekitike is establishing himself as Slot’s trusted goalscorer.
Forward: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Another week, another brace for Erling Haaland. With 17 league goals before Christmas, Haaland looks well-placed to beat the league record he set for most goals in a single campaign – 36.
Forward: Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest)
After a relatively quiet start to the season, Forest fans will be hoping this is a return to form for Callum Hudson-Odoi. Playing off the left in Dyche’s 4-2-3-1 formation, the winger linked up well with defensive midfielder Sangaré; the pair were involved in all three goals. Hudson-Odoi is a rank outsider for inclusion in the World Cup squad, but England’s left-wing role remains the most open of any position in the squad. A few more performances like this and he will play himself into contention.
