the typical team of the 4th day

If we had been told in August that three Ligue 1 clubs would compete midway for a place in the 1/8th round of the Champions League, but not PSG, 25th, many would certainly have swallowed their coffee the wrong way. However, this is indeed the reality of French football this morning. Monaco and Brest are hanging around in 3rd and 4th place, just behind Liverpool, the only team to have more points than them halfway, while Lille, 14th and virtually a play-off, continues to defy the odds despite an insane schedule. Obviously, when composing our traditional eleven type of the week, putting them in the spotlight seems obvious. And how not to think about Lucas Chevalierwho gave himself a new masterclass against Juventus as a 23rd birthday present. He still doesn’t score any goals, but he saves so many that it’s just as huge, and after such a start to the season, he even got his first call-up to the French team today. This morning, the native of Calais is obviously the starting goalkeeper in our eleven, even if Oblak also deserves the honors.

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At the right-back position, it’s difficult to ignore the XXL performance delivered by the Argentinian world champion Nahuel Molinawho kept Barcola out of action the entire match during Atlético de Madrid’s stunning victory against PSG where he scored the first goal for the Colchoneros (1-2). Author of three assists with Barça against Red Star Belgrade, Jules Koundé has once again shown that he is one of the best defenders in Europe by taking the form of the moment. The presence of Molina in the eleven shifts him into the center, his preferred position. With him at the hinge, another Frenchman: Dayot Upamecano. Often singled out in recent months, the French international delivered a major performance and allowed Bayern to record a clean sheet against Benfica (1-0). The German press is also very complimentary of him this morning. Finally, the Inter Milan defender, Yann Biseckcompletes this defense. For what was only his 7th Champions League match, the German had a copious menu in front: Bukayo Saka. And suffice to say that he made it an appetizer. The Arsenal winger never existed, and this morning, the Italian press is even talking about an upcoming contract extension for the 23-year-old defender.

Gyökeres and Luis Diaz broke everything

In midfield, it would be foolish not to place the AC Milan player, Tijjani Reijnders. After his double against Bruges two weeks ago, the Dutchman continued his European campaign on a hungry basis against Real Madrid. Present in recovery, in creation, always there to compensate and guide the game, it was he who dictated the tempo of the meeting where Tchouameni, Modric and Camavinga never existed. To top it off, he even scored a goal after a superb move with Leao. How not to reward a Brestois, too, after this new success against Sparta Prague, and which almost ensures a European spring for the little thumb of this edition? Edimilson Fernandes is the chosen one. Named man of the match, the Swiss perfectly knew how to repay Eric Roy’s confidence, he who had chosen to prefer him to Magnetti for this meeting. Just technically, impeccable recovery, he even opened the scoring with a beautiful half-volley. Special mention, also, to the excellent Hakan Çalhanoğlu against Arsenal.

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The last folding seat in the middle finally returns to Curtis Joneswho recited the lesson in the middle of Leverkusen (4-0). At the crossroads of all influences, he also offered an exceptional assist to Luis Diazthe Colombian inevitably appearing in our selection, too, after his hat-trick. A subtle dive, and two goals to knock out Xabi Alonso and his troops. In front, the presence of Viktor Gyökeres does not suffer from any dispute either. After having piled up the goals in the Portuguese championship, it was necessary to transform the test on the highest stage. And what could be better than a meeting against Manchester City and the other robot-like Scandinavian, Erling Haaland, to act as a showcase? The Swede largely dominated the proceedings in this match within the match, with a hat-trick: two penalties, and a goal after a long solo ride. Finally, Edon Zhegrova deserves his place at right winger. The Kosovar was the X factor for LOSC during their draw against Juventus (1-1). It was also on a high-class action that he put David into orbit for the Northern goal. Cabal certainly had nightmares about it. Special mention to Pulisic, Tillman, Singo, Vanaken, Conceiçao and Kuhn.