Argentina Clausura team of the week: Round 12 – Moralez and Fernandez the pick of four-star Velez
Posted By admin on May 3, 2011
Visiting teams were undoubtedly on form in the 12th round of Argentina’s Clausura campaign, with six away victories and just one solitary triumph for San Lorenzo playing in front of their own fans. Velez Sarsfield’s incredible 4-0 demolition of Estudiantes in La Plata was the highlight of the week, and the Fortin deservedly occupy two spaces; one less than River Plate, who put in a gutsy shift to down Racing Club in Avellaneda.
Goal.com has picked the performances of the week, and arranged the team into a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Goalkeeper – Juan Pablo Carrizo (River Plate)
TOTW Apps: 3
A goalkeeper of rare talent, as he proved once again against La Academia. A handful of top-drawer saves ensured a clean sheet against the prolific Teo Gutierrez, and was the catalyst for a crucial clasico win.
Right Centre-Back – Lisandro Lopez (Arsenal de Sarandi)
TOTW Apps: 2
Not the Lyon striker, but a young centre-back who is rightly considered one of the most promising defenders in Argentina. Was accomplished at the back as his team downed Godoy Cruz, and even got forward to hit the net in a 4-1 victory.
Centre-back – Cristian Tula (San Lorenzo)
TOTW Apps: 1
The San Lorenzo faithful were left delighted on Saturday by a 3-0 thrashing of their bitterest rivals Huracan. A rock-solid defence was the cornerstone, marshalled by the veteran defender Tula.
Left Centre-Back – Adalberto Roman (River Plate)
TOTW Apps: 1
One goal up at half-time but down to 10 men, River needed a strong defensive effort. Paraguayan star Roman was the cornerstone of a backline which fought admirably against their opponents who were throwing everything forward.
Midfield – Augusto Fernandez (Velez Sarsfield)
TOTW Apps: 1
This former River and Saint-Etienne midfielder simply cannot stop scoring. Two in midweek against LDU Quito were followed by another strike against Estudiantes, confirming Velez as real favourites for the Clausura.
Midfield – Roman Martinez (Tigre)
TOTW Apps: 2
Scored both goals as the Matador battled to a 2-2 draw against Olimpo, but it is the second which will be remembered. In a strike reminiscent of his namesake Roman surged forward, before launching an exquisite chip and finding the net.
Midfield – Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo)
TOTW Apps: 1
The barrel-chested Paraguayan international does not look like a natural athlete, but against Huracan he proved his talents in the middle of the pitch with a commanding performance.
Midfield – Maxi Moralez (Velez Sarsfield)
TOTW Apps: 2
What can be said about this little midfield trickster with frankly frightening skill on the ball? Magical stuff, as a pass to assist Fernandez was followed up by a double strike to make Estudiantes suffer.
Enganche – Erik Lamela (River Plate)
TOTW Apps: 3
River’s victory was built on defensive grit on Saturday, but with Lamela in the side they have one of the most potent attackers in the Primera. ‘El Coco’ set out on a run 40 metres out and waltzed past the defence, earning the penalty that broke the deadlock.
Forward – Federico Ferreyra (Banfield)
TOTW Apps: 1
Banfield may have finished on the wrong end of an incredible 4-3 scoreline against Quilmes, but this young striker keeps getting better. ‘Chuky’ curled in an excellent effort to tie the game at 2-2, before it exploded with late goals.
Forward – Mauro Obolo (Arsenal de Sarandi)
TOTW Apps: 1
The architect of this weekend’s biggest shock, a 4-1 demolition in Mendoza against high-flying Godoy. With everything to play for at 2-1 Obolo came in to liquidate the match, scoring two from close-range to kill off the Tomba fightback.
Agree or disagree with our selections? Have your say in the comments box below. As always, we are open to your suggestions and thoughts.
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