As ever, Opta’s eyes have been unblinkingly watching matches all over Europe this week; investigating the continent’s top leagues, in order to pick out the three best players from England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain to find Europe’s Most Valuable Player.
1) Gerhard Tremmel (GK – Energie Cottbus) v Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 (H)
Last weekend, relegation-threatened Energie Cottbus hammered Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to secure the opportunity to stay in the top flight. They will now play a decisive play-off game against the third-placed second-tier side to avoid relegation. Most of the merit for the win has to go to German goalkeeper, Gerhard Tremmel, who kept a crucial clean sheet against Bayer. Tremmel, who has not missed a single minute of action this season in the Bundesliga, has conceded 57 goals and managed only six clean sheets this term. But over the last six matchdays he has dramatically improved, with three clean sheets and only six goals shipped in the process; enough to keep his side’s chances of survival alive. Tremmel, who has made the most saves this season in the Bundesliga (171) and boasts an impressive 75% saves to shots ratio, was unbeatable last Saturday, with nine difficult saves and a high claim. With a goalkeeper in this form, Cottbus’ chances of staying in the top flight are surely higher.
2) Alessandro Del Piero (F – Juventus) v Siena 3-0 (A)
Juventus captain, Alessandro Del Piero, seems to enjoy criticism. After being picked out as one of the main reasons for the Bianconeri’s crash over the past seven weeks, the previously out-of-form Del Piero looked at his best last Sunday, sealing his side’s qualification for the Champions League by scoring two goals and assisting one. Last Sunday’s brace made Del Piero Juve’s top-scorer this season with 13 goals. His first was a speciality right-footed free kick that went past Siena’s goalkeeper, his fifth this term (a league-high). He then inspired Marchisio’s second goal with a precise through ball, before his teammate returned the favour by assisting him for his second goal of the day. Del Piero looked regenerated, motivated and always at the heart of the game, as proved by his 37 accurate passes and three successful crosses. Friend and former teammate Ciro Ferrara, must have enjoyed his debut as Juve manager, and must also be happy with the 34-year-old Del Piero, who is like a phoenix from the flames, overcoming injuries and critics even when the odds seem stacked against him.
3) Diego Forlan (F – Atlético de Madrid) v Athletic Bilbao 4-1 (A)
After already scoring eight braces in La Liga this season, Diego Forlan has finally managed to notch up his first hat-trick, last Saturday against Athletic Bilbao. The Uruguayan made the difference in the final stages of the game, scoring three times in 14 minutes to move to the top of the scoring chart in La Liga with 31 goals. Forlan, who has scored the most goals from outside the box (seven) and from open play (25), is playing a decisive role in Atletico’s hunt for a Champions League slot, with 11 goals in the last seven matchdays. Atletico only need a point from their last game at home to Almeria to make sure they qualify for the Champions League. Forlan is also eager to end his season on a high note, as his personal battle with Samuel Eto’o, who is currently second on the scorers list with 29 goals, comes to a climax. Will Forlan secure his individual triumph and contribute to his side’s success by scoring for the eighth consecutive league game next Sunday?