Euro 2012 Team of the Week: Van Persie & Giovinco return as Navas debuts

May 11, 2012 9:15:00 AM

Each week, Goal.com selects the standout performers from Europe's top leagues, honouring the best players eligible for Euro 2012

Euro 2012

Team of the Week

EURO 2012 NEWS

GOALKEEPER

Petr CECH
Chelsea
& Czech Republic
TOTW Apps: 3

Cech earns his third entry in our Best XI following his quality display in Chelsea's 2-1 victory against Liverpool in the FA Cup final where he pulled off a great save to deny Andy Carroll the equaliser. Just days later, his presence between the sticks was greatly missed as the Blues were stunned by Liverpool 4-1 as back-up goalkeeper Ross Turnbull was punished for a horrible clearance.

DEFENDERS

Leonardo BONUCCI Juventus & Italy TOTW Apps: 1	Mats HUMMELS Dortmund & Germany TOTW Apps: 2	Jordi ALBA Valencia & Spain TOTW Apps: 2
Juventus defender Bonucci turned in a strong performance in the club's 2-0 victory at Cagliari on Sunday as he looked composed and assured throughout the game, while also distributing the ball well at times. Germany international Hummels had a quiet afternoon as Borussia Dortmund made light work of Freiburg, but the 23-year-old centre-back still deserves a mention as he looked very confident in defence, while helping out his team-mates in attack. Valencia left-back Alba returns to the fold after taking central stage in the club's 1-0 victory against Villarreal at the weekend. The Spain international was heavily involved in the team's attacking moves and delivered the decisive free kick which led to Jonas' winning goal.

MIDFIELDERS

Jesus NAVAS Sevilla & Spain TOTW Apps: 1	Toni KROOS Bayern & Germany TOTW Apps: 2	Ludovic OBRANIAK Bordeaux & Poland TOTW Apps: 1	Ashley YOUNG Man. United & England TOTW Apps: 2
Sevilla have Navas to thank for his contribution in Saturday's 5-2 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano. The 26-year-old did not find the back of the net, but grabbed three assists to make his first appearance in our Best XI. Germany international Kroos played a significant role in Bayern Munich's 4-1 victory at Koln in the final Bundesliga game this season. The 22-year-old pulled the strings in midfield and set up Arjen Robben for the team's third goal before being replaced on the hour mark. Polish midfielder Obraniak showed all his quality in Bordeaux's 4-2 victory at Auxerre as he kept the team ticking over with some quality passing. The 27-year-old picked up two assists to help Bordeaux stay in the race for a place in the Europa League next season. Manchester United stayed within touching distance of City at the Premier League summit with a 2-0 win over Swansea thanks to Young's Man-of-the-Match showing. The England international was a constant threat throughout the encounter and scored the second goal of the game to ensure the title race goes into the final day.

FORWARDS

Sebastian GIOVINCO Parma & Italy TOTW Apps: 2	Klaas-Jan HUNTELAAR Schalke & Netherlands TOTW Apps: 2	Robin VAN PERSIE Arsenal & Netherlands TOTW Apps: 2
Giovinco returns to the team following his wonder goal in Parma's 2-0 victory against Siena at the weekend. The Italy international picked up the ball near the opposition half and drilled home a powerful right-footed shot to break the deadlock. Schalke striker Huntelaar confirmed his rich vein on form in front of goal in the 3-2 victory against Werder Bremen, setting up Julian Draxler before he took things into his own hands and picked up a double to finish as the Bundesliga's top marksman. Netherlands striker Van Persie turned in a world-class display at the weekend, scoring two goals to take his Premier League tally to 30. However, that was not enough for the Gunners to take maximum points as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Norwich City.

TOTAL NOMINEES BY COUNTRY (THIS WEEK)
Spain 14 (2) France 11 (0) Germany 11 (2) Netherlands 10 (2) Italy 9 (2) England 7 (1) Poland 7 (1) Ukraine 5 (0)	Ireland 3 (0) Croatia 2 (0) Czech Republic 2 (1) Greece 2 (0) Portugal 1 (0) Russia 1 (0) Denmark 1 (0)

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