Champions League Team of the Week – Vinicius, Raphinha star | OneFootball

Our Champions League Team of the Week for Matchday Three, featuring a pair of Brazilian hat-trick scorers and Manchester City’s ‘unstoppable’ goalscoring force.

Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher – Liverpool

Caoimhin Kelleher deserves immense credit for the way he has handled sporadic introductions into the Liverpool side. In for the injured Alisson, his presence has ensured Liverpool have barely missed the Brazilian.

Kelleher has been vocal in his desire for a number one role and the Reds will not be able to deny the 25-year-old that chance for too much longer. He was excellent in the win at Leipzig, making six saves en route to a clean sheet. There might not be a better ‘number two’ around.

Centre-back: Wilfried Singo – Monaco

What a goal. The centre-back scorched in a strike from distance during Monaco’s 5-1 thrashing of Red Star Belgrade, the highlight of a huge win for the Ligue 1 side. Singo added an assist alongside a comfortable defensive performance as Monaco made light work of the Serbian side.

His wonder goal came from an xG of just 0.02

Centre-back: Liam Scales – Celtic

His best performance in a Celtic shirt? It was an outstanding performance from Scales as the Scottish champions battled in Bergamo. Scales’ superb block on Metro Retegui denied Atalanta a certain goal, while his positioning all evening was pinpoint to snuff out danger.

Centre-back: Julian Chabot – Stuttgart

Stuttgart staged arguably the upset of the round with a win at previously unbeaten Juventus. The German side bounced back from their 4-0 humbling by Bayern Munich at the weekend to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win in Turin.

Chabot was a commanding presence for the Bundesliga side as he made eight clearances and won 100% of his defensive duels (4/4).

Midfield: Antoni Milambo – Feyenoord

Feyenoord might just have another terrific talent in their ranks with Antoni Milambo taking to the big stage this season. It’s now four goals in his last four games for the midfielder and three in his last two Champions League appearances after a brace at Benfica.

The 19-year-old’s match-winning performance saw Milambo score twice, create two chances and make five ball recoveries in an all-encompassing performance. His star is on the rise.

Midfield: Takumi Minamino – Monaco

Involved in almost everything as Monaco thrashed Red Star Belgrade in the principality. Minamino scored twice and created another in a 5-1 win for Adi Hutter’s side, who have taken seven points from their opening three games to sit fourth in the standings.

Winger: Raphinha – Barcelona

What a turnaround it has been for Raphinha this season. Linked with an exit after two inconsistent seasons at Barcelona, Raphinha has been a revelation under Hansi Flick.

The Brazilian marked his 100th appearance for the club with a stunning hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1 in a statement performance. His industry, invention and goal threat have added a new dynamic to Barcelona this season, with the 27-year-old in the form of his life right now.

Winger: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior could hardly have timed this performance better. Amid the expectation that the winger will be awarded the Ballon d’Or on October 28, Vinicius produced a performance fitting of a footballer set to be anointed as the world’s best. Real Madrid were two goals down and struggling against Borussia Dortmund until Vinicius led a second-half comeback at the Bernabeu.

A scintillating hat-trick turned impending defeat into a 5-2 victory and extended his remarkable record in this competition. His sublime solo second was the highlight, encapsulating Vinicius at his unstoppable best.

Forward: Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon

Strength. Speed. Composure. There’s a reason Europe’s top clubs are taking a good look at Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting striker scored his 13th goal in 13 games this season with an outstanding individual effort against Sturm Graz, having already assisted the opener for Nuno Santos. His remarkable numbers have quickly become the norm in Lisbon.

Forward: Jonathan David – Lille

Jonathan David is another player set to be in demand as the Canadian approaches the end of his deal at Lille. A free agent in the summer, there will be no shortage of suitors for a player who continues to shine at the top level. David came off the bench to score twice as Lille beat Atletico Madrid away from home on matchday two. His brace took the 24-year-old to 10 goals in 15 games this season – elite production.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Haaland extended his record to 44 goals in 42 Champions League appearances after netting twice as Manchester City thrashed Sparta Prague at the Etihad. An audacious backheeled volley opened his account for the night before he added a second with a neat finish. The Norwegian makes scoring goals in this competition look easy.

Read – Iconic Performances: Messi twists Bayern Munich inside out

See more – Five of the best players to play for Barcelona and Bayern Munich

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