Following the early Easter round, Dave Taylor selects his best XI from an exciting Week 29.
Gianluigi Buffon [Juventus]
Italy’s number one showed again why with several classy saves, blocks and clearances that he is still tops. In particular his double save from Manuel Pucciarelli and then the Riccardo Saponara follow up were crucial. Consummate.
Andrea Barzagli [Juventus]
Always alert to any danger, he controlled the opposition attack efficiently and seemed to be perfectly at home leaving them looking like they all had taken a tube of tranquilisers at half time and not an energy drink. Combative.
Kamil Glik [Torino]
It’s beginning to seem Europe’s top scoring defenders does it every week and certainly the Bulls Captain did not disappoint again. Always alert at the back, but got up field to whack home a superb volley. Committed.
Kostas Manolas [Roma]
The Greek defender had Gonzalo Higuain under control for most of the match and deadened any attacks from the visitors with his positioning. Set up one or two forward moves himself and was a real rock at the back. Commensurate.
Keita Balde Diao [Lazio]
Changed the game when he came on as a sub, earning a penalty following his first touch. Always lively in Cagliari’s area, he then earned a second penalty before watching another shot cleared off the line. Comprehensive.
Alessandro Gazzi [Torino]
Knew his role with the Granata and played it to perfection, winning the ball back when necessary and setting up attacks when possible. Played the simple ball and hardly put a foot wrong. Comfortable.
Felipe Anderson [Lazio]
The 21-year-old Brazilian ace did not score for once, but in every other aspect of the game his intelligent passing and setting up of play were excellent. It was from his pass that eventually Miroslav Klose grabbed the opener. Complete.
Mohamed Salah [Fiorentina]
Made sharp work of the Samp defence with his cutting runs down the inside and trickery. Showed these skills to the best on the second goal when fooling two defenders before a sublime flick over the ‘keeper. Compatible.
Jeremy Menez [Milan]
Continuing his strong form the Frenchman was up for the game and looked to involve himself in everything. Scored a magnificent winner after darting from his own half and screaming past two defenders before scoring with a looping finish. Cultured.
Luca Toni [Verona]
Once again belied his age with two superb goals while almost scoring two more. His first strike saw him in the right place to slot home from close up while his superb volley again via Bosko Jankovic’s cross was unstoppable. Coordinated.
Carlos Tevez [Juventus]
The Argentinean was as popular with the Empoli defence as Samp Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is with Vasco Regini’s shirt maker. Always looking to hurt, he powerfully crashed the ball home for the opener from six yards out. Courageous.
