Bayern Munich and Thomas Mueller lead AP Global Football 10
LONDON (AP) - Bayern Munich is the team of the week in the Associated Press Global Football 10 poll.
The German team followed up its 7-0 rout of Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League with a 4-0 win over Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Munich striker Thomas Mueller is the player of the week after scoring three goals in those two matches. Teammate Robert Lewandowski, who also scored three in both games, is ranked fourth.
"Mueller produced the goods in both the Champions League and the Bundesliga, scoring and setting up goals to take Bayern a step closer to success in both competitions," Marco Monteverde of News Corp. Australia said.
Lionel Messi, last week's top player, dropped to second despite scoring both goals as Barcelona beat Eibar 2-0 to retain its place at the top of the Spanish league.
Gareth Bale was third after his drought-busting two goals led Real Madrid to a 2-0 win over Levante.
Wayne Rooney was fifth for scoring Manchester United's third goal in the 3-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Panelist Tito Puccetti of ESPN in Argentina believed Louis van Gaal's decision to deploy Rooney in attack with Juan Mata and Ander Herrera in midfield will benefit United.
"Van Gaal is finally convinced that Wayne Rooney is his best striker, and needs creative means such as Mata and Herrera," Puccetti said. "Common sense finally at United."
Kevin de Bruyne, Thiago Silva, Michael Carrick, Divock Origi, and Olivier Giroud round out the top 10 players.
Behind Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain is second in the team poll after eliminating Chelsea from the Champions League on away goals after a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
"Paris Saint-Germain's performance at Stamford Bridge was one of the best team performances of the season," Mike McGrath of The Sun in England said. "Getting a result after going down to 10 men could be a landmark evening for their club's history."
United polled ahead of Arsenal in third, despite Arsene Wenger's side keeping its place above United in the Premier League with a 3-0 win at home to West Ham on Saturday.
Barcelona takes fifth after its win against Eibar. Wolfsburg polled sixth, while Schalke, Porto, Juventus and Burnley complete the top 10 teams.
AP Global Football 10:
Players:
1. Thomas Mueller, 94 points.
2. Lionel Messi, 85.
3. Gareth Bale, 65.
4. Robert Lewandowski, 59.
5. Wayne Rooney, 51.
6. Kevin de Bruyne, 45.
7. Thiago Silva, 36.
8. Michael Carrick, 32.
9. Divock Origi, 30.
10. Olivier Giroud, 21.
Teams:
1. Bayern Munich, 105.
2. Paris Saint-Germain, 86.
3. Manchester United, 64.
4. Arsenal, 53.
5. Barcelona, 50.
6. Wolfsburg, 49.
7. Schalke, 40.
8. Porto, 30.
9. Juventus, 27.
10. Burnley, 23.