CL 2013: Players Who Enhanced Their Reputation This Week

There were 40 goals scored in the fourth week of Champions League action and plenty of players who enhanced their reputations in the process.

From relative tournament novice Alvaro Negredo, to veterans of the Continental competition like Xavi, points were proved throughout Europe on Matchday 4.

Here’s a look at those that saw their stocks rise the most this week.

Xavi

Xavi’s reputation wasn’t one that necessarily needed enhancing against AC Milan. But with the persistent emergence of younger talent, it’s nice that the 33-year-old continues to remind us that he doesn’t plan on disappearing into the sunset anytime soon.

Like other players of his ilk, Xavi is versatile, and he has adapted his game with age. Moving slightly deeper into that “regista” role that Pirlo has made his own in recent seasons, Xavi once again showed why he is considered one of the greatest of his generation.

His 153 touches on the ball against the Rossoneri were 50 more than anyone else on the pitch managed—per WhoScored.com—and his accuracy on the ball was as impressive as ever with 96 percent of his passes finding their target.

The longer he can keep it up the better for Barcelona. And for football.

Per Mertesacker

Mertesacker has come into his own this season, and he was a tower of strength at the back for Arsenal as they snatched a 1-0 win in Dortmund.

The German centre-back has always possessed unquestionable positional awareness, and he is physically stronger than most. But the question mark that often accompanies his name is due to his lack of pace.

Alongside the agile Laurent Koscielny, however, he excels. Their talents complement each other, and the win on Wednesday night was arguably their best as a partnership yet.

His stock continues to rise, and that can only be a good thing for both Arsenal and Germany.

He faces competition in the national side from Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, and to a lesser extent Benedikt Howedes. But if Mertesacker can keep this form going he should retain his place in Germany’s starting XI at next summer’s World Cup.

Alvaro Negredo

Negredo and Sergio Aguero brought their fruitful partnership to European competition this week, as the pair combined to score five goals against CSKA Moscow.

Manuel Pellegrini started Negredo on the bench for Manchester City’s opening two games of the competition, but the Spanish striker’s performances of late earned him a berth in the starting XI alongside Aguero.

The former Sevilla man’s three goals were all one-touch finishes. He has ability to shed markers in the box, and Aguero makes his job easy with his movement off the ball.

With tough competition for places in the Spanish squad, Negredo will see the Champions League as a stage to strut his stuff in front of Spanish boss Vicente del Bosque ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

Aaron Ramsey

It appears everyone that isn’t an Arsenal fan keeps waiting for the Ramsey train to hit a stumbling block, but so far it hasn’t.

The Welshman has proved time and time again that his early-season form is more a result of hard work and dedication and less of a hot streak that will eventually run cold. And he proved it again on Wednesday night.

Ramsey’s lone goal ended Dortmund’s run of seven consecutive wins at home—per UEFA—and left The Yellow Wall stunned. 

Amid the intimidating surroundings of Westfalenstadion—the home of Dortmund—Ramsey looked composed in possession. He boasted a pass accuracy percentage of 89, according to WhoScored.com, and while deployed in more of a defensive role he looked to get forward in support of Giroud whenever the opportunity presented itself.

There appeared to be no bounds to his endurance levels, and he covered all areas of the pitch with his tireless running. 

His 10 goals for club and country this season—per ESPN—represent his greatest return in a season. Oh, and it's only November.