Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 17

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper  

Andre Onana  

Team - Manchester United  

The Premier League has not been as easy as Andre Onana would have expected. Since he took up his job seriously, the Cameroonian has started to perform well in between the sticks. In a sublime performance versus the Anfield giants Liverpool, he helped the Red Devils keep a clean sheet intact even after they were down to 10 men when Diego Dalot was sent off after being shown 2 yellow cards for descent within just 20 seconds.  

Left-back  

Dan Burn

Team - Newcastle  

The tall left-back was a Brighton player before. Not a very household name in the Premier League, but since he arrived at Tyneside, he has become a fan favourite. With his style of play with the physicality he offers, the player was able to win 7 aerial dukes which was all he engaged in and apart from that he was able to score a goal as well which saw his team r route a victory by 3 goals to nil and climbing above Manchester United in the Premier League table.  

Centre back  

Raphael Varane  

Team - Manchester United

It looked like a Galactico playing for Manchester United with Raphael Varane putting in a dominant performance to prove why Manchester United paid a hefty 60 million for his signature from Real Madrid. He was one of the protagonists as to why Manchester United didn’t concede at Anfield even after being fully pressurised by Liverpool during almost 60 per cent of the game.  

Centre back  

Micheal Keane  

Team - Everton  

It was a solid performance from Micheal Keane who has had his spot hard to come

After the arrival of James Tarkowski to Everton. His former employer Burnley must not have been happy that they had given him a chance to score which he instantly pounced on to get his name on the score sheet and help his team move away from the relegation battle.

Right back  

Alex Moreno

Team - Aston Villa

Aston Villa just needed a boost from within and they did get it when Brentford were down to 10 men when Ben Mee received a red card. Soon after 10 minutes the in-form right back for Villa, Alex Moreno received an opportunity to score and boy he took it. Manager Unai Emery couldn’t even hide his emotions as he was seen punching the air in emotion as to why they scored an equalised after being down to a goal from almost the start of the game. 

Left midfielder  

Lucas Paqueta  

Team - West Ham

You won’t believe it if we say that all three goals that were scored by West Ham on Matchday 17 were assisted by the same man. Yes, it was the Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta. The midfielder has had times hard to come by in his favour after a big-money switch from Lyon. He has since shown glimpses of good displays in various number of games but has lately caught good form which has been one of the reason why the West London club have been doing well in the Premier League.  

Central midfielder  

Declan Rice  

Team - Arsenal  

The Engine behind Mikel Arteta’s team has often been utilised in various positions. He has played as a number 6, a number 8 and as 4 in the central defence too during the Champions League. He played at his preferred number 6 as a holding midfielder versus Brighton side and was exceptional for breaking up a lot of moments where Brighton could have created a move resulting in a score. The idea of breaking up a play is what Declan Rice is good at as he continues to shine in the Premier League for Arsenal.

Central midfielder  

Cole Palmer  

Team - Chelsea  

Cole Palmer cannot stop scoring or assisting. He has become a firm name whenever the match scorecard is given out aloud. Against relegation-battling  Sheffield United he provided an assist for Nicholas Jackson and scored a goal to clinch a needed victory for a Chelsea side who have again invested heavily but have found very less in terms of return from the investment.

Right Midfielder  

Kai Havertz  

Team - Arsenal

Four goals in seven games for Kai Havertz as he relishes his game now for Arsenal. Beloved by all the Arsenal players and also the fans now it’s always cheering for him when the crowd chants his Waka Waka song. A firm starter nowadays in every match he has finally found his rhythm and has started to replay what was expected of him after a 70 million move from Chelsea in what was subjected to have been an unworthy signing during the start of the season.

Centre forward  

Mohammed Kudus  

Team - West Ham

Mohammed Kudus could prove to be a bargain for West Ham if he continues to perform at the level he is. The Midfielder/Forward was in good touch for his country Ghana during the international break and has since been in an even-between form after the international break was over. Two goals to the good, West Ham is heading in the right direction right now with even better times coming up for them if Kudus keeps on producing.

Centre forward  

Ollie Watkins  

Team - Aston Villa  

Yes, it’s the same man, and it’d be better if we start to remember his name. Ollie Watkins is a future star in the making be it for Aston Villa who have been doing well or a big-money club that approaches him in the coming meantime. He was the difference maker for his employers when they won 2-1 against Brentford in the Premier League Matchday 17. The team have been doing exceptionally well after defeating the likes of leaders Manchester City and Arsenal on their winning run.

Cover Credits: bEIN Sports