Team of the Week: Garcia and Thiago net hat-tricks, Thiaw imperious for Newcastle

Garcia and Rodrygo shone for Real Madrid
Garcia and Rodrygo shone for Real MadridAlberto Simon/DYDPPA / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

The first Team of the Week of 2026 is here, and from rock-solid defensive performances to hat-trick heroes, this edition has it all.

As per usual, we have used our very own internal ratings system to pick the XI, and you can check it out below:

Team of the Week
Team of the WeekFlashscore

Goalkeeper

Mathew Ryan (Levante) 8.7

Relegation-threatened Levante claimed a mighty impressive and vitally important 3-0 win at Sevilla on Sunday, and goalkeeper Mathew Ryan was a key reason for the victory.

The Australian made seven saves in the game, including an utterly astonishing double stop from a Sevilla penalty. He managed to keep a clean sheet despite facing an xGOT (expected goals on target) of 2.89.

If Levante want to remain in LaLiga, they will need more performances like this from Ryan.

Defence

Fabien Centonze (Nantes) 9.2

Another team in a relegation scrap, Nantes stunned 10-man Marseille in Ligue 1, with an excellent first-half performance from defender Fabien Centonze helping them to a 2-0 win.

The French full back opened the scoring with a tap in at the back post and was strong on the defensive end too, winning all five of his ground duels as well as making two interceptions.

Unfortunately, he had to come off at the start of the second half with an injury, but he had already done the damage.

Malick Thiaw (Newcastle) 9.3

£35 million for Malick Thiaw is beginning to look like an absolute bargain. The German has been supreme since signing in the summer for Newcastle, and was excellent in their 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace.

Thiaw bagged his team's second goal after bundling in from a corner, and made a game-high number of clearances (10) and tackles (3). He also won all five of his ground duels.

Berat Djimsiti (Atalanta) 8.9

Berat Djimsiti was imperious in the heart of defence for Atalanta, as they inflicted a 1-0 defeat on AS Roma in Serie A.

He dealt with absolutely everything that came his way, having a game-high number of tackles (4), interceptions (3) and clearances (8). Roma simply couldn't find a way through.

Nathan Collins (Brentford) 8.8

Brentford have surprised everyone in the Premier League this season, sitting up in seventh in the Premier League despite losing several key figures in the summer. However, one man they kept was defender Nathan Collins, who remains consistently good.

It was in the offensive department that Collins shone this weekend as Brentford claimed a fabulous 4-2 away win, heading home their second of the game before playing a lovely through ball to set up Igor Thiago for his hat-trick goal.

Midfield

Desire Doue (PSG) 8.8

Desire Doue was the star of the show for PSG as they defeated Paris FC 2-1, winning the first Paris derby in over 35 years.

The young French superstar popped up everywhere across the front line, opening the scoring just before half time with an emphatic finish. In addition, no player had more shots than Doue (4), while also having the most touches in the opposition box (7) and completing the most accurate crosses (3).

An electric display from the 20-year-old.

Doue touch map vs Paris FC
Doue touch map vs Paris FCStatsPerform

Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) 9.1

Midfield maestro Hakan Calhanoglu is enjoying a wonderful season, and the Turk continued his fine form with a fantastic display as Inter Milan won 3-1 against Bologna, climbing to the top of Serie A.

Calhanoglu completed 48 passes in the game, while creating more big chances (3) and having more accurate crosses (4) than anyone else on the pitch.

At 31, he is playing better than ever and remains the heartbeat of Inter.

Hakan Calhanoglu stats vs Bologna
Hakan Calhanoglu stats vs BolognaČTK / imago sportfotodienst / IMAGO / StatsPerform

Rodrygo (Real Madrid) 8.9

In the absence of Kylian Mbappe and with Vinicius Junior still struggling to recapture his form of old, Rodrygo has begun to find his best in recent weeks and was instrumental once more as Real Madrid hammered Real Betis 5-1 on Sunday.

The Brazilian had two assists with wonderful set-piece deliveries and created a game-high number of chances (3).

On top of that, he put in a real defensive shift, which will please manager Xabi Alonso. No player won more duels (15) than Rodrygo, completing 60% of all his ground duels. A great all-round performance.

Attack

Georginio Wijnaldum (Al Ettifaq) 8.9

Now playing as a forward over in Saudi Arabia, former Liverpool man Georginio Wijnaldum bagged a brace in Al Ettifaq's 2-0 victory over Al Okhdood, making it seven goals in his last five appearances.

The Dutchman slotted home for his opener before netting from the penalty spot, and was causing all sorts of problems for the Al Okhdood defence. He had a game-high number of shots (6), touches inside the opposition box (7) and successful dribbles (5), showcasing his class at 35 years old.

Igor Thiago (Brentford) 9.1

I don't think a single person would have predicted that Igor Thiago would be the second top goalscorer in the Premier League after 20 games this season. The Brazilian has stepped up for Brentford after Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa left the club in the summer, with his hat-trick against Everton meaning he has now bagged a stunning 14 goals for the campaign.

The Brazilian has proven himself to be a masterful finisher, with two delicate chips the standouts of his goals on the weekend. A real presence up front, he also had a game-high number of shots (6) and touches in the opposition area (9).

Igor Thiago is the second top scorer in the Premier League
Igor Thiago is the second top scorer in the Premier LeagueAlan Martin/Colorsport / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia / StatsPerform

Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid) 9.1

Deputising in place of the injured Mbappe, 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia showed just why he is so highly rated, scoring an outstanding, perfect hat-trick against Betis.

Garcia headed home from a corner for his first before an incredible right-footed volley from outside the box to take his tally to two. He completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute, with an exquisite left-footed back heel finish. 

Will this give Alonso some food for thought?

Chances are you’re about to lose.

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