Troy Deeney has picked his Premier League team of the week, and it is a curious mix of praise and exaggeration. The former England captain and BBC pundit selects a goalkeeper who he says will win his team 10 points over the course of the season, a striker described as “steady,” and a manager whose tactical bravery rests on bringing on a substitute.
Deeney’s selections come after every round of Premier League matches this season. He gives his team and manager of the week each week, and this week’s choices include players from Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Brighton, Leeds United, Ipswich Town, Brentford and Hull City. The full list appears below.
Donnarumma’s Big-Match Performance
Gianluigi Donnarumma gets the goalkeeper spot for Manchester City. Deeney calls him “one of the best goalkeepers in the world” and a “big-match player.” He says Donnarumma just won City two extra points against Manchester United and predicts the Italian will get City 10 points over the course of the season.
“He’ll get them 10 points over the course of the season, he’s that good.”
The claim also ignores the context of the match. Deeney’s argument carries some weight. Donnarumma made a series of saves that kept City ahead against United, and his performance was the difference in a tight contest. But the 10-point measure belongs to the fantasy leagues, not the commentary box.
Deeney also takes aim at the critics who doubted Donnarumma’s arrival. After the Community Shield, people were saying he wasn’t good enough and that City should have kept James Trafford. Deeney dismisses those doubts, saying Donnarumma proved again why he is such a big-time goalkeeper.
Munoz’s Arrival at Forest
Daniel Munoz gets the left-back spot for Nottingham Forest. Deeney describes him as “a breath of fresh air” in the win at Villa Park. He praises Munoz’s pace and power, noting that no-one in that Forest team can do what he does.
The praise is genuine. Deeney believes Forest did “unbelievable business” in signing him. He wonders aloud why Liverpool and Manchester United did not pursue Munoz, calling the move a steal.
But the question of whether Munoz deserves a Premier League team of the week spot is open. He was impressive against Villa, but one match does not define a season. Deeney’s enthusiasm is infectious, but the selection feels generous rather than earned.
Konsa’s Battle Against Brobbey
Ezri Konsa gets the centre-back position for Arsenal. He had a tough old battle against Brian Brobbey as Arsenal beat Sunderland, and Deeney recalls last season’s incident. Then, Konsa ended up bullying Gabriel for the equaliser and wanted no part of it.
This week, Konsa stepped up. He said “no problem” and took responsibility for the penalty that was never a penalty. Deeney agrees with Konsa’s assessment, arguing that the spot-kick was never a foul.
Konsa’s performance was consistent. He defended well, read the ball well and showed composure under pressure.
Dunk’s Goal From the Edge
Lewis Dunk gets the right-back spot for Brighton. Deeney marvels at the big 6ft 5in centre-half, who put one in the top bins straight off the crossbar. The goal against Coventry was a moment of individual brilliance.
The ball went in off the bar, and Deeney describes the strike as unbelievable. He goes in just for that strike alone, and the goal was a highlight of a strong performance.
Muharemovic’s Beastly Display
Tarik Muharemovic gets the central midfield spot for Leeds United. Deeney describes him as “what a beast he is.” He doesn’t know where Leeds found him, but he heads it, kicks it, runs through people.
The performance against Newcastle was not clean, but Deeney believes Muharemovic deserved a clean sheet. The midfielder was everywhere, and his energy was relentless.
Muharemovic has become a key figure at Leeds. His physicality and work rate make him difficult to handle, and Deeney’s pick reflects that importance. The selection is a recognition of a player who does the dirty work.
Davis’s Six-Pointer Contribution
Leif Davis gets the left midfield spot for Ipswich Town. Deeney describes him as “very, very good” and “very underrated.” He delivered in a six-pointer because Deeney thinks Palace are going to be down there, with a goal and an assist.
Davis’s contribution was decisive. He scored and assisted in a game that mattered, and his performance helped Ipswich secure the result. Deeney’s prediction about Palace’s relegation hopes adds context to the selection.
The pick is a nod to a player who has been consistent this season. Davis has been reliable for Ipswich, and his goal and assist against Palace were timely. Deeney’s belief in Ipswich’s ability to stay up is a personal view, but it frames the selection well.
