World Player of the Week |
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Fiorentina | 3-3 | Genoa |
Alberto Aquilani may not be renowned for his goal-scoring ability but this weekend he netted a stunning hat-trick to give Fiorentina a point in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Genoa.
Aquilani's first came from the spot after Massimo Ambrosini was brought down in the box. His second involved smart, close control before drilling the ball low down to Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perrin's right, and the third a tidy finish from a tight angle.
Goal Italy's Federico Cassoti said: "He's been the most effective Fiorentina player in a way few people would have come to imagine.
"Following injuries to key players in attack such as Mario Gomez, Giuseppe Rossi and Borja Valero, the Viola have had to unearth attacking alternatives.
"And, although Aquilani may have not been the most likely of candidates to place the goalscoring burden on, the 29-year-old has stepped up to the plate with a beautiful hat-trick this weekend, his first of his career.
"The fact that he has done this without Rossi, Gomez and Valero on the pitch makes the feat even more remarkable; and stretches Fiorentina's unbeaten run to six Serie A games, whilst keeping them in the hunt for the Champions League spots."
Congratulations to Alberto Aquilani, Goal's 245th World Player of the Week winner! |
The Shortlist
Lionel Messi - Barcelona
Goal's Adrian Boullousa: "Has showed there's more to his game than goals with four assists this week." |
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Josip Drmic - Nurnberg Goal's Joe Wright: "His double helped Nurnberg grab their first win of the season thumping Hoffenheim 4-0." |
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Virgil van Dijk - Celtic
Goal's Chris Myson: "A standout performer for Celtic just got better with a thunderbolt free kick against Hibs." |
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Ogbeche - Cambuur
Goal's Stefan Coerts: "Ogbeche could be a fantastic signing for Cambuur in their quest to avoid relegation." |
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