Team of the Week: Hat-trick sensations shine as Messi maintains stellar season start

The previous weekend was a thrilling one for football fans, with a barrage of goals across the premier leagues, resulting in impressive ratings on Flashscore’s internal platform.

Presenting our latest Team of the Week:

Goalkeeper

Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia) – 8.5

One of the standout results from the weekend occurred in Madrid, where Valencia triumphed over Real Madrid, further solidifying their outstanding form.

While Hugo Duro stole the headlines with his dramatic late goal, it was Mamardashvili’s heroics in goal, including eight saves and a penalty stop from Vinicius Junior, that were equally pivotal.

Defenders

Jubal (Auxerre) – 8.7

The Brazilian defender Jubal added yet another goal to his tally for Auxerre on Sunday, nodding in a corner to clinch a 1-0 victory against Rennes in the dying moments.

Incredibly, the 31-year-old has netted five times in his last nine appearances—a commendable feat for a centre-back.

Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica) – 8.3

Benfica took a significant stride toward the title this weekend, dispatching Porto 4-1 away to sit two points clear at the summit of the league while their rivals Sporting stumbled against Braga.

Seasoned defender Otamendi stepped up, delivering a formidable performance at the back and later sealing his side’s fourth goal with a header from a free-kick in the 94th minute.

Mike Eerdhuijzen (Sparta Rotterdam) – 8.5

Sparta Rotterdam distanced themselves from the Eredivisie relegation zone with a 2-0 victory against NEC Nijmegen, with centre-back Eerdhuijzen emerging as their key player.

Completing 60 of 66 passes, creating two chances, and making eight clearances, Eerdhuijzen also triumphed in all four of his aerial duels.

Midfield

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – 8.7

Despite Inter Miami drawing 1-1 at home, Lionel Messi showcased his class against Toronto with another splendid display.

The Argentine superstar scored the equaliser with a half-volley from the edge of the box and made five key passes, complemented by five successful dribbles throughout the match.

Carney Chukwuemeka (Borussia Dortmund) – 8.3

English midfielder Chukwuemeka, on loan from Chelsea, scored his inaugural goal for Borussia Dortmund against Freiburg over the weekend.

In his first start for the club, he increased the lead to 2-0 with a strike from outside the box, demonstrating his influence at both ends of the pitch.

Uche Christantus (Getafe) – 8.5

Nigerian prospect Uche Christantus is having a stellar season with Getafe, delivering one of his most impressive performances yet in their 4-0 triumph over Real Valladolid.

He contributed to both of his team’s opening goals, providing a flick-on from a corner for the first and a perfectly weighted through ball for the second.

Tete Morente (Lecce) – 9.0

Tete Morente was a vital creative force for Lecce in their 1-1 draw against relegation rivals Venezia.

The Spanish left-winger crafted four key passes, succeeded in six out of seven dribbles, and won 15 of his 17 duels on the day.

Attackers

Talisca Anderson (Fenerbahce) – 9.8

Typically, we refrain from including players who only play half a game, but Talisca’s extraordinary impact in just 45 minutes during Fenerbahce’s 4-1 victory over Trabzonspor justified an exception.

Coming off the bench while his side trailed, he equalised from the penalty spot shortly after arriving and then added two more goals, with his third being a stunning strike.

Andre Lacximicant (Estoril) – 9.5

Lacximicant entered Estoril’s clash against AFS with merely one goal for the season but surprisingly netted four times within an hour.

The 23-year-old Portuguese forward scored all of his team’s goals, finishing clinically with three left-footed strikes for a 3-0 win.

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) – 9.3

There was another hat-trick hero in Portugal as Greek sniper Pavlidis recorded his second treble of the season for Benfica.

With 24 goals and nine assists this campaign, it’s only a matter of time before Europe’s top clubs come knocking on his door.