World Player of the Week: Arda Turan - Atletico Madrid

23-Apr-2012 4:30:00 PM

World Player of the Week

Arda Turan
AGE	25
POSITION	Winger
FOR	Atletico Madrid
WEEK IN NUMBERS
APPS (GOALS SCORED)	2 (2)
TIME ON PITCH	161
PREVIOUS WINS	0

Atletico Madrid

4-2

Valencia

Atletico Madrid

3-1

Espanyol

Arda Turan has been in fine form this past week, as he guided Atletico Madrid a step closer to the Europa League final by overcoming Valencia, and then produced a Man of the Match performance against Espanyol to keep the capital club's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League very much alive.

The Turkey international was the architect for Diego Simeone's side, his persistence helping create the opening goal for Radamel Falcao as they ran out convincing 4-2 winners against Los Che in the Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday.

Then, on Sunday, the 25-year-old completed a fine seven days by scoring twice in three second-half minutes as Atleti defeated Espanyol 3-1.

Congratulations to Turan, Goal.com's 153rd World Player of the Week winner!

Honourable Mentions

Arturo Vidal - Juventus

Vidal was the star performer in Serie A this weekend as his stunning display helped Juventus thrash Roma 4-0, to edge further clear of AC Milan in the Scudetto race. The Chilean midfielder scored two first-half goals and was at the heart of everything the Old Lady did well as they maintained their unbeaten record this season.

Marouane Fellaini - Everton

Fellaini was in inspired form as Everton came from behind to draw 4-4 at Manchester United on Sunday. The Belgium international struck a sumptuous volley to bring his side back to 3-2 midway through the second half, and then laid on the equaliser for Steven Pienaar in the 85th minute. Thanks to the Belgian, the Premier League title race is back on.

Franck Ribery - Bayern Munich

The Frenchman would have been World Player of the Week were it not for his altercation with Arjen Robben on Tuesday following the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid. But he recovered his composure to score a stoppage-time winner as Bayern beat Werder Bremen 2-1. The 29-year-old was also instrumental in the Champions League win over the Spaniards, firing a sweetly-struck opening goal.

Mesut Ozil - Real Madrid

Ozil scored an all-important away goal in Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena. But in what was a massive week for Los Blancos, the Germany playmaker was on the winning side at the weekend as he laid on the clincher for Cristiano Ronaldo in the Clasico. The capital giants defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou to all but secure the Liga title.

Besart Berisha - Brisbane Roar

Berisha was the key man as Brisbane Roar triumphed over Perth Glory to win their second consecutive A-League title. The Albanian scored two, including a dramatic 97th-minute winner to give his side the victory, and the trophy. Although there was controversy, there is no doubt who the hero in Australia was at the weekend.

On Sunday we encouraged our readers to nominate their choices for the best player of the week and here are some of your comments:

Schvennie in Oslo believed that Ribery was the man of the last seven days.

"It has to be Franck Ribery. He was great against Real Madrid, and then was the supersub against Werder Bremen at the weekend."

Paul Fara, England thought Ronaldo should get the nod.

"Cristiano Ronaldo definitely deserves to be the best player. He has been consistent lately and decisive in big matches. He is a complete player."

However, Abdullah has picked a player from Juventus, and not our honourable nomination Vidal.

"It has to be Vucinic for his four assists against Roma! He outdid himself yesterday, hope he keeps it up."

Aziz in Kuwait voted for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech for his two clean sheets against Barcelona and Arsenal.

"I think over the past seven days, Petr Cech deserves the award. He was outstanding in three games in six days.He was the hero against Barcelona, putting in world class saves. Then he atoned for his errors against Van Persie at Stamford Bridge by denying the PFA Player of the year at the Emirates. So I think he's proven himself to be a great goalkeeper considering the topsy-turvy season he's had."

Blue in Madrid went for another Madrid player, this time, Sergio Ramos.

"For me it is Sergio Ramos. If it wasn't for him Messi would have definitely scored in the Clasico. He made many last-minute tackles and clearances. He provided a very disciplined performance against Bayern too. I think it is time you appreciate the work of defenders, especially those who have performed so consistently."

Each week our worldwide team of editors will put forward a selected candidate, as chosen by Goal.com International, who deserves recognition for achieving something special that matchday.

You can also help us choose a worthy recipient of the weekly accolade by leaving your nominations and comments here. Your suggestions will be taken into consideration.

It won't necessarily be the best player in the world - at least not usually - but whoever we crown will have accomplished something amazing. It might be for a particularly awesome performance or for something praiseworthy off the pitch - either way, the person in question deserves special attention...