The FotMob Team of the Week is heavily geared towards players turning out for Southern clubs, with a combined eight players making the XI turning out for teams in the South. Who joins them though and why?
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: André Onana
Perhaps surprisingly, only one goalkeeper (David Raya) has kept more clean sheets than André Onana this season. The Manchester United shot stopper kept his eighth of the season in the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The Toffees kept the 27-year-old busy with Onana forced into making six saves at Old Trafford, four of which were from efforts inside the penalty area. His exploits between the sticks earned him a FotMob rating of 8.6.
Right-Back: Ben White
White was the difference maker for Arsenal as they claimed a 2-1 win over Brentford to move into top spot in the Premier League.
The full-back assisted both goals and finished the game having completed more passes (63) than any other player. He showcased just how important he was to the way Arsenal look to build and sustain attacks. The England international has been invaluable over recent weeks.
Centre-Back: Cristian Romero
Romero put in an almost faultless performance for Spurs in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon. The divisive centre-back was dominant on the ball, completing 93% of the 90 passes he attempted. He also won all of his tackles and ground duels to round off an imperious display.
Centre-Back: Virgil Van Dijk
Few players manage it but then I guess there are few players in world football who are at Virgil Van Dijk’s level. The Liverpool skipper bossed Erling Haaland as the Reds claimed a 1-1 draw with Manchester City. No player with a minimum of 45 minutes could better his pass success rate of 97%, while he also won three of his four tackles and came out on top in five of his eight duels at Anfield in what was a fairly dominant showing.
Left-Back: Destiny Udogie
Udogie is another Tottenham defender who didn’t put a foot wrong in the dominant win over Aston Villa. The young full-back completed 98% of his passes, attempted four dribbles, recovered the ball on 11 occasions and involved himself in 12 duels at Villa Park as he racked up an 8.2 rating.
Midfield: Dango Ouattara
Ouattara was brought on at half time in Bournemouth’s draw with Sheffield United. He completed transformed the outcome of the game for the Cherries.
The 22-year-old halved the deficit in the 74th minute before setting up fellow substitute Enes Unal for a stoppage time equaliser.
The versatile forward was on the pitch for just 45 minutes but had a total of five shots and created three opportunities for teammates in what was the definition of a super sub appearance.
Midfield: Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes was at his brilliant best for Manchester United against Everton. The skipper scored the opener, converting from the spot, and was a creative menace for the Red Devils. The 29-year-old carved out five chances for teammates and completed 85% of his passes, showcasing his ability to set the tempo and dictate the play when required.
Midfield: Cole Palmer
Palmer chipped in with yet another goal and assist as Chelsea claimed a 3-2 win over Newcastle United on Monday evening. The Manchester City academy graduate assisted the opener for Mauricio Pochettino’s men before adding the second. It was one of the three chances he created at Stamford Bridge on his way to an 8.8 rating. The 21-year-old also attempted four dribbles, won 67% of his tackles and involved himself in 10 duels.
Attack: Heung-Min Son
The skipper just continues to impress for Spurs. Son, once again, scored against Aston Villa but this time he also added two assists in what turned out to be a fairly straightforward win for Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Son had a total of two shots in the 4-0 win and created two big chances for Spurs. He’s now on 14 goals and eight assists for the campaign.
Attack: Jean-Philippe Mateta
The 26-year-old impressed for Crystal Palace in the 1-1 draw with Luton Town. The striker scored after just 11 minutes and finished the game with a rating of 8.1 after creating two chances to go alongside his goal. He had a total of four shots and finished the game with an Expected Goals haul of 1.11. Mateta was also responsible for two of the six big chances the Eagles created.
Attack: Nicolas Jackson
The 22-year-old was quietly effective against Newcastle. Jackson scored the opener for Chelsea and was replaced after 89 minutes having landed 100% of his efforts on target. He also won two of his three tackles and 50% of the 18 duels he was involved in. The centre-forward also managed to carve out a chance for a teammate to round off an impressive showing.
(Images from IMAGO)
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