Who makes our Europa League Team of the Week?
Friday, March 17, 2017
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Manchester United have three players in our UEFA Europa League all-star team, while Beşiktaş and Schalke each provide two – let us know your thoughts using #UEL.
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Let us know your thoughts @EuropaLeague using #UEL
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero (Manchester United)
Made a number of fine saves as Rostov threatened to take the tie into extra time, notably keeping out Sardar Azmoun's late flicked header before blocking Christian Noboa's free-kick.
Defender: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
Deployed as a right wing-back by José Mourinho, the Ecuadorian was a constant thorn in the side of Rostov's rearguard, comfortably winning a one-sided duel against left-back Khoren Bayramyan.
Defender: Gustavo Cabral (Celta)
The stopper led by example in Russia, marshalling the defence superbly to deny Krasnodar a route back into the tie.
Defender: Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)
Still only 17, the Dutch wonderkid produced another composed and faultless performance at the heart of the Ajax defence in only his fourth European outing. The elegant two-footed centre-back also made a number of stylish interventions to help his side keep a vital clean sheet.
Defender: Sead Kolašinac (Schalke)
Put in a tireless performance down Schalke's left, surging forward at every opportunity while fulfilling his defensive duties with utter diligence.
Midfielder: Ricardo Quaresma (Beşiktaş)
A key outlet on the right for the Turkish side, his ability to get into dangerous positions yielded a fourth assist in European competition this term.
Midfielder: Leon Goretzka (Schalke)
Arguably his team's best player during the first leg in Gelsenkirchen, the 22-year-old was the catalyst behind Schalke's comeback at Borussia-Park – even if there was an element of fortune to his goal.
Midfielder: Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Claimed his second strike in Europe this season to take his 2016/17 tally to ten, equalling his total for the whole of last season already.
Midfielder: Jean-Paul Boëtius (Genk)
Laid on the first-half opener for Timoty Castagne in a fine display down the left before striking a post from a tight angle after the restart.
Forward: Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht)
Replaced Nicolae Stanciu as a second-half substitute, then promptly made his mark to net the clincher and seal a last-eight berth in the process.
Forward: Ryan Babel (Beşiktaş)
The former Dutch international enjoyed a brutally effective evening by registering with both of his shots against Olympiacos – his first European goals since August 2010.