Troy Deeney’s Premier League team of the week : Salah, Watkins, Fernandes and other top performers

Every week, football enthusiasts eagerly await Troy Deeney’s expert analysis of Premier League performances. The former Watford captain has become a respected pundit, offering insightful selections for his team of the week. His latest picks highlight standout players who delivered exceptional performances across recent Premier League fixtures, with notable inclusions like Mohamed Salah, Ollie Watkins, and Bruno Fernandes.

In Short

Premier League stars who dominated the pitch this week

Mohamed Salah continues to prove his world-class status despite not being at his absolute best against Southampton. The Egyptian forward netted twice to extend Liverpool’s advantage at the Premier League summit, demonstrating his clinical finishing abilities even when not firing on all cylinders. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has maintained remarkable consistency, with his goal contributions playing a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and European successes.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins maintained his impressive form with another crucial goal against his former club Brentford in a tight 1-0 victory. The England international’s clinical finishing has been instrumental in Villa’s quest for Champions League qualification. His goal-scoring prowess has established him as one of England’s premier strikers, with many analysts suggesting he should be a starter for the national team.

Bruno Fernandes continues to silence critics with transformative performances under new management. The Portuguese midfielder’s spectacular free-kick technique was on full display, highlighting his importance to Manchester United’s future ambitions. His leadership qualities and technical abilities make him an indispensable asset amid Premier League’s ongoing challenges with financial regulations, which continue to shape how clubs operate in the transfer market.

Declan Rice earned well-deserved recognition after scoring a crucial equalizer for Arsenal against Manchester United. Despite facing criticism for his celebration, Rice has evolved into an exceptional ‘number eight’ role, consistently making intelligent forward runs into dangerous positions. The English midfielder, who commanded a £105 million transfer fee in July 2023, has justified his price tag with consistently dominant performances in Arsenal’s engine room.

Defensive stalwarts showcasing exceptional skill and resilience

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson delivered a standout performance against Ipswich Town, facing 15 shots with eight on target to secure a valuable clean sheet in their 1-0 victory. His consistent excellence has sparked discussions about his potential candidacy for England’s starting goalkeeper position, especially as the national team considers its options between the posts for upcoming international fixtures.

Tyrone Mings made a heartwarming return to Premier League action for Aston Villa after recovering from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for months. His comeback performance against Brentford demonstrated why he’s been such a crucial figure for Villa, showcasing determination and defensive solidity to help secure another clean sheet. Mings’ recovery journey has been closely followed amid broader controversies surrounding certain Premier League personalities, highlighting the positive stories that emerge from the sport.

Nottingham Forest’s defensive duo of Ola Aina and Murillo earned special praise for their exceptional performances in the stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City. Their disciplined defending frustrated City’s formidable attack, with Murillo’s performances throughout the season justifying the club’s decision to secure him on a long-term contract. Forest’s defensive resilience has been crucial to their campaign as they navigate the challenging Premier League landscape.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez continues to impress observers with his exceptional work rate and technical abilities. Described by Deeney as “one of the best left-backs in world football already,” the Hungarian defender’s performances have reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool. At just 20 years old, Kerkez represents the exciting young talent emerging in the Premier League.

Midfield maestros and tactical brilliance

Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes demonstrated his commitment and professionalism by delivering a match-winning performance against West Ham despite the looming Carabao Cup final. The Brazilian midfielder scored the decisive goal in a crucial fixture for Newcastle’s Champions League aspirations, showing full intensity and refusing to shirk challenges despite the risk of injury before a major cup final.

Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr provided a moment of quality in an otherwise scrappy encounter against Ipswich Town. The Senegalese forward’s winning goal showcased his pace and finishing ability, securing three valuable points for Palace in a week characterized by many subdued performances across the league. Sarr’s contribution highlighted his potential value to Palace’s attacking options going forward.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe earned the manager of the week recognition for his bold approach against West Ham. Despite missing key players and with a cup final on the horizon, Howe prioritized the league fixture and fielded a strong team that secured an important victory. This decision exemplifies Howe’s “win every game” mentality that has helped Newcastle’s resurgence in recent seasons while the club navigates the complexities of Premier League financial regulations that have sparked legal challenges from other top clubs.

Troy Deeney’s team of the week selections provide valuable insights for fans and analysts alike, highlighting standout performers across different positions. These selections offer a window into what separates good performances from exceptional ones at the highest level of English football. As the Premier League season progresses, these weekly honors serve as recognition for players who consistently deliver excellence under pressure.