Team of the Week (Nations League): Gyokeres,TAA, Ronaldo and Isak get the nod
We all know the international break cannot compare to the adrenaline-fuelled fantasy of the Premier League - but we are still up for watching the games and selecting a star XI.
Viktor Johansson’s outstanding goalkeeping, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to his best at right-back, Jamal Musiala’s creative brilliance and Viktor Gyokeres’ clinical finishing ensure they all line up in our team of heroes.
Check out who else has the honour of lining up in Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo’s UEFA Nations League Team of the Week.
Viktor Johansson (Sweden) – Goalkeeper
What a display from Viktor Johansson! From the opening minutes, the Swedish shot-stopper was a wall, throwing his body on the line to make three rapid saves in succession.
His penalty save later in the first half? Crucial. A one-on-one stop in the second half? Icing on the cake.
Johansson was everywhere, a hero between the posts, though robbed of a clean sheet by a shaky defence that left him exposed.
Despite their gaps, Sweden owes this 3-1 victory to their keeper.
With eight stunning saves, including a penalty, Johansson was simply sensational - Sweden should be counting their lucky stars to have him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (England) – Defender
Trent Alexander-Arnold, back where he belongs at right-back, reminded everyone why he's one of the best in the world.
In his first match for England as an out-and-out full-back in years, he delivered a Man of the Match performance that screamed class.
His masterful display helped England not only beat the Republic of Ireland on their home Dublin turf - but also keep a clean sheet.
This was more than a return – it was a statement.
Alexander-Arnold's brilliance as a wing-back is undeniable, proving he's England’s beacon of excellence in defence.
Slobodan Rubezic (Montenegro) – Defender
Slobodan Rubezic was an absolute fortress at the back.
The 24-year-old centre-back's raw potential was on full display as he anchored Montenegro to a 2-0 win over Iceland in the UEFA Nations League opener.
With a remarkable 90% pass accuracy, nine clearances, five recoveries, and 12 duels won, Rubezic was untouchable.
He added two tackles and two interceptions, showcasing his all-around defensive dominance.
Even in Montenegro’s 2-1 loss to Wales, he stood tall, winning 100% of his tackles, making six clearances, and remaining rock solid in possession.
Montenegro’s defence is in safe hands with Rubezic.
Federico Dimarco (Italy) – Defender
A volley the world still has on repeat – Federico Dimarco’s equaliser against France was a masterpiece, propelling Italy to a 3-1 win.
Every time he finds the back of the net, it’s a highlight-worthy finish, and his stunning link-up play with Sandro Tonali was no different.
This time, it was an outside-of-the-boot volley, simply ridiculous in execution.
Dimarco's skill, dynamism, and lethal ability to cross and shoot make him a constant threat.
Underrated yet brilliant, Dimarco shines both for Inter Milan and Italy, continuing to add unforgettable moments to his highlight reel.
Declan Rice (England) – Midfielder
It was a hostile homecoming for Declan Rice, the former Republic of Ireland youth international now donning the Three Lions' jersey.
Booed with every touch in Dublin, Rice silenced the crowd in just 11 minutes, smashing a loose ball into the top corner to open the scoring.
Unfazed by the jeers, he bossed the midfield, dictating play with the most tackles and the most successful passes.
Not only did he score, but he also chipped in with an assist, proving once again why he's England’s midfield maestro.
READ MORE: England news: Lee Carsley pours praise on goal-scorers Rice and Grealish
Jamal Musiala (Germany) – Midfielder
Jamal Musiala, just 21-years-old and already playing like a world-class talent, was involved in four out of Germany’s five goals in their 5-0 demolition of Hungary.
With one goal, three assists and seven key passes, Musiala was simply untouchable.
His vision, decision-making, and the weight of his passes are exceptional.
When it comes to dribbling, Musiala is on another level – effortlessly gliding past defenders without hesitation.
Saturday night was a masterclass, as he danced through Hungary’s defence with ease, reminding everyone why he's one of the brightest young talents in the game.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) – Midfielder
Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, Kevin De Bruyne delivered yet another masterclass for Belgium.
His brace in a commanding 3-1 win over Israel on Friday earned him Man of the Match honours.
Even in Belgium's 2-0 loss to France, De Bruyne stood head and shoulders above the rest.
He was the lone spark in a flat Belgian side, driving the ball forward, creating chances and fighting for his nation.
With 62 touches, six pinpoint long balls, three key passes, two interceptions, and two tackles, De Bruyne was the only one pushing, but his team-mates couldn't match his intensity.
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Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – Forward
Cristiano Ronaldo – a name that’s now synonymous with history.
The Portuguese legend just became the first player to reach 900 official career goals, scoring his milestone goal in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Croatia.
Sitting 58 goals ahead of Lionel Messi, Ronaldo continues to dominate as the all-time leading scorer.
A true goal-scoring machine, it seems like every week he shatters another record, further solidifying his place as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Alexander Isak (Sweden) – Forward
Alexander Isak wrapped up the international break in style, netting three goals in two games.
Alongside Viktor Gyokeres, the pair formed a lethal partnership up front for Sweden.
Isak opened the scoring against Azerbaijan with a Gyokeres assist, added a second with another Gyokeres pass, and then won the penalty that Gyokeres coolly slotted home to make it 3-1.
The chemistry between the two has been electric.
For Newcastle United fans, this is great news - Isak appears to be rediscovering his form after a quiet start to the season.
This international break might be exactly what he needed to regain his confidence in front of goal.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden) – Forward
Viktor Gyokeres - right now, he’s the talk of the town.
With 15 goal contributions for club and country already this season (10 goals and five assists in just seven games), Gyokeres is on fire.
Man of the Match in both of Sweden’s UEFA Nations League fixtures, he has been unstoppable.
Two assists and a goal in the 3-1 win over Azerbaijan, followed by a brace in the 3-0 win over Estonia, Gyokeres will return to Lisbon in top form.
Clinical in front of goal, it feels like every time he touches the ball, he’s destined to score.
It’s only a matter of time before a major club snaps him up.
