Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team and Manager of the Week Selections

BBC football pundit Troy Deeney presents his selections for the Premier League Team and Manager of the Week following each round of matches this season. The following are his choices for the current week. Readers are invited to share their opinions using the comments section. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) was chosen as the sole goalkeeper to achieve a clean sheet during this week’s matches. Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion) scored an impressive goal against Leicester. Deeney described him as “a really strange player,” noting his visible “potential and ability” but expressing a constant hope for him to “stays fit.” Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) delivered a solid performance in a 1-0 victory against Southampton. Deeney believes Konsa “is becoming the mainstay in that Villa defence that keeps changing.” Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) was noted for his potential as a strong player, having “really started to impose himself” over the last “three or four weeks” and demonstrating a better grasp of the Premier League and his role. He scored a notable set-piece header against Manchester City. Antonee Robinson (Fulham) was deemed excellent in the match against Arsenal, particularly when playing against Bukayo Saka, with Deeney stating he “was really impressed by him.” Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) was acknowledged for his performance this weekend, providing two assists and being “excellent in midfield against Manchester City.” Deeney mentioned he had “been waiting for my mate Hughesy all season. Big Casper.” Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) has begun to demonstrate his value, justifying his £100m transfer fee over the “past two, three or four weeks.” He scored against Spurs, and Deeney observed that his “all-round play is just miles better,” noting his involvement, his willingness to do “the ugly stuff,” and his display of “those shoots of quality.” Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) consistently exhibits “quality and self belief,” most recently with a goal and an assist against Newcastle. Deeney expressed interest in Mbeumo’s future, speculating that “If he stays at Brentford he will get marked out of the game but if he moves on, how good could this guy be?” Cole Palmer (Chelsea), referred to as “Mr Cool himself,” was selected despite scoring two penalties in the victory against Spurs, with Deeney stating this pick was “nothing to do with them.” Deeney described Palmer as “just better than everybody,” appearing to play “in a school playground” due to his “freedom and level of quality that has been unmatched this season.” His attitude was quoted as: “‘Don’t worry about the formation or tactics, just give me the ball and get out of my way’.” Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), the team captain, scored another significant goal, securing the winner at home against Wolves. Deeney noted that Bowen “keeps turning up in the big games.” Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), described as “the governor” and “the oldest man in the game,” continues to perform, having initiated Leicester’s late comeback against Brighton with a goal and an assist to secure a point. Deeney observed that Vardy “is showing no signs of letting up” and appears to be “getting better and better” under Ruud van Nistelrooy. Julen Lopetegui (West Ham) was selected as manager, with Deeney admitting he “nearly didn’t give it to him.” Despite the expectation for West Ham to defeat teams like Wolves, Deeney acknowledged the “lot of pressure on Lopetegui” and considered the win “massive,” potentially securing his position “for the next few weeks.” Readers are invited to express their agreement or disagreement with Troy Deeney’s selections and to share their own Team of the Week choices via the comments form.