Player Focus: Weekend Stats Round Up

After the previous round of fixtures across Europe's top 5 leagues this weekend there were, as ever, a number of standout statistical performances to catch the eye. Here we look at the players that led the way across Europe over a number of categories, starting with those to impress in attacking areas.

When looking at shots on goal, both Wesley Sneijder and Victor Anichebe were in confident mood this weekend, with the latter adding to a goal from a previous cameo appearance against Newcastle to net in successive matches. Grasping his chance to replace the injured Nikica Jelavic with both of his sizeable hands, the striker had 10 shots against Swansea, which was only matched by the Dutchman.

The Inter man was less successful in front of goal, despite testing Siena keeper Gianluca Pegolo 8 times, with the opposing number one in inspired form to the dismay of the playmaker. Indeed, Inter only had 3 other shots on target in a dominant display that went unrewarded, eventually going down 0-2. Sneijder's tally of attempts on target is the most of any player in Europe over the past 4 seasons to have failed to score in the match.

In terms of creativity, one need look no further than young Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, whose 10 key passes in the victory over Valladolid were perhaps harshly rewarded with just a single assist. The fact that the Spaniard set up 10 of just 14 attempts at goal is indicative of his influence on the match, picking up a WhoScored rating of 9.1 for his troubles.

There were two players to dribble their way onto our leaderboard here, with Wolfburg's Fagner continuing his excellent start to the season at right-back having joined from Vasco de Gama. The Brazilian completed 6 dribbles this weekend, taking his tally to 13, with only 3 players completing more in the Bundesliga this season. Joining him on 6 dribbles this weekend is Freiburg midfielder Cedric Makiadi, who more than doubled his figure from the first three matches in just one game against Dusseldorf this weekend.

The leader in terms of touches may come as a shock. With both Pirlo and Xavi rested by their clubs this weekend, it was West Ham's Mark Noble who stepped up, managing 123 touches against Sunderland. As the visitors looked to get the equaliser for much of the game, eventually doing so in the dying minutes through Kevin Nolan, Noble was the man through whom all of Alladyce's team play was orchestrated.

A familiar name pops up when looking at the player to have completed the most accurate crosses this weekend, with Atletico's key creator Kiko finding a teammate with 9 deliveries. Having attempted 15 crosses in total, the 20-year old's 60% accuracy was nothing short of exceptional and ensures he is included twice in our leaderboard.

Moving onto the more defensive categories, the top tackler this weekend was Granada's Iriney, who had a busy day as his side nearly pulled off the impossible by keeping a clean sheet at Camp Nou, only to concede two goals in the last 5 minutes. With 11 challenges, he was Granada's outstanding outfielder, almost ensuring an unforgettable point at Barca.

The top interceptors this week were Fulham's Chris Baird and Siena's Neto, each cutting out 8 opponents' passes in their matches against Wigan and Inter respectively. The Cottagers man did his chances of gaining a regular starting berth in midfield in the absence of Diarra no harm with a combative display, while the Brazilian defender has now made more interceptions than any other Serie A player this season, with 22.

Sunderland's Titus Bramble earned a rare start at centre-back due to Carlos Cuellar's injury and was bombarded with attack after attack from West Ham as they desperately sought an equaliser. He was called into action on numerous occasions, making a European high of 18 clearances this weekend.

Our final statistic here sees the keepers get a look in, and Granada's Tono nearly had a night that would have lived long in the memory in Barcelona, making 12 saves prior to the hosts' 87th minute opener. Nevertheless, the 32-year old picked up a WhoScored man of the match rating of 8.78 for his troubles, but will have been devastated to concede so late on.