Troy Deeney has picked his Premier League team of the week, and the selections range from a big-name goalkeeper to a Championship player who is suddenly the talk of the top flight.
Donnarumma’s big-game credentials
The goalkeeper spot belongs to Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City. Deeney calls him “one of the best goalkeepers in the world” and singles him out as a big-match performer. After the Community Shield, critics said City should have kept James Trafford instead. Deeney disagrees.
He’ll get them 10 points over the course of the season, he’s that good. He proved again why he’s such a big-time goalkeeper.
That prediction is bold. Ten extra points would put City well clear of their rivals by the end of the campaign.
Munoz, Konsa and Dunk in defence
Daniel Munoz gets the nod at left-back for Nottingham Forest, where he scored in the win at Villa. Deeney describes him as a breath of fresh air, praising his pace, power, defending and attacking contribution.
I can’t believe Liverpool and Manchester United didn’t go for him. Forest did unbelievable business getting him.
Ezri Konsa, meanwhile, faced Brian Brobbey in Arsenal’s win against Sunderland. Last season, Konsa bullied Gabriel for the equaliser and wanted no part of the task. This time, he stepped up.
That penalty was never a penalty.
Lewis Dunk is in the middle of the back four after scoring against Coventry. Deeney calls the 6ft 5in centre-half a big-time player who went in just for that strike.
Muharemovic and Davis in the engine room
Tarik Muharemovic earns a place for Leeds United despite the clean sheet against Newcastle slipping away. Deeney describes him as a beast who heads it, kicks it and runs through people.
He deserves the clean sheet.
Leif Davis is the pick for Ipswich Town after delivering in a six-pointer against Palace. Deeney thinks Palace will be down there, and Davis contributed a goal and an assist.
Fernandez, Gross, Schade and Belloumi in midfield
Enzo Fernandez had his best game in the last two years against Manchester United. Deeney says he did everything the team needed: ran with the ball, looked after it, bought fouls and tried his best to get others sent off.
He is a catalyst for the team. His best performance for City so far.
Pascal Gross also impressed for Brighton, scoring and assisting. Deeney says the old head steadies a really young team now that Welbeck and Milner are gone.
Goal and assists. He is even more important now.
Kevin Schade scored twice again at Bournemouth. Deeney feels Brentford will sell him next, citing his pace, power, goals and work rate.
Mohamed Belloumi was decent in the Championship but has stepped up to the Premier League. Two goals away at Chelsea is huge, Deeney says, and Chelsea probably felt they should have won.
Calvert-Lewin leads the attack
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is steady away for Leeds. He got one goal against Newcastle and should have had two, Deeney says. The forward is excellent, according to Deeney, and Leeds have done something to keep him fit.
Maybe it’s the Elland Road factor. They won’t allow for anyone to not give 100%.
Maresca gets the managerial nod
Mikel Arteta gets an honourable mention, with the job done away again. Deeney admits he is not Arteta’s biggest fan but credits the tactical approach.
We could have had Daniel Farke. We’ll give it to Maresca.
He praises Arteta’s understanding of the moment, giving his team the best platform to win. The call to bring Cherki off for Ndiaye was brave, Deeney says.
The verdict on Troy’s picks
The picks are full of bold claims. Donnarumma is the big-time goalkeeper, Munoz is the steal, Dunk is the big-time player, Muharemovic is the beast, and Calvert-Lewin benefits from the Elland Road factor.
The picks are opinionated, but they are also grounded in recent results. Donnarumma’s performance against Manchester United. Dunk scored against Coventry. Muharemovic headed, kicked and ran through people. Davis delivered in a six-pointer.
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Gianluigi Donnarumma | Manchester City |
| RB | Ezri Konsa | Arsenal |
| CB | Lewis Dunk | Brighton |
| CB | Tarik Muharemovic | Leeds United |
| CM | Leif Davis | Ipswich Town |
| CM | Enzo Fernandez | Manchester City |
| CM | Pascal Gross | Brighton |
| CM | Kevin Schade | Brentford |
| CM | Mohamed Belloumi | Hull City |
| FW | Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Leeds United |
The picks are Deeney’s, and they come with the confidence of a man who knows what he is talking about. Whether you agree with him or not, the team is a snapshot of a week in the Premier League.
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