BBC football analyst Troy Deeney has announced his Premier League Team of the Week, highlighting several standout performers from Manchester City alongside impressive displays from players at clubs including Brentford, Leeds United, and Hull City.
The selections follow every round of matches this season, with Deeney providing his expert verdict on the week’s top talents. Here are his choices:
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City): Deeney praised the goalkeeper as one of the world’s elite, particularly noting his decisive role in securing a victory over Manchester United. He dismissed prior criticisms following the Community Shield, stating that Donnarumma proved his worth by delivering crucial points and is capable of accumulating 10 additional points over the course of the season through match-winning performances.
Defenders
Daniel Munoz (Nottingham Forest): Described as a “breath of fresh air” during his side’s win against Aston Villa, the defender was lauded for his unique combination of pace and power. Deeney expressed astonishment that major clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United failed to sign him, calling Forest’s acquisition of him exceptional business.
Ezri Konsa (Arsenal): The Arsenal centre-half earned praise for his robust performance against Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey. Deeney highlighted Konsa’s willingness to take responsibility, specifically referencing a contentious penalty incident from the previous season where Konsa stepped up to take the spot-kick.
Lewis Dunk (Brighton): The Brighton captain secured his place with a spectacular goal against Coventry, diverting a cross into the top corner off the crossbar. Deeney noted the 6ft 5in defender’s ability to score from set pieces as a standout attribute.
Tarik Muharemovic (Leeds United): The Leeds defender was characterized as a physical beast who dominates in the air and through challenges. Despite Leeds failing to keep a clean sheet against Newcastle, Muharemovic’s consistent performances earned him recognition.
Leif Davis (Ipswich Town): The Ipswich full-back was singled out for his impact in a critical match against Palace, contributing both a goal and an assist. Deeney described him as highly underrated.
Midfielders
Enzo Fernandez (Manchester City): Fernandez was voted the best performer in his last two years at the club during the derby win over Manchester United. Deeney commended his all-around game, noting his ability to retain possession, drive forward, and win fouls, calling it his most complete display for City.
Pascal Gross (Brighton): The veteran midfielder continued to be a stabilizing force for Brighton, adding a goal and assists to his reputation. Deeney emphasized his importance to the young squad, particularly in the absence of experienced forwards like Dominic Solanke and James Milner.
Forwards
Kevin Schade (Brentford): Schade netted twice against Bournemouth, reinforcing his status as a key attacker. Deeney observed that his blend of speed, strength, and work rate makes him a likely future sale for the club.
Mohamed Belloumi (Hull City): Having impressed in the Championship, Belloumi made a seamless transition to the Premier League with two goals away at Chelsea. Deeney felt Hull were deserving of at least a point in that encounter.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United): The striker marked his return with a goal against Newcastle, showcasing improved fitness and mentality. Deeney attributed his resurgence to Leeds’ demanding environment at Elland Road, which encourages maximum effort from every player.
Manager
Enzo Maresca (Manchester City): While acknowledging Arteta and Farke as worthy candidates, Deeney awarded the manager of the week honor to Maresca for his tactical preparation at Old Trafford. He specifically highlighted Maresca’s decisive substitution of Cherki for Ndiaye as a key factor in securing the victory.
Readers are invited to share their opinions on these selections via the comments section.
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