Premier League Team of the Week – Fernandes, Wharton, Nkunku | OneFootball

Our Premier League Team of the Week following the midweek action, featuring Nottingham Forest’s defensive wall and a Manchester United man leading by example.

Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken – Brentford

Came out on top in his duel with the in-form Beto. Three times Beto stared down the Brentford ‘keeper one-against-one and three times it was Flekken who came out on top. Brentford were the better team against Everton but Beto’s pace on the counter was a constant threat. Fortunately for the Bees, Flekken was in top form.

Right-back: Jaden Philogene – Ipswich Town

An excellent outing in a losing effort from Ipswich. Philogene was the right-sided wing-back for the Tractor Boys at Manchester United and certainly made his presence felt. The January signing opened the scoring inside four minutes after a defensive mix-up and added a second when his cross evaded everyone to find the far corner. Additionally, he won six ground duels, 100% of his tackles (3/3) and completed 94% of his passes.

Centre-back: Nikola Milenkovic – Nottingham Forest

A wall alongside Murillo at centre-back. Every half-decent ball into the box from Arsenal seemed to be met by the Serbian, who racked up six clearances and won 100% of his duels in the air (3/3). A commanding presence, his partnership with Murillo is one of the finest in the Premier League. It’s been the bedrock of Forest’s surprise top-four challenge.

Centre-back: Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton

Everton’s most assured performer as the Toffees weathered a storm at Brentford. Branthwaite made seven clearances, read the game well, and completed 100% of his passes in West London. The 22-year-old continues to grow in stature.

Left-back: Ryan Sessegnon – Fulham

A moment the Fulham fans have waited for all season. Ryan Sessegnon scored his first Fulham goal in six years after returning to his boyhood club in the summer. Handed a rare chance to impress from the start, he took just 59 seconds to fire home with a crisp finish into the far corner. Full of threat all game from wing-back.

Midfield: Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace

Aston Villa couldn’t get near him. On his first start since October, Wharton ran the game as Palace thrashed their visitors at Selhurst Park. He had a key role in the first three goals and offered ease in possession at the base of the midfield. The intelligence of his positioning and passing at just 21 is remarkable.

Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool

Arne Slot’s Duracell Bunny has lifted Liverpool at a crucial time in the season. Szoboszlai was everywhere against Newcastle and popped up with his fourth goal in eight games to open the scoring. He regained possession over and over again and drove the Reds onwards in the final third.

Midfield: Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United

Left it all out there, which can’t be said of every Manchester United player this season. Fernandes ran himself into the ground as United survived falling behind and an early red card to beat Ipswich at Old Trafford.

As at Everton last weekend, his quality got the Red Devils back into the game. Two set pieces turned the game around, before another assisted Harry Maguire’s winner. Fernandes is a divisive footballer but Ruben Amorim will be grateful to have him in the side. United would be a lot worse off without him.

Forward: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

Even when he fails to score, Mohamed Salah is still brilliant.

The Egyptian is playing with the belief that he’s the league’s best right now. His playmaking was superb, including a 17th assist of the campaign and some exquisite outside-of-the-boot balls into dangerous areas. Salah is unafraid to try difficult things, a sign of his sky-high confidence.

Forward: Ismaila Sarr – Crystal Palace

The birthday boy had a night to celebrate as Palace continued their fine form with a 4-1 win over Aston Villa. Sarr smashed in the opener from close range and was a threat all evening, adding a second with a fabulous finish on the volley. The 27-year-old has grown into his role in Oliver Glasner’s side.

Forward: Christopher Nkunku – Chelsea

Nkunku has cut a frustrated figure at Chelsea this season but is keen to make up for lost time. The Frenchman stooped bravely to nod in the opener against Southampton, before turning provided with a pass into Pedro Neto before half-time.

He’s not had the minutes he wants this season but has impacted games whenever called upon. He’ll hope this showing is the start of a run in the Premier League.

Read – The biggest winning points margins in Premier League history

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