With the Premier League and Ligue 1 pausing over the weekend to accommodate FA Cup and Coupe de France fixtures, performances from domestic cup competitions were added to the selection pool for the first Global Team of the Week of 2026.
As always, the XI was chosen using Flashscore’s in-house player rating system, highlighting standout individual displays across Europe’s top leagues and cup tournaments.
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United) – 8.4
Newcastle United’s dramatic FA Cup third-round clash against Bournemouth proved decisive for Ramsdale’s inclusion. The England international produced a heroic display, making 10 saves, including three penalty stops, as the Magpies advanced via a 7-6 shootout win following a 3-3 draw. A truly immense performance.
Defence
Rico Lewis (Manchester City) – 9.2
Manchester City sent a powerful message by thrashing League One side Exeter City 10-1, with Rico Lewis delivering a standout display. The versatile full-back registered two goals and an assist, led the match in touches and shots, and completed 93% of his passes in a near-flawless outing.
Maracas (Moreirense) – 8.9
Brazilian defender Maracas was one of the highest-rated defenders globally, scoring the decisive goal in Moreirense’s 1-0 victory over Tondela. He also dominated the game statistically, leading in passes, touches, and duels.
Luca Netz (Borussia Mönchengladbach) – 8.7
Netz impressed in Gladbach’s convincing 4-0 Bundesliga win over Augsburg, providing two assists from wing-back while also contributing defensively with clearances and ground duels.
Midfield
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – 10
Olise was unplayable as Bayern demolished Wolfsburg 8-1, scoring twice and providing an assist. The Frenchman continues to enjoy a sensational season and boasts one of the highest average ratings in the Bundesliga.
Jacob Bruun Larsen (Burnley) – 9.1
Despite Burnley’s league struggles, Larsen starred in their 5-1 FA Cup win over Millwall, assisting two goals and leading the match in final-third passes.
Valentín Barco (Strasbourg) – 9.4
Strasbourg cruised past Avranches 6-0 in the Coupe de France, with Barco orchestrating play from midfield and delivering two assists in a commanding performance.
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) – 9.3
Fresh off completing a reported €72 million move from Bournemouth, Antoine Semenyo enjoyed a dream Manchester City debut. The Ghanaian forward scored and assisted against Exeter City, playing a key role in the 10-1 rout. His immediate impact made him an automatic inclusion in the Team of the Week, underlining what a major signing he could be for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Forwards
Jesus Ramírez (Nacional) – 9.5
Ramírez stole the headlines in Portugal, scoring a hat-trick in Nacional’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Santa Clara. He now has 12 league goals this season.
Joaquín Panichelli (Strasbourg) – 9.9
Panichelli was devastating in Strasbourg’s cup rout, scoring once and assisting twice. The Argentine forward continues to impress following his summer move from Alavés.
Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves) – 10
Wolves’ striker produced a confidence-boosting display, netting a hat-trick and an assist in a 6-1 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town. He led the match in shots, xG, and box touches, earning a perfect rating.
