We’re back with our Premier League Team of the Week, celebrating the weekend’s best performers across England’s top flight.
Premier League Team of the Week – Jones, Watkins, Son
Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen – Brighton
Back-to-back wins have taken Brighton into the top five and their 1-0 win at Newcastle might just be the most pleasing of Fabian Hurzeler’s reign.
The Seagulls dug in for three points and a clean sheet, with Bart Verbruggen underlining his reputation as one of the best young goalkeepers around. The 22-year-old made six saves, with five coming from inside the box, preventing 0.9 xG and showcasing some superb distribution. Arguably his best game in a Brighton shirt.
Brilliant Bart during #NEWBHA! 🧤
Highlights in partnership with @MPBcom. Buy, sell and trade used camera gear. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/xvKYWDCAzZ
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 12, 2024
Right-back: Abdul Fatawu – Leicester
A bold introduction at right-back but a game-changing substitution. Steve Cooper rolled the dice with Fatawu and was rewarded as the 20-year-old inspired Leicester’s comeback at Southampton.
He assisted Facundo Buonanotte five minutes after his introduction, rattled the crossbar with an effort from distance, and was involved in the penalty award. Fatawu then won the corner from which Leicester scored their dramatic winner, with his adventure on the ball altering the dynamic of the game. He has to be starting more games for the Foxes.
Centre-back: Marcos Senesi – Bournemouth
Marcos Senesi might just be one of the most underrated defenders in the division. A colossal performance from the Argentine helped Bournemouth to a 2-0 upset of Arsenal, as Senesi led the game for duels won (11/13), tackles (4), and ranked second for clearances (5).
No defender in Europe’s top five leagues has more defensive actions per 90. The 27-year-old is pushing for an Argentina recall.
No centre-back in Europe’s top five leagues has more tackles or defensive actions per 90 minutes than this guy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bjOKQeykYF
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) October 20, 2024
Centre-back: Michael Keane – Everton
What a finish. Not for the first time, Michael Keane showed his instincts around the area with a left-footed finish lashed into the roof of the net against Ipswich.
It was the highlight of another strong showing from the 31-year-old, who racked up seven clearances on route to a clean sheet at Portman Road.
Good morning, Toffees!
We still can’t get enough of this finish.🔵😁 pic.twitter.com/rMSD6Hw0IN
— Everton (@Everton) October 20, 2024
Left-back: Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City
Is he really left-footed? Another stunning strike on his ‘weaker’ right side to add to the Croatian’s collection. Gvardiol’s brilliant effort equalised for Manchester City at Wolves, a moment of magic to find a route past a determined defensive line.
It was the highlight of another accomplished performance from the left-back, who did just enough to put off Nelson Semedo when one-against-one and recorded three key passes.
Midfield: Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa
Another exceptional performance from Tielemans who has made the spot his own since Douglas Luiz’s exit in the summer. The Belgian assisted Ollie Watkins’ goal with a perfect corner kick delivery and controlled proceedings throughout in the 3-1 win at Fulham.
Tielemans led the game for touches (90), accurate passes (60), final third entries (13), duels won (6), ball recoveries (6) and chances created at Craven Cottage. He’s quietly been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season.
Midfield: Curtis Jones – Liverpool
Justified his inclusion with an outstanding display. Involved in almost everything positive for Liverpool, including both goals as he won a penalty for the opener and scored the second.
Led the press and took some terrific touches under pressure, while a superb block denied Cole Palmer. A man-of-the-match performance to cap a huge week for the 24-year-old who celebrated the birth of his first child.
Curtis Jones appreciation post 💎 pic.twitter.com/D9HRo1FzH7
— Rising Ballers (@RisingBallers_) October 20, 2024
Midfield: Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham
The Swede continues to be a revelation centrally for Ange Postecoglou.
Kulusevski led by example for Spurs against West Ham, where he popped up in dangerous areas of the pitch and drifted easily past opposition challenges. He scored the equaliser with a strike from outside the area and was involved in the third as Alphonse Areola put through his own net.
📊Dejan Kulusevski vs Premier League midfielders:
🥇 Most key passes (1st in Europe)
🥇 Most progressive runs (1st in Europe)
🥇 Most accelerations (1st in Europe)
🥇 Most deep completions (1st in Europe)
🥇 Most dribbles per 90
🥇 Most offensive duels per 90@DataMB_ pic.twitter.com/SF8TspnVVv— The Spurs Watch (@TheSpursWatch) October 19, 2024
Right-wing: Facundo Buonanotte – Leicester City
The South American starlet is coming of age at Leicester. On loan from Brighton, Buonanotte is thriving amid regular first-team football and extended his record to three goals and two assists in five league starts for the Foxes.
Full of work rate, close control and neat passes against Southampton, he leads all Premier League wingers for tackles and accurate crosses per 90 minutes this season.
Left-wing: Son Heung-min – Tottenham
Son returned to the Tottenham side after injury and extended his fine record against West Ham. The South Korean was dangerous throughout and involved in the third goal, before scoring the fourth with some wonderful footwork and a crisp finish.
He hit the woodwork later on and was menacing all afternoon against a side he has regularly troubled. Son now has 15 goal involvements in 20 career appearances against the Hammers.
Forward: Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins is getting back to his best in an Aston Villa shirt. His winner at Fulham was a half-chance at best, showcasing terrific technique to guide his header into the far corner.
Minutes later, his intelligent move resulted in Joachim Andersen’s red card as the Danish defender brought Watkins down to deny a goalscoring opportunity. A menace all game, as he so often is.
When Ollie fired us into the lead 👊 pic.twitter.com/D9cy5b1WX6
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 19, 2024
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