FedEx Performance Zone: Sergio Celta's saving grace
Monday, May 1, 2017
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Celta goalkeeper Sergio Álvarez's shot-stopping form augurs well for their UEFA Europa League semi-final, but Manchester United players made ominous moves up the form table at the weekend.
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9th: Sergio Álvarez (Celta) – rising seven places
Celta have been in indifferent Liga form of late, losing three on the bounce, but would have conceded far more but for the man between the posts – Sergio Álvarez. In Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Athletic Club, the 30-year-old made nine saves to keep the score down. He enters the top ten of our FedEx Performance Zone rankings as a result.
20th: Marcus Rashford (Man. Utd) – rising three places
With the season-ending injury to Zlatan Ibrahimović, Rashford now has greater responsibility to provide the goods. Although José Mourinho's side were frustrated in a 1-1 draw with Swansea on Sunday, Rashford was a bright spark. He earned the penalty that led to United taking the lead and was a constant threat in the attacking third, putting in six crosses.
60th: Ander Herrera (Man. Utd) – rising nine places
Herrera has had an excellent spell at Man. Utd, and it is no surprise to see him ascend our rankings. His distribution against Swansea was superb, with the Spaniard making 61 accurate passes to just six unsuccessful attempts, while he also created two chances and made two interceptions at Old Trafford.
88th: Anthony Martial (Man. Utd) – rising 15 places
Martial has endured a frustrating campaign but has recently shown some telling glimpses of his talent, his hard-working displays on the left flank not going unnoticed by the Man. Utd faithful. He registered three shots against Swansea, having also embarked on five dribbles in the Manchester derby just a few days prior. Is the French youngster's confidence returning?