There was plenty of great talent on display in R3 of the Europa League group stage. Most of the big names, AS Roma, Tottenham, Arsenal, won their three points, but there was room for surprises, as is always the case in this tournament. Here are the football stars that have impressed us the most this time around.
Mike Maignan (Lille OSC)
Last year Lille OSC proved that they are one of the more exciting European teams to watch. The French side has a squad composed of many talented players, most of whom are youngsters. At their best, they can take on the heavyweights in either Europe or Ligue 1.
Mike Maignan was Europa League R3’s best goalkeeper. Lille walked away with a remarkable 3-0 away victory against AC Milan, one of the favorites of the competition. Maignan was inspired, denying Milan on seven occasions, keeping a clean sheet, and maintaining Lille on course to qualify from their group that also includes Sparta Prague and Celtic.
Roger Ibanez (AS Roma)
Ibanez made his work in Roma’s defense look effortless. The game between the Italians and CFR Cluj seemed to be a pretty even match on paper. After all, the Romanians had captured a memorable victory at the Stadio Olimpico a few years back.
This time around, The Serie A side ran circles around their opponents. AS Roma won 5-0. Ibanez’s tackles and passes were wonderful and the goal he scored was the icing on the cake. Great night for I Giallorossi.
Yusuf Yazici (Lille)
Yazici scored a hat-trick in what might have been the most memorable match of his career. Lille’s victory over AC Milan is bound to leave a mark. The Turkish 23-year-old is one of the players to keep an eye out in this edition of the Europa League. So far, he’s managed an impressive 6 goals in 3 matches.
Lucas Julis (Sparta Prague)
Lucas Julis’ inclusion on the list goes to prove why the Europa League is such an important avenue for mid-reputation teams. Sparta Prague is a team struggling to qualify out of a very tough group. Their victory against Celtic Glasgow gives them hope.
Yes, the 4-1 result took most observers by surprise. Lukas Julis scored a hat-trick. He’s also managed six goals in six matches in the Czech League. Three matches are still to be played and Sparta is bound to approach them with replenished confidence.
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