Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week: Leno, Van Dijk, Gibbs-White, Cherki, Haaland
Xavi Simons (Tottenham): I didn’t like his celebration of his goal against Brighton; I thought this was a bit much, a bit Instagram specific. However, Spurs have been poor of late and his quality and X-Factor with assists and goals could help them stay afloat.
I don’t think they’ll stay up, I’m really worried for them but they need him to play five more games like that and that will give them their best chance. Maybe if the defenders had started defending they would have won the match instead of a draw.
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City): In the biggest game of the season, alongside Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and facing Declan Rice, who people were talking about winning the Ballon d’Or, Bernardo Silva was the best player on the pitch as Manchester City beat Arsenal.
At important moments he understood what the game required, grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and said ‘we won today’. The biggest moment I can think of was Bernardo Silva winning a header against Viktor Gyokeres in the 83rd minute. Bernardo Silva wins and blasts Gyokeres in the process.
I think he is one of the biggest pieces Manchester City will change. Not only his quality on the ball, but also his leadership, he will be hard to replace.
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City): As you know, he is my favorite actor. For me he is the best player to watch in world football.
Look at this goal he scored against Arsenal; He walks past Gabriel and Rice as if they weren’t there. The weight of the body is transferred from the right foot to the left foot. You don’t know which foot is the strongest when he shoots, he runs over people with his left foot and scores goals with his right foot. He’s just an incredible football player.
Pep Guardiola has found another talent. And at 22, he’s only going to get better. It’s pretty scary when you consider how young this Manchester City team is.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingam Forest): It’s simple, if you score a hat-trick – even if it’s against Burnley – you’re in the team of the week. Captain’s performance. That’s all that matters.
