This week's player standouts: Carlos Tevez, Lisandro Lopez, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Aguero, Esquiel Lavezzi

Carlos Tevez (Manchester United):
Tevez had a tremendous impact in Manchester's 5-2 victory over Tottenham. He didn't score any goals but created a goal conducive environment during the second half once he substituted for Nani. All five goals came in the second half. What makes Tevez such a special player is his ability to switch from striker to playmaker whenever the need arises.


Lisandro Lopez (FC Porto):
Lisandro kept Porto at the head of the Portuguese league with two big goals in his 2-0 win over Setubal. This win gives Porto a four point over their closet rival Sporting.


Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid)
Like Tevez, Higuain did not score today but he hustled for every ball and set up one of Raul's three goals in Real Madrid's 4-2 win over Sevilla.


Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid):
El Kun finally broke his goaless streak with a fantastic goal against Sporting Gijon which added to their 3-1 win.




Esquiel Lavezzi (Napoli):
Lavezzi set up the only goal of the game against the omnipotent Inter. Lavezzi attacked relentlessly making it difficult for Inter to deal with.

Napoli interested in Ever Banega: looks to Inter as role model

With the possible signing of the clever defensive midfielder Ever Banega it appears Napoli along with its new coach Donandoni is looking to Argentine players to secure a successful future. This is a similar path Inter Milan took a few years ago when they acquired several high profile Argentine players (see below) all of which have been national team players. This strategy has surely worked for Inter as they continue being the undisputed powerhouse of the Italian league. Ever Banega would bring Napoli's Argentine player count to four the others (see below) are fairly new signings with the latest being Boca Junior's Jesus Datolo.

Ever Banega would bring much needed relief in Napoli's midfield with his defensive style which includes great ball control and tackling. He is from the same school as Fernando Redondo, Mascherano & Gago. Unfortunately Banega has not had much playing time since his arrival to Atletico Madrid via a loan from Valencia. I hope this changes when he goes to Napoli or any other team he ends up in. I also think he should be Gago's backup on Maradona's team just like he was for his ex-team Boca Juniors.

Inter's Argentine Players
Javier Zanetti
Nicolas Burdisso
Walter Samuel
Esteban Cambiasso
Julio Cruz
Hernan Crespo

Napoli's Argentine Players
Jesús Dátolo
Ezequiel Lavezzi
Germán Denis



Ever Banega Compilation

Maradona - Hail to the Chief

Argentina 2 - France 0

Maradona is off to an awesome start as head coach. The team was off to a shakey start with unusually low ball possesion but after the sniper shot by Jonás Gutiérrez (23) the team managed to settle down. Messi did his thing with his magical abilities and Carlos Tevez had an immidiate impact after he subed for Aguero setting up Messi for his awesome goal. When Maxi Rodriguez & El Kun Aguero came off the field to be subed Maradona kissed them as a father would - So inspirational. I think Maradona is going to keep tweaking his formula but the main cast is set. However, Riquelme and maybe Veron will definitley get their chance. There is also exciting talent like Ezequiel Lavezzi and German Denis that need to get their shot. I also can't leave out the new goalie Juan Carrizo. He was a solid rock with magnets as hands.

What an exiting time to be an Argentine Soccer Fan...........