Lassine Sinayoko’s decisive display for Paris FC, Yan Diomande’s first double contribution for Real Madrid and Ibrahim Maza’s outstanding performance for Bayer Leverkusen lead the selections for the African team of the weekend.
The XI is based on ratings provided by partner Sportmonks across Europe’s major leagues.
Sinayoko was the standout performer after contributing to all four of Paris FC’s goals in their thrilling 4-3 victory over Rennes. The Mali forward scored twice and supplied two assists, before winning and converting the 97th-minute penalty that settled the match. His six Ligue 1 goals have moved him into second place in the division’s scoring charts.
Diomande also had a major influence as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 4-1. The Ivory Coast winger scored after beating his marker and finishing a solo run with a powerful strike, while also setting up Arda Guler. It was the first time he had been directly involved in two goals during his time with the Spanish club, and he played a part in each of Real Madrid’s four goals.
Daniel Namaso scored both goals in AJ Auxerre’s 3-1 away win against Le Havre. The Cameroon forward’s double earns him a place alongside Sinayoko and Diomande in the attack.
Maza produced one of the weekend’s most eye-catching individual displays for Bayer Leverkusen against Freiburg. The Algeria attacking midfielder opened the scoring with a composed outside-of-the-foot finish, then created Patrik Schick’s goal after a skilful sequence involving a drag-back and a nutmeg. Bayer Leverkusen went on to win 2-1.
His Bundesliga rival Bilal El Khannous also makes the team after producing five key passes for Stuttgart. The Morocco attacking midfielder could not prevent his side from losing 1-0 at Hamburg, however.
Alex Iwobi scored the only goal as Fulham beat Hull City 1-0 in the Premier League, securing his place in midfield.
Defensive standouts
Maduka Okoye made eight saves and claimed seven balls for Udinese against Lecce. Despite the Nigeria goalkeeper’s busy performance, Udinese were beaten 3-0.
Dembo Sylla operated on the left of this team despite usually being a right wing-back, with his versatility allowing him to fill the position. The Guinea defender won the penalty and hit the post as Lorient recorded a notable 1-0 victory over Monaco.
On the opposite side, Rafik Messali helped Toulouse keep a clean sheet in a 3-0 win against Le Mans. The Algeria hopeful made seven clearances and contested four aerial duels.
In central defence, Kasımpasa’s Adem Arous combined attacking impact with defensive work in a 4-1 victory over Samsunspor. The Tunisia defender scored twice and made eight clearances.
He is joined by Kialonda Gaspar, who headed Lecce’s opener in their 3-0 win at Udinese. The Angola defender also contributed to a result that left Okoye’s side without a goal.
