And then there were eight. After another exciting evening of Europa League action, we take a look at the best XI from Europe’s second club competition.
Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic (Inter) - 8.09 rating
Inter crashed out of the Europa League at Eintracht Frankfurt’s expense, with Luka Jovic’s early goal at San Siro the difference between the two, but it could’ve been a lot worse for the sub-par Italian side. Samir Handanovic produced another fine performance between the sticks as he made seven saves and one successful cross claim to return a WhoScored rating of 8.09.
Right-back: Stefan Lainer (Salzburg) - 7.70 rating
Salzburg came perilously close to overturning their 3-0 loss at Napoli in the first leg, but their efforts were all in vain as they won 3-1 at home, ultimately crashing out of the Europa League 4-3 on aggregate. No less, the victory marked another solid display from right-back Stefan Lainer, who made four key passes and one successful dribble, while defensively, he chipped in with four tackles and four interceptions to return a WhoScored rating of 7.70.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias (Benfica) - 7.76 rating
The first of three Benfica players to make the cut, Ruban Dias has attracted interest from Manchester United of late and he provided why once again with another excellent rearguard performance against Dinamo Zagreb. The 21-year-old gained a WhoScored rating of 7.76 as he made eight tackles, that more than any other player in this week’s games, one interception and three clearances to make a fine showing.
Centre-back: Ferro (Benfica) - 8.57 rating
Featuring alongside Dias is young centre-back Ferro, who impressed at the heart of the Benfica backline on Thursday. Indeed, the 21-year-old scored in the comfortable victory, while three aerial duels won, a pass success rate of 90.6% from 85 passes, three tackles and three interceptions saw the defender land a WhoScored rating of 8.57.
Left-back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) - 9.01 rating
The first of three Chelsea players in this XI, Marcos Alonso was hugely effective down the Blues’ left as he scored one and assisted another from respective returns of three shots and two key passes. In addition, a 92.9% pass success rate from 70 passes helped Alonso land a WhoScored rating of 9.01.
Right midfield: Pizzi (Benfica) - 9.34 rating
The final Benfica player to make the cut, Pizzi made eight key passes in their 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb; no player has made more in a Europa League match this season. His WhoScored rating of 9.34 means he just edges out Callum Hudson-Odoi (9.30) on the right in this XI. Pizzi provided the crucial assist for Jonas’ opener, which forced the tie to extra time, and made three successful dribbles and three tackles to cap off a fine showing.
Central midfield: Tomas Soucek (Slavia Prague) - 8.40 rating
Slavia Prague’s progression to the next round of the Europa League at Sevilla’s expense cost Pablo Machin his job with Tomas Soucek influential in their 4-3 win over the Spanish side. The midfielder scored one and assisted another in a man of the match display as he landed a WhoScored rating of 8.40.
Central midfield: Ibrahim Benjanim Traore (Slavia Prague) - 8.35 rating
Making up an all Slavia Prague central midfield is Ibrahim Benjanim Traore, who like teammate Soucek, also scored in their 4-3 win over Sevilla. His sole goal came from one of two shots, while two tackles, two key passes and four successful dribbles helped to return a WhoScored rating of 8.35.
Left midfield: Willian (Chelsea) - 8.96 rating
Willian maintained his fine Europa League run this season with his assist at Dynamo Kiev meaning he has had a direct hand in a goal in every start in the competition this term. His assist came from five key passes as he returned a WhoScored rating of 8.96, with five successful dribbles and one interception contributing to that.
Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) - 8.50 rating
Arsenal’s sole representative after their 3-0 win over Rennes is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he had a direct hand in all three goals. The Gabon star hit the back of the net with two of his five shots, while his only key pass resulted in the assist for Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ first half strike as he gained a WhoScored rating of 8.50.
Striker: Olivier Giroud (Chelsea) - 10.0 rating
Our Europa League player of the week, Olivier Giroud gained a perfect WhoScored 10 rating as he thrived in Chelsea’s 5-0 win over Dynamo Kiev. The Frenchman bagged a hat-trick in the triumph and provided the assist for Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late goal in the Blues’ resounding victory in Ukraine.
