This is an extremely strong Team of the Week with some noticeable exclusions. It says a lot when Michael Olise, a player with two goals and a FotMob rating of 9.0, doesn’t make it into the Matchday 36 XI. Mohamed Salah misses out too despite his goal and assist for Liverpool in the win over Spurs. So who did make the FotMob Team of the Week and why?
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: Đorđe Petrović
The Chelsea shot-stopper wasn’t exactly exceptionally busy in their 5-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday but he did catch the eye enough to earn himself an 8.5 rating.
The 24-year-old made two saves and faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target total of 0.62. However, he completed 94% of his attempted passes and played a key part in helping the Blues play out from the back.
Right-Back: Daniel Muñoz
The 27-year-old wing-back put in quite the performance for Crystal Palace in their 4-0 win over Manchester United on Monday evening. Muñoz created the most chances (three) of any player and also finished the match with two assists. He completed all of his dribbles and involved himself in nine duels as the Eagles kept a clean sheet against the Red Devils.
Centre-Back: Thiago Silva
It gets said a lot but it bears repeating, you wouldn’t know Silva was 39. The Brazilian centre-back bossed things for Chelsea in the big win over the Hammers. The former PSG skipper completed 99% of his passes, created two chances and claimed his first assist of the season. He also won all of his tackles and ground duels. The veteran really did roll back the years on Sunday afternoon.
Centre-Back: Chris Richards
Richards is enjoying life as part of a three man defence for Crystal Palace. The 24-year-old finished with an assist against Manchester United but also completed 83% of his passes while winning 100% of his tackles, ground duels, and aerial duels at Selhurst Park. His 8.3 rating was well deserved.
Left-Back: Joško Gvardiol
The former RB Leipzig defender is now something of a regular in the FotMob Team of the Week. The versatile centre-back impressed again for Manchester City in their 5-1 win over Wolves on Saturday evening. Gvardiol won the most duels (nine) of any player, he also completed 87% of his passes, created two chances and won a penalty from left-back. The 22-year-old also completed 100% of his dribbles and won two of his three tackles at the Etihad. He was a bit of a monster for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Midfield: Harvey Elliott
Elliott was the star of the show for Liverpool in their 4-2 win over Spurs. The three points guaranteed a top three finish for the Reds. The young midfielder scored a worldie from the edge of the box and assisted Cody Gakpo’s goal. He carved out five chances, completed 100% of his dribbles and won 75% of his duels in a performance that earned him a FotMob rating of 9.2.
Midfield: Noni Madueke
It is not often a Chelsea attacker manages to outshine Cole Palmer but Madueke did just that against West Ham. The 22-year-old created the most chances of any player (six). He also scored a goal and finished with an assist in what was an eye-catching outing. The 22-year-old also attempted six dribbles, was accurate with 100% of his long passes and completed two of his three crosses at Stamford Bridge in what was a devastating final third showing.
Midfield: Callum Hudson-Odoi
Hudson-Odoi was the difference-maker for Nottingham Forest in what could turn out to be a critical three points. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side defeated Sheffield United on Saturday to open up a four point gap between themselves and the relegation zone. Forest had fallen behind to an early penalty but Hudson-Odoi levelled things up before adding his second and the away side’s third after the break. The 23-year-old finished with a 93% pass success rate and created three chances to go with his two goals.
Attack: Erling Haaland
Haaland made Manchester City’s 5-1 win over Wolves all about him. The prolific forward scored four goals in what was a clinical display. He also won a penalty, which he converted. The Premier League’s top goalscorer put on a finishing clinic, taking chances worth 2.11 Expected Goals and turning them into a Post-shot Expected Goals haul of 3.53. He’s now on 25 for the season in the English top-flight.
Attack: Nicolas Jackson
Jackson now has three goals and an assist in two games for Chelsea following his double against West Ham. The enigmatic forward also created four chances for the Blues and carved out an assist in what was an all-action display by the former Villarreal man. The 22-year-old also attempted six dribbles and won 60% of his duels on the day. The centre-forward is starting to look like the real deal.
Attack: Cody Gakpo
Gakpo caught the eye for Liverpool playing a hybrid role on the left of the attack. He scored and created two chances at Anfield. The Dutchman also won five of his eight duels, recovered the ball on three occasions and won 100% of his tackles to showcase his duality as a forward. He was influential both with and without the ball.
(Images from IMAGO)
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