
Premier League Team and Manager of the Week
Premier League Team and Manager of the Week
After each round of Premier League matches this season, BBC football pundit Troy Deeney shares his selections for Team and Manager of the Week.
Here are his choices for this week. Do you agree? Share your thoughts using the comments section at the end of this article.
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton): In a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, Verbruggen stood firm despite the hosts registering 19 shots. His performance ensured a clean sheet for Brighton, marking a commendable result.
Reece James (Chelsea): Although not positioned as a right-back, James was arguably the standout player of the weekend. His approach to the game was exceptional, showcasing one of his best performances this season. While he could have been included in the midfield category, the competition was fierce. An honorable mention goes to Kenny Tete from Fulham, who narrowly missed out.
Malick Thiaw (Newcastle): Thiaw scored twice against Everton and has emerged as a revelation since joining from AC Milan. After a challenging season in Serie A, he seems to have found his stride under Eddie Howe at Newcastle, contributing significantly to the team's recent performances.
Luke Shaw (Manchester United): Shaw was the standout player in a less-than-thrilling match against Crystal Palace. He has thrived in the left-sided centre-back role, demonstrating improved fitness and form. With Manchester United appearing to regain momentum, he may soon earn a late call-up to the England squad.
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City): Gvardiol is developing into a true leader on the pitch. Despite conceding a penalty against Leeds, he performed well and even managed to score, contributing positively to his team's efforts.
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland): Xhaka played a pivotal role in Sunderland's resilient performance, helping secure a hard-fought result against Bournemouth. His quality on the ball was evident, and he has proven to be one of the best signings of the season, raising questions about Sunderland's decision to let him go.
Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa): Kamara scored a spectacular goal against Wolves, leading Villa to victory in the derby. If he can maintain fitness, he could be key in Villa's push for European competition this season.
Tyler Adams (Bournemouth): Adams may not frequently feature in this lineup, but his stunning goal deserves recognition. After capitalizing on a Sunderland mistake, he showcased remarkable composure to score from 47.4 yards, securing his place in the team for this week.
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool): Despite significant changes in Liverpool's lineup at West Ham, Gakpo remained a bright spot. He provided an assist for Alexander Isak's goal and has shown growth in his game, dispelling earlier concerns about his one-dimensional play.
Igor Thiago (Brentford): With two goals to his name, Thiago has proven to be a powerhouse. His consistent performance raises questions about his potential inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad, especially with other forwards underperforming.
Phil Foden (Manchester City): Foden's return to form is encouraging, as he scored two goals, including a late winner. His resurgence could make him a significant threat for both Manchester City and the England national team as they pursue the title.
Regis le Bris (Sunderland): Le Bris has consistently delivered strong performances, leading Sunderland to an impressive sixth place in the standings. If the team continues this trajectory, European competition could be on the horizon, defying pre-season expectations. His calm demeanor and ability to motivate the team were crucial in their comeback victory over Bournemouth.
Do you agree with Troy's selections? Who would be in your Team of the Week? Share your opinions in the comments section below: