Rayan Cherki and Hugo Ekitike decisive as Loïc Badé leads Leverkusen | OneFootball

Loïc Badé, Rayan Cherki and Hugo Ekitike shone across Europe at the weekend. According to L'Équipe, the trio headline the team of the weekend of French players abroad after key displays for Leverkusen, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Badé proved decisive in Leverkusen's win.

Used sparingly since arriving at Brighton this summer, Olivier Boscagli made his third Premier League appearance on Saturday. Frustrated by limited minutes, the former Nice defender produced a display that should earn him more. Against Sunderland he showed his range on the ball, switched play and won his duels.

At 23, Farès Ghedjemis may be in the best spell of his career. In Serie B, the Frosinone winger tormented Spezia with sharp dribbles. He hit the post with a curler in the 68th minute, then volleyed in with his weaker foot in the 73rd, keeping Frosinone top after 17 rounds.

It has taken four months for Cherki to become an essential piece in Pep Guardiola’s setup at Manchester City. Against West Ham, the 2024 Olympic silver medallist delivered a near faultless display from the flank as the team’s conductor. The only thing missing was the final numbers.

He officially finished without an assist, though he could have had two, including a pass for Erling Haaland in the 10th minute. He also sparked Tijjani Reijnders' goal in the 38th minute after regaining the ball and making the difference in the box.

Ekitike showed a ruthless streak against Tottenham, scoring from his only chance. The Reims academy graduate claimed his eighth Premier League goal of the season. It proved crucial for Liverpool, who returned to the top five with a 2-1 win.

Source: L'Équipe