Samir Handanovic [Udinese]

Hard choice with Roma's Maarten Stekelenburg, Napoli's Morgan De Sanctis and in particular Juve's Gianluigi Buffon all on top form. Yet the Slovenian has only let in nine goals, just two at home and 10 clean sheets all told. His superlative form sees Udinese holding down a Champions League place. Accomplished.

Christian Maggio [Napoli]

The Italian international is the player who holds the baton when conducting the Three Tenors and without his passing, passion and positioning down the right, the symphony would be unfinished. His dynamic header against Udinese in Week 9 was a perfect example of his menace from set pieces and in the opposition area in general. Admirable.

Thiago Silva [Milan]

Officially one of Europe's best central defenders and an important part of Milan's jump up the table to top it over the Christmas break. Thanks to his leadership Milan have conceded just two goals in the last six games. His energy and intelligent contributions have seen the Brazilian become a regular choice in team of the week. Copacetic.

Hugo Campagnaro [Napoli]

The Argentinean is the Energizer Bunny of the team, but also possesses the grace of a Russian ballerina. Always alert to the half chance, it's his no-nonsense tackling, ability to use the offside and the odd crucial goal, like the one against Inter in Week 6, that just sees him beat Paolo Cannavaro and Andrea Barzagli. Pulchritudinous.

Senad Lulic [Lazio]

Nicknamed Speedy, the Bosnian international is an old-fashioned terzino type who adapts into a flying wing-back on the attack. He promised goals and crosses when he arrived over the summer and he has done exactly that, scoring three times, with the pick his grass-cutting screamer against Udinese in Week 16. Now that's what I call magic.Chimerical.

Daniele De Rossi [Roma]

Following his somewhat inconsistent campaign last season, this term the Rome-born bandiera has been utterly crucial. Setting the rhythm of the team from the centre of the pitch, his awareness and intelligent passing have pushed Roma back into the game. Even played in central defence in his last couple of games and excelled there as well. Exceptional.

Kevin-Prince Boateng [Milan]

Every team needs a prince and the 24-year-old has all the bearing and authority of one. Had some big boots to fill when taking over from Andrea Pirlo, but appears to have done it with some style. Was absolutely mind-blowing in Week 8 when he came on with Milan down 3-0 to Lecce and scored a hat-trick that Marco Van Basten would have been proud of. Exigent.

Claudio Marchisio [Juventus]

When Pavel Nedved claims Claudio can be the world's best midfielder, you sit up. Yet with his all-out performances this term seeing him score a personal best of six goals, he has certainly looked on the way. Scored a brilliant volley in Week 6 for a 2-0 defeat of Milan that powered its way though Christian Abbiati's legs. Significant.

German Denis [Atalanta]

El Tanque seems to be in every other team of the week. The league's top scorer with 12 goals in 16 games also makes the odd vital assist and has inspired the Orobici to zoom up the table despite a six-point penalty at the start of the season. Crucial.

Edinson Cavani [Napoli]

After a slow start the Uruguayan is back to his elegant best. He showed two perfect examples of his finishing power in the 4-2 defeat of Lecce. One was scored with dizzying speed after just two precise passes from deep, while his solo run and subsequent lob over the 'keeper for the second pinpointed his individual skills. Pre-eminent.

Miroslav Klose [Lazio]

The veteran German goal machine has brought a Panzer-like menace to Lazio's strike-force and his vast experience always sees him in the thick of the action. With nine goals plus three assists, he causes panic every time he gets the ball. His powerful header against Lecce in Week 15 was an excellent example of him knowing where to be at the right time. Decisive.

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