There were plenty of exciting games in Europe last weekend, but who was the best player?
Here are our picks for the best 4-2-3-1 formation.
West Ham United were the best in Everton's 3-1 win, with his fine saves that afternoon including two heroic blocks from Beto, one from open play and the other from the penalty shoot-out – the second of his kind this season.
Right-back: Jonathan Krauss (Marseille).
Controversial last month due to harsh criticism from sporting director Medi Benatia, the defender responded with an on-pitch performance in Saturday's 5-1 win over Clermont, with other clubs rushing to defend him. "He knows how to attack when we're playing a back five, and he knows how to defend when we're playing a back four"Coach Jean-Louis Gassett said after the game. "He is one of France's top two or three full-backs. "
Central defender: Alberto Dosena (Cagliari).
One of the highlights of the season was the 1-0 win over Empoli in Cagliari, where his growing reputation was well deserved, showing flawlessness from start to finish, helping the team keep a clean sheet and secure the valuable three points on the road.
Centre back: Jose Kopet (Mallorca).
After scoring the winner at one end and completing a crucial finish at the other, Mallorca won a surprise 1-0 win over second-placed Girona thanks to a one-man effort. It was a defining night for the Spaniard, who finally got his chance in the top flight before patiently waiting and doing the dirty work.
Left-back: Ian Maatsen (Borussia Dortmund).
One of the most inspirational deals of the January transfer window, the Chelsea loanee is thriving at the Stadio de la West, as evidenced by his Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award. His recent standout form for Berlin was scoring the first top-flight goal of his young career against Union Berlin in a 2-0 win for the BVB.
Midfielder: Frédéric Jensen (Augsburg).
Coming out on top in a 6-0 victory (as Augsburg achieved against a troubled Darmstadt) is enough to show just how good the Finn is. Not only did he score his team's second goal of the afternoon, but he also provided the assist for the fifth, taking just 45 minutes to finish all the damage. Jensen stepped back at half-time, but his performance was so good that he still deserves to be mentioned here.
Midfielder: Dani Parejo (Villarreal).
Villarreal CF 5-1 Granada CF **Highlights of the hosts' brilliant performance!
Augsburg wasn't the only big winner at the weekend, as Spain's Villarreal beat Granada by five goals. Behind the success was their deep playmaker, Parejo, who contributed three assists to the victory. That means he now joins an exclusive La Liga club with five players with 55+ goals and 55+ assists in the last decade, alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann.
Right wing: Paulo Dybala (Roma).
A pearly blow!
He continued to show excellent form under Daniel De Rossi, winning the 4-1 win over Monza with a subtle free-kick and an assist, who never really controlled his free role behind the striker. He has already scored nine goals in 2024 and if he can stay fit, the sky will be his limit.
Midfielder: Phil Foden (Manchester City).
Ahead of the Manchester derby, the midfielder questioned his world-class status, insisting he wasn't there yet – and then proved wrong in his assessment of his abilities with an elite-level performance. There is no doubt that Foden has lived up to that standard and proved it with two excellent goals to help Manchester City claim their first comeback victory over Manchester United in the Premier League. "He is the best player in the Premier League so far this season"Pep Guardiola claimed after the game.
Left wing: Arnold Nordin (Montpellier).
In a direct showdown with relegation rivals, the Montpellier striker is determined to ensure his side does not suffer a costly defeat to Strasbourg. He carried the banner of his team's attack on his own, equalising twice in the closing stages of the game to earn a valuable point, the second of which was thanks to a volley that only he could create for his team.
Forward: Alexander Solov (Villarreal).
Parejo scored a hat-trick of three assists in the 5-1 win over Villarreal over Granada, while his Norwegian team-mate opted for a more traditional hat-trick to boost his impressive La Liga stats this season to 19 starts with 12 goals and four assists.