European Team of the Month: Arsenal star leads line in September XI

Where did that month go? Two into the season already and September’s action saw the major leagues across Europe begin to take shape, with a number of players impressing to earn a place in the Best XI over the past thirty days.

Goalkeeper - Joe Hart (Burnley)

He’s had his share of criticism in recent years but Joe Hart has made a fine start to life at Burnley. The 31-year-old made 20 saves over his four appearances last month - three more than any other Premier League stopper - earning a WhoScored.com rating of 7.64.

Right-back - Thomas Meunier (PSG)

Following on from an impressive World Cup with Belgium, Meaner has carried that form into the new season with PSG, with two goals and two assists for the French champions in the league last month.

Centre-back - Harry Maguire (Leicester)

Speaking of players that shone in the summer, Maguire is another that has avoided any sort of a hangover from Russia this season, scoring a trademark header against Newcastle last time out to double his tally for the season.

Centre-back - Marc Bartra (Real Betis)

It seems little coincidence that since Betis signed Bartra they have enjoyed one of the best defensive records in Europe, with the Spaniard scoring in a 2-2 draw with Athletic Club and helping keep a clean sheet in each of the club’s four other league appearances last month.

Left-back - Nacho (Real Valladolid)

Making an encouraging start to life back in La Liga, Valladolid have relied on a strong defensive record but full-back Nacho has played his part at both ends, scoring once and registering two assists in September.

Right wing - Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

It’s been a hit and miss season by Messi’s standards, though three goals and four assists in La Liga last month are still enough to earn a place in the team of the month.

Midfield - Remy Cabella (Saint Etienne)

Cabella hasn’t tasted defeat for Saint Etienne this season and was instrumental in three consecutive victories last month, scoring a decisive goal against Toulouse and producing a superb 18 tackles over his four appearances.

Midfield - Neymar (PSG)

Dropped into a deeper role, more central role behind the striker this season, Thomas Tuchel is certainly getting a tune out of Neymar, having had a direct hand in at least one goal in each of his appearances for the club this season. Four of his seven league goals and one of two assists came in September.

Left wing - Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

The player of the month across Europe’s top five leagues, Hazard is in frightening form at the start of this season, taking his league tally to six with a second goal in the space of three days against Liverpool at the weekend.

Forward - Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal)

It’s taken some time for Arsenal to get up to speed following the appointment of Unai Emery and while they are by no means the finished article, Lacazette appears to have a new lease of life at the club. He started all four of the Gunners’ league games in September, with a direct hand in four goals to ensure maximum points for the Londoners.

Forward - Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)

It was a month of ups and downs for Ronaldo at his new club, but the Portuguese appears to have fully acclimatised to Serie A, with three goals and three assists in five league outings last month.