Troy Deeney team of the week — Troy Deeney has named his Premier League team of the week, with Bart Verbruggen, Archie Gray and Declan Rice among the selections. The BBC Sport pundit picked a goalkeeper, four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards, and chose Frank Lampard as his manager of the week. Deeney also gave an honorable mention to Mikel Arteta.
Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
Deeney described Verbruggen as unreal and an impenetrable wall after the Brighton goalkeeper made many saves. One of those stops came with his face, a last-ditch intervention that kept the ball out. Deeney said Brighton could have lost by two or three goals without Verbruggen’s performance.
Defenders: Archie Gray, Ezri Konsa, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jurrien Timber
Deeney selected a fully north London back four. Gray scored and defended well for Tottenham, and Deeney said the player deserved credit now that Spurs are improving. Gray had faced pressure and criticism during Tottenham’s poor form.
Konsa defended aggressively for Arsenal, and Deeney called him a beast.
Van Hecke scored for Tottenham, and Deeney said he is growing into his Spurs role. Deeney still considers Van Hecke overpriced, though he noted the defender has scored a few goals this season. Micky van de Ven’s pace allows Van Hecke to play aggressively, according to Deeney.
Timber pulled Alexander Isak’s shirt without a referee or VAR review. Deeney said he was surprised VAR did not review the incident, but added that Timber recovered and defended well at full-back.
Midfielders: Romeo Lavia, Declan Rice, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Johan Manzambi
Lavia was excellent for Chelsea, breaking up play and keeping the ball moving. He also provided an assist. Chelsea struggled for 60 minutes before Manchester United’s red card, and Deeney said Lavia was Chelsea’s only constant.
Rice delivered a captain’s performance for Arsenal, contributing across the pitch and getting an assist. Deeney called it a proper captain’s display.
Sakamoto works hard and is humble, and he performed in a big game for Coventry on Saturday. Deeney said Sakamoto goes unnoticed.
Manzambi provided another assist for Aston Villa. The 21-year-old is confident and taking over the Villa team, according to Deeney. Manzambi was substituted with the Barcelona Champions League game in mind, and Fulham could not stop him before his substitution. Deeney said Manzambi is flying and confident.
Forwards: Ollie McBurnie, Taiwo Awoniyi
McBurnie contributed graft, scrappiness, goals and assists for Hull. Deeney said McBurnie epitomises Hull, a team that is often overlooked but shows spirit.
Awoniyi scored an unbelievable solo goal for Coventry. Deeney is pleased to see Awoniyi back playing and said the forward is key to Coventry staying up.
Manager of the Week: Frank Lampard
Lampard managed Coventry to a win over Sunderland. Deeney called the match a six-pointer and said Coventry were front-footed and aggressive against Sunderland. He added that Lampard has been really good.
Honorable Mention: Mikel Arteta
Deeney gave a massive nod to Arteta for Arsenal’s win at Liverpool.
Have Your Say
Readers are invited to comment on Deeney’s selections and share their own views on the latest Premier League round.
