Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week: Haaland, Foden, Munoz, Merino, Watkins, Romero
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur): He was extremely effective in the draw at Newcastle, both offensively and defensively. A superb first goal, he scores from the front like a true striker, and for the second goal – despite ricocheting 16 times – you have to give him credit for having the courage to take the overhead kick in the final minute. They couldn’t get the win, but they performed very well in the match.
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton and Hove Albion): I don’t usually put players on the losing team but if the centre-back scores two goals and the team loses 4-3 I think some credit should be given. He is a solid player with a good passing range. The only negative was that Aston Villa got lost in their little run at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half. But I will give him credit for the goals he scored; This is the striker in me. He deserves it.
Jaka Bijol (Leeds United): I could have included every Leeds player in their 3-1 win against Chelsea. He scored his first goal of the season with a monster performance. He is solid not only in scoring, but also in defence. I backed this after missing a few times as several of the Leeds defenders put in a breakout performance. I don’t think defending is a problem for Leeds; From an offensive perspective throughout the season, I think this situation is due to missed opportunities.
Lewis Hall (Newcastle United): Definitely the best player on the pitch against Spurs. I haven’t said this yet, but if he continues his form at this level he will be England’s first left-back in the World Cup. It was an extraordinary level and it was interesting that a lot of people questioned the fee when he was brought to Newcastle from Chelsea. He has had a few injury problems but looks top class and now looks like a cheap player for Eddie Howe.
Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace): Mr. Consistency is my player of the season this season – so far. In the absence of their top attacking threat and Ismaila Sarr, more emphasis was placed on him on the right wing and he scored again at Burnley. He and Hall are scary; their ability to go up and down, their modern wing-backs who don’t stop, their calm ability to dominate the ball in the final third and their ability to be excellent midfielders.
