Once again, we have a fairly varied FotMob Team of the Week with seven teams represented in the starting XI. Who made the cut though and why did their performance justify a place in the team?
By Sam McGuire
Goalkeeper: José Sá
Sá put in an impressive showing between the sticks for Wolves in their Boxing Day win over Manchester United. The 31-year-old shot-stopper made four saves and faced efforts with an xG on target value of 1.06. he played his part in Vítor Pereira‘s side keeping yet another clean sheet as they climbed out of the relegation zone.
Right-Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The West Ham right-back was brilliant during the 1-0 win over Southampton. He completed 81% of his passes, created three chances, one of which was a big chance, as well as completing the most dribbles (three) of anyone in the match. The former United full-back also won 100% of his tackles and 100% of his ground duels, but that is expected given he’s renown for his defensive dominance.
Centre-Back: Dean Huijsen
This feature could soon be renamed Huijsen and friends. The Bournemouth centre-back is once again included in the FotMob XI following yet another impressive performance for the Cherries, this time against Brentford.
He completed the most passes (71) and found a teammate with 93% of his attempts, the highest success rate of anyone on the pirch. He won the most tackles (five) and the most duels (11).
Centre-Back: Murillo
The Nottingham Forest centre-back played his part in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. It was a win that kept them in the top four of the Premier League. Murillo made the most tackles (four), won six of his nine ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels at the Forest Ground. He also completed 100% of his dribbles and made a total of 10 clearances.
Left-Back: Miles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal started their match against Ipswich Town with four senior left-back options on the bench. Mikel Arteta instead put his faith in 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly. And he was vindicated. The teenager earned an 8.1 rating and the Emirates, the joint highest of the match. He completed a remarkable 98% of his passes and created two chances. He also completed two of his three dribbles and won two of his three tackles as well as eight of his nine ground duels.
Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister
The Liverpool midfielder claimed two assists as the league leaders came from behind to beat Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day. He also completed 90% of his passes on the night and involved himself in 17 duels in what was a fairly dominant showing, with and without the ball.
Midfield: Joelinton
A goal, an assist and a yellow card for Joelinton. He was at his brilliant best against Aston Villa as Newcastle romped to a 3-0 victory to move into fifth place in the Premier League. The Brazilian completed 94% of his passes and had five shots. He made five recoveries and two interceptions, and won 75% of his aerial duels.
Attack: Mohamed Salah
Salah’s appearance in the FotMob Team of the Week is becoming a bit of a regular occurrence, isn’t it? The Premier League’s leading scorer added to his tally against Leicester City to take his haul to 16 for the campaign. He also created two chances at Anfield and completed two of his three attempted dribbles.
Attack: Matheus Cunha
This is shaping up to be Cunha’s best ever season as a professional footballer. His goal against Manchester United, straight from a corner, was his 10th of the season. At the rate he’s going at, he’ll soon eclipse the 14 he finished last season with. He also claimed an assist against the Red Devils while completing the most dribbles (four) and winning the most fouls (five) in yet another eye-catching performance.
Attack: Cody Gakpo
Gakpo had big boots to fill having replaced Luis Díaz after his impressive showing against Spurs. The Dutchman delivered. The 25-year-old scored and had another ruled out. He also assisted the Salah goal, created two chances and found a teammate with 92% of his attempted passes. The left-winger completed 100% of his dribbles and was a nuisance for the Foxes throughout.
Attack: Alexander Isak
Another match, another goal for Isak. He’s now scored nine in his last five Premier League outings for Newcastle following his strike against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. It was an all-round impressive showing from the Swede as he had four shots and created four chances at St James’ Park. He also attempted five dribbles on a day he put on a clinic for a modern day centre forward.
(Images from IMAGO)
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