Goalkeeper- David De Gea, the United stopper had a brilliant game against Everton on Monday night although his side eventually lost he can be proud of his individual performance. Last season he had a nightmare start to his career at Manchester United poor performance and mistakes that lead to goals meant he lost his place as number 1 in goal for the Red Devils. The first game of the new season has shown what a remarkable amount of growing the keeper has done in the past year, he was renowned for being weak at commanding his area however against Everton he came to clear every ball into his box and took a clattering for Marouane Fellaini showing he’s not afraid to take a bruise for the good of the team. He rightly deserves his position in my team of the week his incredible reflex saves and his commanding of the area showed what a top goalkeeper he can become.
Left Back- Neil Taylor, the Swansea City left back like the rest of his team had a brilliant game against QPR to carry on his solid performances for Team GB in the Olympics. He was solid in defence when the rarity of a QPR attack formed down the left hand side against the gifted Adel Taarabt. Taylor is a very attack minded full back and will get forward at any occasion he gets and did this against QPR and with the pace at his disposal he has the legs and the footwork to beat his man and deliver either a cross or a shot at goal himself. Michael Laudraup will be fully pleased that his Swansea side started as well as they did especially after the move of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool. Neil Taylor overall put in a solid performance and will hope he keep up the consistency throughout the season.
Centre Back- Phil Jagielka, one word for his performance against Manchester United, Sensational. The Everton centre back was just outstanding it was a struggle not to name the whole Everton line up as the team of the week down to a memorable win against Manchester United in which all 11 players were effective, efficient and superb. Jagielka had a brilliant game on international duty for England getting on the score sheet in the process, he showed the same brilliant form for Everton although not scoring his defensive work alongside Sylvain Distin was exceptional and limited United to only a few openings and even then he recovered well to make last ditch tackles. There was a moment when the ball fell kindly to Kagawa who set up Cleverly for what looked like a certain goal only to find Jagielka covering and clearing off the line which rounded up a fantastic display for the centre back.
Centre Back- Sylvain Distin, Distin partnered with Jagielka was impressive to say the least and fully deserves his place on team of the week alongside Jagielka. He was a towering presence every cross, corner or free kick that was delivered into the box from Manchester United was dealt with by the French defender. He also used his remarkable speed for a centre back of his size easily keeping up with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Nani, this allowed him to stop the pinpoint passes being supplied by Kagawa and Scholes to the forwards. His commitment to the cause was proved as the final whistle went Distin was lay flat out with a back injury after landing awkwardly when clearing the ball up field with a defensive header summing up his performance in general a battling display to stop Manchester United from finding the back of the net.
Right Back- Branislav Ivanovic, the Chelsea right back put in a trademark performance defensively solid but also when asked to can become a great attacking outlet. The Serbian kept a clean sheet along with his Chelsea team mates and to round of a solid performance bagged himself a goal after a surging run forward and after being picked out by Eden Hazard finished with composure and quality. The fullback can be played as a centre back but the partnership of both David Luiz and Terry kept him out of that position but Ivanovic was right at home against Wigan at right back shutting out almost every attack Wigan threw at him. Ivanovic deserves his place in the team of the week after a performance that saw him get on the team sheet.
Right Midfield- Nathan Dyer, last season he was one of Swansea's best players, the winger is an abundance of energy and with his electric pace can leave a defender flat footed and helpless. Dyer put in a vintage display against QPR, the defence couldn’t deal with him playing on the right in a 4-3-3 formation that Brendan Rodgers enrolled him in before his departure. Dyer also managed to score a brace showing quality finishing that a striker would be proud of. Nathan Dyer had a terrific game and showed what a top quality player he is. Dyer was my only choice for the right midfield on team of the week his performance wasn’t matched by anyone else and the goals were an added bonus.
Centre Midfield- Marouane Fellaini, the Belgians performance against Manchester United was arguably his best in an Everton shirt. Fellaini was unplayable his dominance in the air against Carrick and Vidic meant every time a ball was played long to Fellaini he would nod it on to a Everton player or take it on his chest with in amazing show of confidence and quality. The whole of Everton’s attacking out lay came from the giant midfielder he had several chances in the first half to open the scoring hitting the post form a narrow angle. The second half saw him continue his dominance and in the 57th minute from a corner Carrick was left helpless and Fellaini climbed above him to head home what eventually would become the winner. Fellani put in a brilliant performance for the Toffees and will likely attract interest from other cubs regarding a transfer.
Centre Midfield- Shinji Kagawa, one of the new arrivals at Manchester United and will be thoroughly delighted with his display on his debut. The Japanese starlet was brilliant and was one of the best performers throughout the game although the final score meant his team lost he can be proud of his own display. Kagawa drifted into space with ease allowing him time to pick out accurate passes he looked at ease with the midfield genius Paul Scholes alongside him as the game grew so did Kagawa's confidence. Shinji was probably Manchester United's best player and could easily become the signing of the season if he carries on the form he showed against Everton. Overall Kagawa fully deserves a team of the week place alongside the midfielder that meant defeat for Manchester United.
Left Midfield- Eden Hazard, the Belgian international came with a hefty price tag and would be looking to prove that he is worth every penny. The winger linked up brilliantly with Juan Mata with fancy little flicks and back heels that created openings for Chelsea to break through Wigan's defence. Eden Hazard played a part in both of Chelsea's goals showing he does have what it takes to become a fantastic player in the Premier League. The first goal and influence of Hazard came when he brilliantly turned the defender Ivan Ramis with is back to goal and threaded and inch perfect pass that set Ivanovic up for his goal. The second involvement for Eden Hazard came when Hazard’s quick feet and trickery left once again Ivan Ramis in a difficult situation and eventually tripped Hazard up in the box for a penalty. Frank Lampard stepped up and lashed the ball home. Hazard will be delighted with his start in the Premier league and will hope he can continue it.
Striker- Mladen Petric, signed by Fulham from Hamburg he made his debut against Norwich and will be delighted he could get on the score sheet in his first game. The Bosnian striker looked dangerous every time he received the ball, at 31 he is an experienced veteran and knows exactly where the goals are scoring 38 times in 93 appearances for Hamburg in the Bundesliga. The first goal for Petric came from a corner which he headed goal wards it was hacked out by a Norwich defender but it was adjudged to have crossed the line which turned out to be a correct decision. His second took a wicked deflection off Michael Tuner that left John Ruddy in goal helpless; the goal was eventually given as his, as the initial shot was on target. Mladen Petric looks set to become an effective striker in the Premier League for Fulham.
Striker- Carlos Tevez, the Manchester City forward starts a new season with a new look after returning from his rather controversial break last season Tevez had become overweight and didn’t look half the player he was capable of being. The new season now in full swing Tevez against Southampton looked his former self a lean, faster and a desire to play football for Manchester City in the Premier League. The striker was too quick and intelligent for the newly promoted sides defence before getting on the score sheet his neat turn into the box fooled the defender who felled the Argentine and gave away a penalty, strangely David Silva stepped up and his penalty was saved. Tevez eventually scored in the 40th minute a clever run and a perfect through ball from Nasri put Tevez one on one with the goalkeeper and he neatly finished at the near post. Tevez looks set for a great season revived and hopefully with the troubles behind him he can show what a world class player he is.
These are just my picks. What are yours leave a comment in the comment box below would love to hear your suggestions.
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