Fernandez’s Best Performance
Enzo Fernandez gets the central midfield spot for Manchester City. Deeney says it was his best game in the last two years against Manchester United. He actually did everything the team needed.
Fernandez ran with the ball, looked after it, bought fouls and tried his best to get others sent off. Deeney calls him a catalyst for the team and says it was his best performance for City so far.
Gross’s Steady Hand
Pascal Gross gets the right midfield spot for Brighton. He scored and assisted, and Deeney praises the old head who steadies that ship. Brighton have a young team, and Gross provides stability.
Deeney notes that there is no Welbeck, no Milner, and Gross is in. He is even more important now, providing a steady hand. The veteran’s experience matters in a squad full of youth.
Gross’s performance was a standout. He created chances, scored and linked play effectively. Deeney’s pick recognises a player who has been a constant presence for Brighton.
Schade’s Second Goals
Kevin Schade gets the left forward spot for Brentford. He scored two goals again at Bournemouth, and Deeney feels he is the next one they’ll sell. The forward has pace, power, scores goals and works hard for the team.
Schade’s goals were decisive. He put Bournemouth behind the eight ball, and his work rate complemented his finishing. Deeney’s prediction about a sale is a warning to other clubs.
The pick is a recognition of a player who has been in form. Schade has been a threat throughout the campaign, and his brace at Bournemouth was a statement. Deeney’s view on a potential sale adds colour to the selection.
Belloumi’s Championship Leap
Mohamed Belloumi gets the right forward spot for Hull City. He was decent in the Championship but has really taken to the Premier League. Deeney says he looks like he’s stepped up and thought he’ll have a bit of this.
Two goals away at Chelsea is huge, and Hull probably felt they should have won. The performance was a statement of intent, and Deeney’s pick rewards a player who has adapted well.
Calvert-Lewin’s Steady Away
Dominic Calvert-Lewin gets the centre-forward spot for Leeds United. Deeney describes him as “steady away, isn’t he?” He goes about his business, got one goal against Newcastle and should have had two.
Calvert-Lewin is excellent as a forward, and Leeds have done something to keep him fit. He has changed the mentality for sticking in there, and maybe it’s the Elland Road factor. They won’t allow for anyone to not give 100%.
The pick is a recognition of a player who has been consistent. Calvert-Lewin has been a threat throughout the campaign, and his goal against Newcastle was a reminder of his quality. Deeney’s view on the Elland Road factor adds context to the selection.
Maresca’s Tactical Call
Enzo Maresca gets an honourable mention for Mikel Arteta. Deeney says they could have had Daniel Farke, but they’ll give it to Maresca. He’s not his biggest fan, but tactically he got it right at Old Trafford.
Arteta understood the moment and gave his team the best platform to do what they needed to win. He made a brave call in bringing Cherki off for Ndiaye. Deeney’s pick rewards a manager who made the right decision.
Arteta’s performance was a tactical masterclass. He managed the game well, and his substitution was a sign of his intelligence. Deeney’s view on the brave call is a recognition of a manager who knows when to act.
The Team of the Week
Deeney’s team of the week is a reflection of his view of the league. He picks players who impressed him, and his selections reward performances that stood out. The goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards all contributed to their teams in different ways.
The team of the week is a subjective measure. Deeney’s picks reflect his opinion, and readers are encouraged to agree or disagree. The comments section is open for debate, and Deeney invites fans to share their own selections.
The team of the week is a snapshot of a week in the league. It captures the performances that stood out, and it provides a talking point for fans. Deeney’s picks are a starting point for discussion, and the comments section is where the conversation continues.
The selections break down as follows:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)
- Daniel Munoz (Nottingham Forest)
- Ezri Konsa (Arsenal)
- Lewis Dunk (Brighton)
- Tarik Muharemovic (Leeds United)
- Leif Davis (Ipswich Town)
- Enzo Fernandez (Manchester City)
- Pascal Gross (Brighton)
- Kevin Schade (Brentford)
- Mohamed Belloumi (Hull City)
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United)
- Enzo Maresca (Manchester City) — honourable mention
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