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- Romelu Lukaku (West Bromwich Albion): Lukaku played about half an hour against Arsenal, but had very little impact on the game. West Brom just didn't have the ball much in that one, so there is probably very little to be taken from the quiet day from Lukaku.
- Yossi Benayoun (West Ham United): Still dealing with a knee injury, Yossi was not involved for West Ham.
- Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid): Courtois actually had a bit more work than the 6-0 scoreline would indicate, and he was his usual solid self in goal for Atletico. He was rested in the Europa League tie mid-week, he's yet to make an appearance in Europe this year. I'd guess that changes in the knockout round.
- Michael Essien (Real Madrid): Essien was fit enough to make the bench this weekend, although he went unused. It's nice to see that he's healthy again though.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Werder Bremen): Werder Bremen got crushed this weekend, but De Bruyne was one of the few bright spots in the game. He didn't do anything eye-popping, but put up a solid all around performance in the 4-1 loss.
- Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburger SV): Bruma had an interesting weekend for HSV. He was a stoppage time substitute in Germany on Friday, and he played 90 minutes at right back on Saturday as HSV had a friendly with Gremio. I have no idea what the club's management was thinking, scheduling a 1st team friendly in Brazil the day after a game in Germany. Some of the decision making there continues to baffle me, moving Bruma in January may be a wise decision for both Chelsea and the player.
- Milan Lalkovic (Vitoria SC): Lalkovic made a rare appearance this weekend, but it's hard to make much of an impression in less than 10 minutes on the pitch.
- Matej Delac (Vitoria SC): As usual, Delac had a great view of the game from the bench.
- Tomas Kalas (Vitesse Arnhem): Kalas had a rare bad game for Vitesse, again playing on the right flank. He created a pair of opportunities early with solid runs and crosses, but after about the 30-minute mark he looked totally lost on the pitch. These things happen I suppose.
- Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem): Unlike Kalas, Patrick van Aanholt was again extremely impressive for Vitesse. The 3-1 loss was a poor result for the team, but PvA did nothing to hurt his developing reputation in the contest.
- Gael Kakuta (Vitesse Arnhem): Like van Aanholt, Kakuta had an excellent game despite the disappointing scoreline. He's looking far more well rounded than he has at any point in the past, taking far more defensive responsibility and looking good doing it.
- Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag): Omeruo played 81 minutes in a 1-1 draw, and was mostly excellent with a big oops that cost a goal. He created three excellent opportunities with some aggressive attacking down the right flank, but he forgot to mark his man on the only goal Den Haag conceded. That's the type of thing you expect with youngsters, and it's been a rarity with the young Nigerian.
- Amin Affane (Roda JC): Affane came off the bench, and was pretty solid in an improbable comeback to finish with a 4-4 draw. His set piece delivery continues to be out of this world, but he's a bit of a liability defensively. Hopefully he'll see an uptick in minutes that helps with his development.
- Thorgan Hazard (Zulte-Waregem): Hazard started and was excellent in a 2-1 victory this weekend. He had an assist, and his club remain in the title hunt largely due to his impact. He was subbed off with 2 minutes to go after Zulte took the lead, but will likely continue to start regularly for them.
- Josh McEachran (Middlesbrough): Josh had a bit of a poor game last weekend, but he bounced back with a typically solid showing against Peterborough. He came off in the 77th minute, shortly after Boro scored their third goal that proved to be the winner.
- Sam Hutchinson (Nottingham Forest): Hutchinson is still out with injury.
- Ben Gordon (Birmingham City): Gordon is still nowhere near the Birmingham first team. A recall in January should be a no-brainer.
- Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford): Chalobah put in another 90 minutes this weekend, and he continues to look like a player ready for a step up. His situation will be interesting in January, as he's not on a full season loan. Forget the option to recall for a minute, there are likely several midfields in the Premier League that would be significantly upgraded by a Chalobah loan.
- Patrick Bamford (MK Dons): Bamford was again not involved, he's still dealing with the ankle injury he picked up in his debut.
- Conor Clifford (Crawley Town): Clifford made the bench this weekend, but was not involved in the game.
- Todd Kane (Preston North End): Kane started and played just over an hour at right back this weekend. By all accounts he was pretty good in a generally terrible performance by his club.
- Ulises Davila (CE Sabadell): Davila got another start, and played 90 pretty solid minutes in a 2-2 draw.
- Archange Nkumu (Colchester): Nkumu was not involved over the weekend.
- Sam Walker (Bristol Rovers): By all accounts, Walker was pretty good in a 1-0 loss to Dag & Red this weekend. Nice to see he has regained his job as the regular starter.
- Anjur Osmanovic (Lärje/Angered): Winter break.
- Jhon Pirez (Leganes): Fictional character.
