In this new weekly feature, we’re going to be taking a look at the Premier League Team of the Week based on our very own FotMob ratings. For continuity, it will always be a 4-3-3 system and we may, at times, get a little creative with positions. But here’s the TOTW for week one of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
The Fulham shot-stopper single-handedly kept his team in the game against Everton and, in the end, Marco Silva’s men netted what was an undeserved winner to kick off their season with a win away at Goodison Park. Leno made nine saves and these efforts had an Expected Goals on Target total of 3.31. It will go down as one of the goalkeeping performances of the season and we’re only in week one.
Right-back: Emerson Royal
To the disappointment of many Fantasy Football players, Pedro Porro was benched for Tottenham’s trip to Brentford. Ange Postecoglou opted to use Emerson Royal in a new inverted full-back position and it paid off. The 24-year-old was heavily involved and only Yves Bissouma (116) attempted more passes for Spurs on the day (106). The Spurs No12 found a teammate 91% of the time and scored an unlikely equaliser to cap off a standout showing.
Centre-back: Axel Disasi
As far as debuts go, Disasi had a pretty good one for Chelsea. The summer signing started as one of the three centre-backs for Mauricio Pochettino’s men and he immediately made himself at home. The former Monaco man was heavily involved, attempting 97 passes, while also winning 100% of his ground and aerial duels. The 25-year-old also scored the equaliser to really endear himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Centre-back: Joachim Andersen
The 27-year-old put in a monstrous performance for Crystal Palace as they claimed a 1-0 win over Sheffield United. Andersen completed 93% of the 84 passes he attempted, he completed 100% of his dribbles and found a teammate with 10 of the 12 long passes he tried. The Palace No16 made five headed clearances, won 80% of his headed duels and 75% of his ground duels as he played a significant role in Roy Hodgson’s men keeping a clean sheet.
Left-back: Pervis Estupinan
Brighton’s left-back was a real attacking menace against Luton. The 25-year-old ran riot down the left flank and chipped in with an assist having created six chances in the 4-1 win. He also landed 100% of his efforts on target and completed all of his attempted dribbles. The Ecudoar international also won 100% of his tackles and recovered the ball on six occasions to round out an impressive overall showing.
Centre-midfield: Pascal Gross
Estupinan’s teammate, Pascal Gross also makes the cut. The versatile German was used in midfield following the sale of Alexis Mac Allister and the absence of Moises Caicedo. He created six chances and completed 90% of his passes on the day. The 32-year-old also won 80% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels in what was a fairly dominant performance in the middle of the park.
Centre-midfield: James Maddison
There was a lot of pressure on Maddison. Following the sale of Harry Kane, he was given the No10 jersey and Postecoglou trusted him to be the creative hub for his new-look Spurs side. He certainly responded, creating six chances and finishing the game with two assists. Maddison worked the goalkeeper twice and finished with a pass success rate of 89% while also involving himself in 11 duels. It was an eye-catching debut from the new Tottenham talisman.
Centre-midfield: Rodri
The 27-year-old just seems to be improving with every game. Against Burnley, the midfielder assisted and scored. He attempted 110 passes and completed 97%, while also finishing the game with four shots on the Burnley goal. Rodri won six of his nine duels and recovered the ball on eight occasions in what is quickly becoming a standard performance for the Spain international.
Centre-Forward: Erling Haaland
What can you say about Haaland? He is just utterly ruthless, isn’t he? The City No9 had four shots, scored twice and created two chances in the 3-0 win over Burnley. He attempted just 11 passes and managed to touch the ball on 22 occasions but he made his time on the ball count. It was quintessential Haaland.
Centre-Forward: Alexander Isak
Isak went a little under the radar last season because of his injury and the form of Callum Wilson, but he was a serious goal threat for Newcastle United and he showcased that again in the 5-1 win over Aston Villa. On another day, he finishes with a hat-trick but he will just have to be content with the double he scored. If the 23-year-old stays injury free, he might be a rival to Haaland for the Golden Boot.
Centre-Forward: Odsonne Edouard
The former Celtic man scored what turned out to be the winner for Crystal Palace against Sheffield United and you have to say it was deserved. The 25-year-old had seven shots on the day and created two chances. He finished with an expected Goals on Target total of 1.31. Edouard also completed two of his three attempted dribbles and won 11 of his 18 duels.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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