Premier League Team of the Week

After a first weekend of scintillating football in the Premier League, 27 goals scored and the first upset of the season, ThisIsFutbol thought we’d bring you the Premier League Team of the Week.

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: David De Gea – A superb performance from the young Spaniard, although his presence in the penalty area from corners is still questionable, his shot stopping is not, he regularly came to United’s help in their 1-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night, if it wasn’t for De Gea, it could have easily been an Everton rout.

Right back: Branislav Ivanovic – Back with an vengeance after last weekend’s horror tackle versus Manchester City’s left back Kolarov in the community shield. Netted the first goal for Chelsea’s new campaign, and had a solid game at right back for the West London club. Ivanovic may find his position to be under competition this season, with the imminent transfer of young Spanish right back, Cesar Azpilicueta, Ivanovic will give Di Matteo a welcome headache this year after a good first performance for the new season.

Centre backs: Phil Jagielka and Jonas Olsson – These two were essential in their side’s wins at the weekend. Jagielka was there to deny a certain goal from Manchester United playmaker Tom Cleverley, at a time where a goal could have heavily turned the game into Manchester United’s favour. Olsson started the season well for West Brom, who recorded an unlikely 3-0 win over Liverpool, although Suarez had plenty of opportunities to score for Liverpool, Olsson did a good job against the Uruguayan, and will be happy with his sides performance against Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Left back: Leighton Baines – Initially, it seemed that Baines would have to deal with a tough game against right back Antonio Valencia and winger Nani, after an early through ball passed Baines and Nani was through on goal, but that was the only blip for the England left back, who produced a solid performance against two of the most feared wingers in the Premier League. Dealt with most danger well, and superb supporting Pienaar on the left hand side. Top player.

Deep lying playmaker: Claudio Yacob – West Brom have a real gem of a player here, of the 52 passes he made in the game vs. Liverpool, he completed 50 of them. He looked very assured on the ball, made 2 successful blocks, for his first game in the Premier League, he seemed to fit right in with the pace of the league, him and Mulumbu will be invaluable for the Baggies this season.

Box to box/Attacking midfielder: Yaya Toure –Probably THE most accomplished player in the Premier League, goes forward with purpose, can defend like Vieira, and plays some of the most astonishing passes in the Premier League, although not everything went as smoothly as they would have liked, Toure was one of the stars of the game, and will be a big player if they are to reclaim their title.

Attacking midfielder: Maraoune Fellaini – WOW. What a performance from the Belgian. Simply dominated against the Manchester United defence and midfield, they simply could not get close to him, adding a goal helped his mercurial performance too. If he stays fit the whole season, and Everton can keep other clubs hands off him, it could be a massive season for Fellaini if he plays like that week in/week out.

Right sided striker: Hatem Ben Arfa – A very good performance from the young Frenchman, tormented Aaron Lennon and Rafael van der Vaart leading to the penalty, which he put away very confidently, consistently drifted into the middle to get more of the ball against Spurs, an accomplished performance. Ben Arfa will be key to Newcastle’s season if they want to finish in the top 5 again.

Central striker: Michu – Swansea’s new hope for the season. Although he didn’t play as a central striker in the 5-0 romp, he certainly finished like one, especially his second goal. Laudrup has found a gem here, he finished on 15 goals last season in La Liga for Rayo Vallecano, if given the same role and creative freedom, he could be very successful at Swansea.

Left sided striker: Eden Hazard – After a poor performance in the Community Shield versus Man City, he turned up for his first Premier League for Chelsea versus Wigan. Setting up the first goal for Ivanovic, after a brilliant Cruyff-esque turn, played in Ivanovic to score Chelsea’s first. For Chelsea’s second, he ran menacingly at the Wigan full back, before making the full back foul him in the area, leading to Frank Lampard scoring the second. A big season for the young Belgian, if he plays aswell as he think he can, he may well be one of the signings of the summer.

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