Team and Manager of the Week for the Premier League Opening Weekend
The Premier League is back, and with it comes the excitement of analyzing the performances of players and managers. BBC football pundit Troy Deeney has shared his picks for the Team and Manager of the Week for the opening weekend of the campaign. Let’s take a closer look at his selections and provide some additional insights.
In goal, Deeney chose Nick Pope of Newcastle. Pope showcased his skills by making numerous saves and providing a solid performance. Despite struggling with injuries at the end of last season, he was instrumental in Newcastle’s win against Southampton, even with 10 men on the field.
At right-back, Deeney selected Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold faced immense pressure after returning from the Euros with England. However, he seemed at ease in his natural position, playing forward passes. His assist for Mohamed Salah’s goal was a testament to his quality and confidence.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United was chosen as the center-back. Deeney commended Maguire for his no-nonsense approach, highlighting his solid defensive display against Fulham. Maguire’s presence on the pitch was a reminder of his importance as a strong center-back.
Ruben Dias of Manchester City was another center-back pick. Dias proved his worth in City’s victory over Chelsea, displaying excellent defensive skills. Notably, he made a crucial intervention in the first half to save what could have been a perfect goal.
Dan Burn of Newcastle rounded out the defensive lineup. Playing as a center-back and later in a back three, Burn was a commanding figure on the pitch. Despite not receiving the credit he deserves, Burn’s performance was outstanding, especially considering the bargain price Newcastle paid to acquire him from Brighton.
Moving to midfield, Mateo Kovacic of Manchester City caught Deeney’s attention. Kovacic’s performance was exceptional, as he controlled the tempo of the game and contributed to City’s attacking play. His ability to move the ball effectively and his goal to seal the victory demonstrated his impact on the pitch.
Amadou Onana of Aston Villa was also recognized for his midfield prowess. On his debut for Villa, Onana showcased his defensive skills by consistently disrupting West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta. His ability to break up play and perform the less glamorous aspects of the game did not go unnoticed.
Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton was chosen as the number 10 in a 4-3-3 formation. Deeney was highly impressed with Mitoma’s performance against Everton, labeling him as the best player on the pitch. Mitoma’s standout display highlighted his potential and impact on Brighton’s attacking play.
In the attacking positions, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal was lauded for his exceptional performance against Wolves. Saka’s energy and skill left the opposition struggling to contain him. His well-taken goal and assist for Kai Havertz showcased his versatility and effectiveness in the final third.
Speaking of Havertz, Deeney acknowledged the pressure on the Arsenal striker to deliver. However, Havertz rose to the challenge and played a key role in Arsenal’s victory. His goal and overall performance demonstrated his ability to fulfill the role of a proper striker.
Finally, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool was recognized for his consistent brilliance. With an assist and a goal, Salah added to his impressive tally of opening-day goals. Deeney also noted Salah’s new haircut, which added to his intimidating presence on the pitch.
Manager-wise, Eddie Howe of Newcastle was praised for his team’s resilient performance. Despite going down to 10 men, Newcastle managed to grind out a win against Southampton. The result showcased Howe’s ability to instill determination and a winning mentality in his players.
While Deeney’s selections are subjective, they provide valuable insights into the standout performers of the opening weekend. It’s important to remember that individual opinions may vary, and fans are encouraged to share their own thoughts and picks for the Team and Manager of the Week. Let the discussions and debates begin!