SoccerMag’s Premier League team of the week

The return of the English Premier League was filled with surprises, upsets and goals.  Gameweek 1 saw Manchester City crush Burnley’s return to the top flight while Newcastle made a statement against Aston Villa.  Take a look at SoccerMag’s best 11 performers from Game week1 of the Premier League.

We used buildlineup.com to put our team onto paper, but our selections are explained below.
Goalkeeper:
Bernd Leno – Fulham 
Bernd Leno kicked off season with an important performance, keeping a clean sheet in Fulham’s opener against Everton.  Everton were dominant for long periods in the game but the Cottagers managed to come away 1-0 winners thanks to Leno’s heroics.

Defenders: 
Pervis Estupinan – Brighton 

Pervis Estupinan began the season where he left off as Brighton dominated Luton Town at the Amex Arena.  The Ecuadorian’s work rate down the left hand side was immense, creating six chances, providing seven crosses and was eventually rewarded with an assist to Evan Ferguson in extra time.

Lewis Dunk – Brighton 
The second Brighton player in our selection, Lewis Dunk has become arguably the most influential player for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.  His ability with the ball is amongst the best in the Premier League with the captain completing 93.2% of his passes.

Axel Disasi – Chelsea 

Axel Disasi had a Premier League debut to remember, both for his defensive performance and his equalizer in the first half.  Disasi was dominant on Chelsea’s right-flank, not giving Liverpool’s Luis Diaz much to work with.  The Frenchman was solid in possession and if he stays fit will have a very impressive season.

Midfielders: 
Rodri – Manchester City
Rodri is now comfortably the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League.  His performance against Burnley was near perfect, cleaning up any opportunity Burnley had on the counter while also providing meaningful contributions in attack with a goal and an assist.  If the Spaniard continues to play at this level he will soon be recognized as the best in the world in his position.

Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United
For a player that does not want to be there, Sandro Tonali appears to be having an amazing time.  Tonali had a dream debut in front of his home fans, scoring Newcastle’s opener.  His work-rate and attitude can only be complimented with his non-stop running on both sides of the pitch decisive in the Magpies dominance over Villa.

James Maddison – Tottenham Hotspur
The Third debutant in our lineup, James Maddison did not need Harry Kane to make an impact.  His creative ability is up there with the best in the Premier League and his two assists for both of Spurs goals were proof of his talent.  It is going to be a long season for Tottenham without their record scorer but if Maddison stays fit, he will be a welcome distraction for Daniel Levy and the Spurs faithful.

Forwards:
Yoane Wissa – Brentford 
In star striker Ivan Toney’s absence Yoane Wissa has stepped up, becoming one of Brentford’s biggest assets. The 26-year-old was on fire against Tottenham, with his first half goal putting the Bees into the lead after going a goal down early on.  Wissa’s work rate up top alongside Bryan Mbeumo should be giving every Premier League defender sleepless nights.

Alexander Isak – Newcastle United 

Alexander Isak is going to score plenty of goals this season and his brace in Newcastle’s 5-1 win over Aston Villa is just the beginning.  The Swedish international looks motivated to beat his tally of 12 goal contributions from last season and if he can maintain his performance levels, there is no reason why the 23-yeard-old cannot double his output this campaign.

Bukayo Saka – Arsenal 

Bukayo Saka, the Gunners starboy was Mikel Arteta’s most threatening player against Nottingham Forrest.  Arsenal’s right hand side is arguably the best in the Premier League, with Saka a huge contributor.  His goal from outside the box was sensational, the Forrest players could only watch in awe as his shot hit the top left corner. If Arsenal are to challenge for the title once again, Saka will be the key.

Erling Haaland – Manchester City
 Erling Haaland’s inclusion this week needs little explanation.  The Norwegian’s brace against Burnley was all opposition fans needed as a reminder City will most likely win the title once again.  Haaland is inevitable, the amount of touches he makes or chances he creates mean almost nothing when he scores so effortlessly.  The Golden Boot race may already be over.

Photo: Twitter @StatmanDave

Post by

Dylan Johnson