SoccerClub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Ander Hererra shines for Manchester United writes Dean Workman.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK: Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
For the second time in two weeks, the Belgian shot-stopper has made the team of the week. The goalkeeper did not have an immense amount of work to do as Liverpool saw off West Brom, however he did have to pull off a number of crucial saves in order to ensure that Liverpool kept a clean sheet and walked away with three valuable points.
Right-back: Jesus Navas (Manchester City)
The Spanish winger has been converted by Pep Guardiola into a full back in recent weeks and he has fulfilled the role adequately to say the least. Navas’ pace allowed him to stifle any attacking threat down his flank against Southampton ensuring that Manchester City kept a clean sheet, something they have been unable to do regularly all season.
Centre-back: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
The Manchester City captain has endured an injury-plagued season which has left City without their leader and centre back for majority season. This weekend however, Kompany made a sensational return to the City starting line-up and showed his worth in gold by putting in a masterful display in defence in addition to getting onto the scoresheet with a powerful trademark header.
Centre-back: Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Nobody could have anticipated that Phil Jagielka of all people would embark on a three-match consecutive scoring streak for Everton. This rich vein of form has seen the Englishman make the team of the week for an impressive third week running, as his goal and impressive defensive display led his team to a 3-1 victory over Burnley.
Left-back: Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
The Argentine defender endured a physical battle against Diego Costa this weekend and came out on top. Indicative of Rojo’s dominance is the cleansheet United managed to maintain against Chelsea in addition to the log-leaders failing to register a single shot on target all game for the first time since 2007. Although Rojo played at centre back this weekend, his performance warranted a place in the team of the week even if it does require him to slot in at left back which he is more than capable of doing.
Right-midfield: Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City)
The former Bayern Munich midfielder has not managed to feature regularly for Stoke this season and that has been largely due to injuries. This weekend, he was back in the team after recovering from his injury and he was the standout performer for Stoke as they beat Hull 3-1. Shaqiri provided the assist for Marko Arnautovic’s opener and then wrapped up the game late on with a goal of his own.
Centre-midfield: Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
The Spaniard was arguably the standout player of the week as he ran the show for Manchester United in their 2-0 win over Chelsea. Not only did Herrera provide a perfectly weighted through ball to Marcus Rashford to open the scoring, he grabbed a goal himself just after the break as his shot was deflected in. Albeit impressive, Herrea’s goal and assist was not what caught the eye, he displayed a masterful performance as he managed to man-mark dangerman, Eden Hazard out of the game all while controlling the midfield through quick and decisive passing.
Centre-midfield: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The former Chelsea man was a star performer for City this past weekend. The Belgium international was at his mercurial best as he ran the game for City and seemed to be at the source of all the creativity going forward. De Bruyne provided the assists for City’s second and third goals which wrapped up the game for the Citizens.
Left-midfield: Heung-Min Son (Tottenham Hotspurs)
The former Bayer Leverkusen man continued his stellar form with yet another goal, earning himself a place in the team of the week as Son’s impressive form has now seen him score five goals in his last four games. Son was again a constant threat going forward and as he scored Spurs’s second goal with a well-taken finish in their 4-0 victory. If Spurs are going to push Chelsea all the way in the title-chase, Son will need to continue his scoring form.
Striker: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspurs)
The England international returned to the Spur starting line-up and put in a quality performance to help his side garner maximum points. Kane provided the assist for Son’s goal with a lovely back-heel flick, before getting on the scoresheet himself just before half-time. Kane will be hoping to continue his rich goalscoring form in a bid to chase down Chelsea and Romelu Lukaku at the top of the league and scoring charts respectively.
Striker: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Eyebrows were raised when Marcus Rashford was named up-front for United while Zlatan Ibrahimovic had to settle for a place on the bench. The youngster reminded everyone just how talented he is as proved a menace to the Chelsea defence with his pace and trickery. Rashford opened the scoring with a composed finish to help his side secure maximum points.
Photo: EPA/Nigel Roddis
