Team of the Week: Pedro Derails Inter’s Championship Hopes While Bernardeschi Shines in MLS

As the football seasons in Europe draw to a close, players still have the chance to shine and attract attention ahead of the transfer window. Meanwhile, some leagues are just kicking off! Let’s take a look at who made an impact across the globe during the recent match rounds.

Goalkeeper

Walter (Mirassol) 8.4

This past weekend, 37-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Walter was the standout performer. Having joined Mirassol recently, he played a crucial role in securing a draw against Internacional, making an impressive 10 saves to limit the opposition to just one goal, despite their high Expected Goals (xG) of 2.28.

Defenders

Sorba Thomas (Nantes) 8.5

Nantes have had a season to forget in Ligue 1, finishing in 13th place, but they ended on a high note with a 3-0 victory over relegated Montpellier. Welsh wing-back Sorba Thomas excelled in his role, earning a top rating of 8.5 thanks to his four key passes and 10 crosses.

Yerry Mina (Cagliari) 8.7

Cagliari ensured their Serie A status with a 3-0 win against Venezia, with Colombian defender Yerry Mina pivotal in their performance. He not only scored the opening goal but also dominated defensively, winning all eight ground duels and making three clearances and three interceptions.

Nuno Mendes (PSG) 8.6

Nuno Mendes continued to impress for Paris Saint-Germain, providing a significant contribution in their 3-1 comeback victory against Auxerre. The young left-back assisted Marquinhos’ crucial goal, delivered seven crosses, and boasted a passing accuracy of 92 per cent.

Midfield

Pedro (Lazio) 9.1

Though we typically avoid including substitutes, it was impossible to overlook the impact of Pedro. Coming on in the second half while Lazio trailed title contenders Inter 1-0, he netted two equalisers, resulting in a 2-2 draw that could prove crucial in the club’s European ambitions.

Brian Gutierrez (Chicago Fire) 9.8

In an impressive MLS display, Chicago Fire’s Brian Gutierrez scored two goals and assisted another in a commanding 4-1 away win over Charlotte FC. The 21-year-old has already registered five goals this season despite having played just nine matches.

Neil El Aynaoui (Lens) 8.8

Lens concluded their Ligue 1 season with a resounding 4-0 victory against Monaco, though they just missed out on European qualification, finishing eighth. Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui was the standout performer, scoring twice and showing exceptional form late in the season.

Josh King (Toulouse) 9.1

Toulouse also finished their Ligue 1 campaign successfully, narrowly defeating St. Etienne 3-2, which ultimately led to St. Etienne’s relegation. Norwegian winger Josh King made a significant contribution with a goal and an assist, bringing his seasonal total to nine goal involvements (six goals, three assists).

Forwards

Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC) 9.6

EURO 2020 champion Federico Bernardeschi continues to impress in the MLS, stealing the limelight as Toronto FC crushed CF Montreal 6-1. The forward scored twice and provided two assists, showcasing that he still has plenty to offer at just 31 years old.

Yanis Begraoui (Estoril) 9.4

Estoril capped off their Liga Portugal campaign with a 4-0 victory against Estrela, with all four goals coming in the first 23 minutes. Striker Yanis Begraoui stole the show with a hat-trick within a dazzling 17 minutes, bringing his league tally to 11 goals.

Altin Zeqiri (Rizespor) 10

To round off our Team of the Week, we have a perfect 10 performance from Kosovan forward Altin Zeqiri in the Turkish Super Lig. Coming on as a substitute with the score tied 2-2, he made an immediate impact by scoring twice and providing an assist, helping Rizespor secure a 6-3 victory. With two matches still remaining in the season, Zeqiri has plenty of time to add to his impressive tally.