Premier League Team of the Week – Diallo, Maddison, Isak

Our Premier League Team of the Week, featuring Manchester United’s derby hero, Newcastle’s ‘unplayable’ forward, and a trio of Tottenham talents.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford – Everton

Where would Everton be without Jordan Pickford? Perhaps, the Championship. The England goalkeeper has been consistently excellent in a struggling side in recent seasons and helped the Toffees to a precious point at Arsenal this weekend. He denied Martin Odegaard from close range with an impressive stop following a deflection, before turning a Bukayo Saka strike around the post. He’s now the joint leader in the Premier League Golden Glove race.

Right-back: Djed Spence – Tottenham

An impressive first competitive start for Spurs. Incredibly, it has taken two-and-a-half years to arrive but Spence looks capable of earning a more regular role. He took just over 30 seconds to set up the opening goal for James Maddison at Southampton and was involved again in the build-up to the second and fifth as the North Londoners ran riot at St Mary’s. Showcased his versatility with a switch to left-back after Destiny Udogie went off injured and could feature there again on Thursday night.

Centre-back: Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool

Arne Slot’s transformation of Ryan Gravenberch this season has been remarkable. From peripheral figure under Jurgen Klopp, the Dutchman has been irreplaceable to the Premier League leaders. Against Fulham, Andy Robertson’s early red card forced the 22-year-old into an unfamiliar centre-back role, where he excelled alongside Virgil van Dijk. He barely misplaced a pass and won 100% of his aerial duels, before moving back into midfield as Liverpool pushed forward in search of a second equaliser. A fantastic footballer.

Centre-back: Nikola Milenkovic – Nottingham Forest

Another imposing performance from the summer signing, who helped Nottingham Forest into the Premier League’s top four. The Serbian centre-back won 100% of his defensive duels against Aston Villa and was on hand with the vital late equaliser. Milenkovic powered in from Morgan Gibbs-White’s inviting cross, before turning to the crowd to lift the City Ground as Forest staged a late turnaround.

Left-back: Antonee Robinson – Fulham

On current form, is Antonee Robinson the best left-back in the Premier League? The American notched two assists in Fulham’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool and now has six for the campaign, with only Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah managing more in the Premier League.

He’s second for assists among defenders across Europe’s top five leagues, with improved end product to match his endless energy and duel-winning. At Anfield, and up against Mohamed Salah, he led the contest for duels won (8), chances created (4), interceptions (4), tackles won (3) and assists (2).

Midfield: Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest

Some questioned the ‘£35m fee’ Nottingham Forest parted with to sign Elliot Anderson from Newcastle last summer, but with Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos heading in the opposite direction for £20million, the true value of the PSR-navigating deal looks fantastic for Forest.

The 22-year-old is growing in influence and was exceptional in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa. He created the most chances (4), completed the most dribbles (3), made the most tackles (5), won the most duels (12) and assisted the first goal.

Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham

Opened the scoring inside 37 seconds at Southampton with a low finish through the ‘keeper’s legs and added an assist soon after with a deep cross that found its way to Heung-min Son. He was involved again in the third with a raking pass forward for Son, before scoring Spurs’ fifth goal before half-time from an acute angle. Ran tirelessly and always looked to get on the ball at St Mary’s, in an impressive evening for a Spurs side that badly needed this lift. Attention now turns to a Carabao Cup quarter-final.

Right-wing: Amad Diallo – Manchester United

If Amad Diallo never kicks a ball again for Manchester United, he’ll still depart with cult status. The winger inspired a dramatic derby turnaround at Manchester City, winning a late penalty for the equaliser before scoring a brilliant winner as he lifted the ball around Ederson and rolled home. Diallo has been a bright spark in an otherwise dull season, works his socks off, and always looks like making something happen. He’s stood out, by some distance, in a mediocre team this season.

Left-wing: Heung-min Son – Tottenham

Just as some question marks began to surface around the Spurs captain, he responded with a clinical performance at Southampton. A goal and two assists in 45 minutes showcased the South Korean’s quality in the final third before Ange Postecoglou afforded him a rest after the interval. Son just loves playing against the Saints. He’s now racked up 18 goals and assists in 16 league appearances against Southampton.

Forward: Ismaila Sarr – Crystal Palace

The summer signing is beginning to show his threat in a Crystal Palace shirt. Sarr was a menace all game in the 3-1 win at Brighton, as Oliver Glasner’s side ended their rival’s unbeaten home record this season. After recording a fortuitous assist for Trevoh Chalobah, he doubled the lead with a header from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross. Sarr sealed the win after the break with a burst in behind and a composed finish. He’s growing into his role as the lead of the Palace counter.

Forward: Alexander Isak – Newcastle

A terrific performance from a player in real form. Isak extended his record to six goals and three assists in his last eight Premier League appearances as Newcastle thrashed Leicester at St James’ Park. The Sweden international was unplayable, grabbing his customary home goal and adding an assist after teeing up Jacob Murphy.

The perfect gift for a football fan? Noughties Nines out now

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