Ligue 1 Team Of The Week: Round 10

FORMATION: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper

Guy Ndy Assembe (Valenciennes): The Cameroon-born goalkeeper has sometimes been noted for being a little erratic during his time in Ligue 1 but he showed the best side of his game against Saint-Etienne at the weekend, making several show-stopping saves. His highlight was a terrific point-blank block from Gonzalo Bergessio – not too many saves this term will beat that.

Defence

Rudy Mater (Valenciennes): Along with David Ducourtioux, Mater has ensured that the northern outfit regularly dominate down the right flank. A full-back with a burning desire to get forward, he let nothing past him at the weekend and ensured that Ducourtioux would see plenty of the ball.

Onyekachi Apam (Nice): Les Aiglons recorded a very surprising win over Olympique Lyonnais on Saturday evening, running out 4-1 victors. Defensive strength was part of their secret, and the Nigerian was a colossus at the back. Didier Olle-Nicolle’s side had the worst defensive record going into this round of matches, but their rearguard played like one of the best.

Kader Mangane (Stade Rennais): Took centre stage on Saturday evening, when Rennes shut out high-scoring Montpellier to record a 3-0 success. Though the offence of the Bretons will take credit, their defence was solid. Mangane, a Senegalese-born centre-back, would not be bullied by Victor Hugo Montano.

Benoit Tremoulinas (Girondins de Bordeaux): A left-back who caught the eye of many with his incessantly lung-bursting runs forward against Bayern Munich in midweek. He was at it again on Saturday against Le Mans, assisting with les Girondins’ third goal as they ran out comfortable winners. Irrepressible.

Midfield

Moussa Sow (Stade Rennais): Asamoah Gyan would catch the headlines with his terrific late strike but Sow was generally more influential in Rennes recording an important Saturday evening victory. His second goal, an instinctive prod from a wayward Jerome Leroy shot, effectively killed off the game. A good showing.

Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse): One of the most consistent performers in Ligue 1 thus far this season – and he’s only 20. Bossed the middle of the park for le Tefece as they defeated Racing Club de Lens on Sunday. Has answered Alain Casanova’s calls to get forward and score more goals – he grabbed one against Lens and might have had another.

David Hellebuyck (Nice): A true all-round performance from the former Paris Saint-Germain man on Saturday evening, when he inspired his side to a 4-1 victory over then-league leaders Lyon. Showed more energy and determination than his OL counterparts, as witnessed by his goal, which saw him fly past his marker en route to getting a through ball.

Nene (Monaco): Doubtless one of the players of the season so far. The Brazilian spent last season on loan at Espanyol and has come back rejuvenated. Tops the Ligue 1 scoring charts with nine goals and registered a late match-winning brace of free-kicks against Boulogne on Saturday. Neither was an average effort either. He curled two tremendous efforts into the top corner of the goal from virtually identical areas.

Forwards:

Loic Remy (Nice): Had something of a point to prove against his old club, who actually wanted to re-sign him in the summer. Remy, who has been one of the few bright spots for les Aiglons this season, was immense, terrorising the usually reliable Aly Cissokho throughout. His reward came late, when he pounced on a Jean Makoun error to score.

Ireneusz Jelen (Auxerre): Something of a revelation last season, the Polish forward has been hampered early this term due to injury worries. However, he finally got off the mark this weekend, scoring twice as Auxerre came from 2-1 down to defeat Lille 3-2. The Burgundy side have been struggling to find the net, but if the 28-year-old gets going they could be tough to stop.


Do you agree with the team of the week? Maybe your favourite star hasn’t made the cut? Goal.com wants to know what you think…

Robin Bairner, Goal.com