Harking back with a performance from yesteryear, Alessandro Del Piero wins our latest edition of World Player of the Week after scoring four goals in what Australian football fans have gushed over as possibility the finest performance in A-League history.

The 38-year-old joined Sydney FC in 2012 having memorably and emotionally parted ways with Juventus at the end of their Serie A-winning campaign last year, and in the process became by far the biggest name in football to have been lured to play in the country professionally.

Life has not always been plain sailing ‘Down Under’ for the World Cup-winning Italian icon, but the striker received a standing ovation against Wellington Phoenix this weekend after an unstoppable showing in their 7-1 victory.

Del Piero opened the scoring with a left-footed poacher’s finish before making it 3-0 from the spot. His third goal involved a jerking dribble from the edge of the box and a scorching finish. And – for the first time in his career – he scored a fourth goal in a competitive game with a shot that rocketed into the roof of the net, before being substituted to emphatic applause from all around the ground.

Goal.com Australia’s Paddy Higgs: “It is hard to look past the 38-year-old Juventus legend as the deserved winner this week, who has at times struggled to hide his frustrations with the Sky Blues’ performances this season. Not so on Sunday, when Del Piero scored four times and also contributed an assist in his side’s thumping of the Wellington Phoenix.

“Del Piero may not be as nimble as he used to, but he showed in three of his four goals (the other was from the penalty spot) that he had lost little of his craft, touch and finishing.

“The veteran is in talks with Sydney FC to take up the option of a second season to his stay and – with many labelling the performance as the best individual one in the league’s history – you can see why the A-League club are desperate to hold on to the Italian.”

The Shortlist

Bjorn Velmincks – Genclerbirligi @JoeWright004: “Perfect debut in a thrilling victory.” Goal.com’s Miles Chambers: “Four goals in one game is great, but on your debut? An truly incredible feat.”
Paul Pogba – Juventus @TheThezoom: “Pogba, [for scoring] two beautiful goals for Juve.” Goal.com’s Kris Voakes: “With each performance, he gives Man Utd reason to regret losing him.”
Viktor Fischer – Ajax   Jake Daniels: “Forget Christian Eriksen – Fischer’s the future for the Dutch giants!” Goal.com’s Stefan Coerts: “The Dane once more rose to the occasion in a big game to help Ajax beat Feyenoord.”
Cristiano Ronaldo – R. Madrid @faraioswald: “C Ronaldo [as] he destroyed Valencia.” Goal.com’s Kilian Caballero: “He had a wonderful first half on Sunday and led Madrid in their Copa leg victory.”