The Matchday 25 FotMob Team of the Week is dominated by Brighton players after their 5-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday. But who joins the four players from the Seagulls in the XI and why?
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher
Another start for Kelleher between the sticks for Liverpool and another impressive showing in the absence of Alisson Becker. The Brazilian was ruled out last-minute with a hamstring issue and the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international was drafted into Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI. He was unfortunate to concede a goal in the 4-1 win over Brentford, pulling off a remarkable save before Ivan Toney scored the rebound. It was one of five saves he made on the day.
Right-Back: Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto had quite the task on Saturday evening as Chelsea took on Manchester City. The right-back was up against Jérémy Doku. He didn’t just do a job against the Belgian winger, he controlled that flank admirably well. Gusto was composed in possession, finding a teammate 86% of the time, while also carving out two chances. However, it was defensively that he really caught the eye. The former Lyon youngster attempted eight tackles and made seven ball recoveries. He was involved in 14 duels and was dribbled past on just one occasion.
Centre-Back: Paul van Hecke
The Brighton centre-back bossed things for Roberto De Zerbi’s side in the 5-0 win over Sheffield United. The 23-year-old attempted 143 passes and was successful with 96%. He also created three chances while being accurate with 100% of his long passes. The Dutchman won 100% of his tackles and involved himself in 13 duels to complete a commanding performance.
Centre-Back: Lewis Dunk
Dunk makes the FotMob Team of the Week alongside his centre-back partner. The Brighton skipper claimed an assist in the game while also completing 95% of his 164 attempted passes. The 32-year-old also created two chances, recovered the ball eight times and was successful in 100% of his aerial duels on his way to an 8.6 rating.
Left-Back: Andrew Robertson
Robertson was making just his second start following a long-term stint on the sidelines but you wouldn’t have known watching the game. Though he was fortunate not to give away a penalty, he was influential going forward. The 29-year-old finished the game with a pass success rate of 88% while also creating two chances for the Reds. He completed all his dribbles, won 75% of his tackles and 83% of his duels to round off a solid outing at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Midfield: Simon Adingra
Adingra returned to the Brighton XI following his African Cup of Nations success with Ivory Coast. He was clearly still riding the high of that, putting in an incredible performance for the Seagulls in the 5-0 win. The 22-year-old had six shots in total and scored two goals on his way to an 8.9 FotMob rating.
Midfield: Pascal Gross
Back in midfield, having also featured in the TOTW as a right-back and a left-back this season, Gross ran the show for Brighton. The 32-year-old claimed an assist but also carved out eight chances for teammates in the 5-0 victory against Sheffield United. He also completed 97% of the 119 passes he attempted while playing 11 passes into the final third. Gross was the creative hub for the Seagulls.
Midfield: João Gomes
Gomes was the unlikely match-winner for Wolves as they defeated Spurs 2-1. The Brazilian midfielder scored with his only two shots of the game. Defensively, he was at his combative best, attempting six tackles, five ball recoveries and 16 duels on his way to an 8.9 FotMob rating.
Attack: Bukayo Saka
Saka has found his groove over recent weeks. Following another double, this time in the 5-0 win over Burnley, the Arsenal forward has five goals in his last three appearances. The 22-year-old is due a hat-trick and would’ve likely netted one on Saturday had Mikel Arteta not replaced him with 20 minutes left to play. The explosive winger is hitting form at the ideal time for the Gunners in the title race.
Attack: Rasmus Højlund
Rasmus Højlund just cannot stop scoring. The Manchester United forward was the match-winner against Luton on Sunday, scoring twice in a 2-1 win. He showed great composure for his first goal to capitalise on a defensive mistake and then showed his poacher instincts by diverting Alejandro Garnacho’s effort goalwards just moments later for his second. It is the sixth successive game in which the 21-year-old has found the back of the net.
Attack: Ollie Watkins
After two games without a goal, Watkins rediscovered his goalscoring touch in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Fulham. It was a victory which lifted them back into the top four. Watkins had a total of five shots for the Villans and created one chance as Unai Emery’s side returned to winning ways. It was a quintessential Watkins performance against the Cottagers with the Villa No.11 barely involved but when he was, something would happen.
(Images from IMAGO)
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