Goalkeeper: Matthew Ryan (Levante)
Matthew Ryan was instrumental in securing a rare three points away from home for Levante, who despite the surprise win still sit in the relegation zone. The Australian stopper made seven vital saves, keeping his side in the game in the first half, before their impressive attacking display in the second blew Sevilla away.
Defence: Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s most dangerous goal threat? Since returning from a thigh injury, Gabriel has scored in back-to-back league games, whilst also shoring up Arsenal’s back four. Defensively, it wasn’t the Brazilian’s strongest showing of the season, with his mistake giving Bournemouth the opportunity to open the scoring, but he more than made up for it.
Defence: Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta)
Giorgio Scalvini ensured Gian Piero Gasperini’s return to Atalanta ended in disappointment, with the defender bundling in from close range to claim his second goal of the season in the narrow 1-0 win over Roma.
Defence: Amir Rrahmani (Napoli)
Napoli remain within touching distance of the two Milan clubs leading Serie A following their 2-0 win over Lazio. Centre-back Rrahmani had not scored in the league this season but opened his account with a cushioned header from a Politano cross.
Defence: Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)
What a signing Malick Thiaw has turned out to be for Newcastle. The German continued his impressive season with another goal and a clean sheet against Crystal Palace. Defensively, Thiaw won eight duels and made three tackles, ensuring Palace had no way back into the game.
Midfield: Declan Rice (Arsenal)
The most in-form midfielder in the world. Rice scored a brace for only the second time in his career, helping Arsenal to overcome a late Bournemouth comeback and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Should they hope to go all the way this season, Rice will be key.
Midfield: John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Villa’s incredible season continued with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, with John McGinn easily the best player on the park. Villa’s captain has been deployed all across the midfield throughout the season, lining up on the right against Forest with devastating effect. McGinn scored a second-half brace, having previously found the net just once in the league.
Midfield: Mateus Mané (Wolves)
The emergence of Mané has been a rare ray of light in a difficult season for Wolves. The youngster scored, assisted, and won a penalty against West Ham, helping the home side to their first victory of the campaign. Wolves currently sit 12 points behind Nottingham Forest; could a late push for survival be on the cards?
Forward: Gonzalo García (Real Madrid)
Following an impressive Club World Cup, it looked set to be a breakout season for young forward Gonzalo García. Having only started one league game and failed to find the back of the net before the winter break, García re-announced himself on the big stage with a hat-trick against Real Betis. The injury to Kylian Mbappé presented García with an opportunity, one he has certainly taken.
Forward: Igor Thiago (Brentford)
The only Premier League player keeping Erling Haaland on his toes in the goalscoring charts. Having failed to score in December, Thiago bagged a hat-trick against the usually solid Everton defence. Fourteen league goals and counting for the Brazilian.
Forward: Marcus Thuram (Inter)
After scoring twice on the opening weekend of the season, the goals have been harder to come by for Marcus Thuram in Serie A, but he was back among the scorers on Sunday as Inter retained top spot. The Frenchman could have added another if not for a smart save from Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia.
