Team of the Week: Pantemis Shines in Goal, while Pulisic and Gyokeres Each Grab a Brace

In this week’s Team of the Week, we highlight an extraordinary goalkeeping display from James Pantemis in the MLS, alongside impressive braces from both Christian Pulisic and Viktor Gyokeres.

Goalkeeper

James Pantemis (Portland Timbers) – 9.1

Though Portland succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Nashville in the MLS on Sunday, the match could have ended much more dramatically were it not for Pantemis’ astonishing performance in goal.

The Canadian keeper made a remarkable 10 saves, including two penalty stops in the first half—the second instance of such a feat in league history.

Defence

Bart van Rooij (FC Twente) – 8.5

Twente maintained their European aspirations with a slender 1-0 win over Eredivisie’s last-placed Almere City, with Van Rooij playing a pivotal role in their victory.

The defender provided the assist for the only goal of the match, delivering a precise ball across the box that set up Sem Steijn perfectly.

Defensively, he recorded six clearances to bolster his team’s efforts.

Arda Kizildag (Gaziantep) – 8.8

Gaziantep pulled off a surprise victory on Monday, triumphing 2-1 against Besiktas to halt the latter’s five-match winning streak and hand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his first league loss in Turkey. Centre-back Kizildag was instrumental in this achievement.

The 26-year-old equalised for his team with a header from a free-kick and excelled defensively, making seven clearances and completing 29 of 30 passes before being substituted due to injury.

Dominik Kohr (Mainz) – 8.2

Despite enduring a positional shift, midfielder Kohr excelled in Mainz’s 3-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach, effectively playing left centre-back. The German scored the second goal of the match while managing to win all tackles and make four interceptions.

Andrew Gutman (Chicago Fire) – 8.6

Staying in the MLS, Gutman was a standout performer for Chicago in their 3-1 victory over FC Dallas. The American defender found the back of the net in the 82nd minute, capitalising on a cross at the back post.

He also registered two tackles, two blocks, and two interceptions, contributing significantly to his team’s first win of the season.

Midfield

Oliver Antman (Go Ahead Eagles) – 8.6

Much like his namesake in the superhero realm, Antman was the standout performer in his side’s thrilling 3-2 triumph over Nijmegen.

The Finnish midfielder netted one goal with a powerful low shot after assisting the team’s first goal of the match. He created five chances, resulting in two assists, and achieved a pass completion rate nearing 90%.

Orkun Kokcu (Benfica) – 8.6

In Portugal’s top tier, Kokcu orchestrated Benfica’s success on Saturday, scoring the second goal from the penalty spot during their 3-0 victory over Nacional. He also created five clear-cut chances throughout the match and won three out of six duels.

Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter) – 8.3

Continuing with Turkish talents, Calhanoglu is having an impressive season. He netted the second goal in Inter’s exhilarating 3-2 victory over Monza—his fifth goal this Serie A campaign.

The strike from the edge of the box was crucial for securing all three points, keeping Inter firmly in the title race.

Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) – 8.7

AC Milan faced a tough contest against Lecce, ultimately emerging as 3-2 victors away from home, largely thanks to Pulisic’s contributions. He netted twice after the team found themselves down 2-0.

The first came from the penalty spot, while the second saw him capitalise on a timely run, tapping in the winning goal. His teammates celebrated passionately, highlighting his importance to their success.

Forwards

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting) – 8.3

After a difficult start to 2025 due to injury and form issues, Swedish striker Gyokeres appears to be hitting his stride, scoring a brace in Sporting’s 3-1 win against Casa Pia.

This marks his second brace in successive games, signalling his return as a formidable threat for the remainder of the season.

Budu Zivzivadze (Heidenheim) – 8.3

Heidenheim, desperate for points as they fight relegation from the Bundesliga, managed to secure an essential draw against Hoffenheim over the weekend.

Georgian forward Zivzivadze emerged as the hero, coming off the bench to net his inaugural goal for the club since his transfer from Karlsruher in January. More contributions will be vital for Heidenheim to steer clear of relegation.