Identifying the Rising Star: Garth Crooks’ Weekly Selections for Top Performers
Garth Crooks, the renowned BBC football pundit, never fails to gather his thoughts and present his Team of the Week after every Premier League weekend. In addition to his selections, Crooks also delves into the game’s major talking points in his segment called “Crooks of the Matter.” Let’s take a closer look at this week’s top performers and the insights provided by Crooks.
Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool): A Rising Goalkeeping Star
Caoimhin Kelleher has once again secured a spot in Crooks’ team selection after his outstanding performance in Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest. Although Alphonse Areola’s penalty save against Everton was impressive, Kelleher’s clean sheet against Forest was crucial for Liverpool. The Republic of Ireland keeper denied Anthony Elanga’s goal-scoring opportunity, demonstrating his exceptional skills. Despite the controversy surrounding the referee, Forest’s inability to convert their chances into goals should be a concern for their manager and owner.
Kurt Zouma (West Ham): A Towering Presence
Despite conceding a penalty, Kurt Zouma displayed an exceptional performance in West Ham’s 3-1 victory against Everton. Zouma’s headed goal from a corner showcased his dominance in the box. While he may not be the most comfortable defender on the ball, his powerful leap and competitive nature make him a formidable presence in West Ham’s defense. On the other hand, Everton’s winless streak continues, but they must maintain their confidence and composure.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): A Commanding Performance
Virgil van Dijk once again proved his importance to Liverpool’s defense in their win against Nottingham Forest. As teams strive for crucial points in the final sprint of the season, van Dijk’s commanding performance was vital in securing Liverpool’s victory. He made a brilliant block to deny Morgan Gibbs-White’s shot, exemplifying his defensive prowess. Liverpool’s ability to win all four games despite numerous injuries speaks volumes about their resilience. The upcoming match against Manchester City will be a decisive moment in the title race.
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham): A Moment of Audacity
While Cristian Romero scored the opening goal for Tottenham against Crystal Palace, it was Micky van de Ven who stole the show with his audacious play. Van de Ven, a defender comfortable on the ball, showcased his skills by skillfully dribbling past Matheus Franca with ease. Despite the brilliance of this move, it went unnoticed by many. Crooks compares van de Ven’s skill to that of Dutch compatriot and Ajax legend Ruud Krol.
Tomas Soucek (West Ham): A Well-rounded Performance
Tomas Soucek’s goal against Everton showcased his impressive finishing skills. Additionally, his defensive clearance off the West Ham goalline moments earlier demonstrated his commitment to the team’s success. West Ham’s back-to-back wins and overall performance impressed Crooks, but he questions whether these achievements will influence David Moyes’ contract renewal, as the manager’s current contract expires at the end of the season.
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool): A Superb Assist
Jurgen Klopp praised Alexis Mac Allister’s “super, super assist” in Liverpool’s win against Nottingham Forest. Mac Allister executed a brilliant pass that led to Darwin Nunez’s crucial goal. While controversy surrounded the referee’s decision, Crooks emphasizes that Forest should have defended their goal regardless of the circumstances. Nottingham Forest analyst Mark Clattenburg’s request to see the referee after the game raises questions about his intentions.
Harry Wilson (Fulham): Impressive Contributions
Harry Wilson made a strong impact in Fulham’s 3-0 victory against Brighton. His goal and overall contribution to the team’s success caught Crooks’ attention. However, he notes that Brighton and Newcastle’s struggles may be attributed to the mental and physical fatigue associated with competing in European competitions. A break from European football might benefit both clubs in terms of injuries and performance levels.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): The Star of the Show
Martin Odegaard played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s 6-0 win against Sheffield United. His goal and sensational assist to Gabriel Martinelli showcased his impact on the game. Arsenal’s dominant performance left Sheffield United struggling, and Odegaard stood out as the star of the show. Crooks believes that performances like this will solidify Odegaard’s place among the club’s legends.
Phil Foden (Manchester City): A Young Talent Shines
Phil Foden’s impressive performance in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory against Manchester United caught everyone’s attention. Despite Marcus Rashford’s spectacular goal, Foden’s immense contributions were instrumental in City’s win. Crooks compares Foden’s performances to those of Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, highlighting his growth and potential.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): A Striker on Fire
Ollie Watkins continues to impress with his goal-scoring prowess, having already scored 16 top-flight goals this season. Crooks suggests that reaching the milestone of 20 goals in a season is significant for any striker. Watkins’ brilliant finishes against Luton demonstrated his ability to consistently score high-quality goals. However, Luton’s defeat highlights their struggle to close out matches despite fighting back.
Yoane Wissa (Brentford): A Spectacular Goal
Yoane Wissa’s overhead kick goal in Brentford’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea showcased his exceptional skill. Wissa’s return from the Africa Cup of Nations provided the much-needed lift for Brentford, who were on a three-game losing streak. Despite Chelsea’s efforts to secure a victory, Brentford’s resilience earned them a valuable point. Crooks believes that Brentford’s commitment and passion will help them in their remaining fixtures.
The Crooks of the Matter: Paul Pogba’s Wasted Talent?
Crooks concludes his article by addressing the recent four-year suspension imposed on Paul Pogba for doping offenses. While acknowledging Pogba’s enigmatic and inconsistent nature as a player, Crooks argues that his talent has not been wasted. Pogba’s achievements, including winning four Italian Serie A titles and a World Cup, demonstrate his success. However, his return to Manchester United for a record fee without achieving Premier League success has hindered his legendary status among United fans. Crooks expresses disappointment in Pogba’s failure to consistently showcase his magic on the field, leaving football fans feeling short-changed.
In conclusion, Garth Crooks’ weekly selections highlight the top performers in the Premier League and provide valuable insights into their performances. From rising stars like Caoimhin Kelleher and Phil Foden to experienced players like Virgil van Dijk, each player brings something unique to their team’s success. Crooks also touches on controversial topics, such as referee decisions and managerial contracts, adding depth to his analysis. As the Premier League season unfolds, Crooks’ weekly selections continue to captivate football fans and offer a fresh perspective on the game’s biggest moments.