Team of the week
BBC sport analyst Troy Deeney has announced his Premier League team of the week, highlighting standout performances from across the league after the latest round of fixtures.
The former Watford striker turned pundit selected a mix of defenders, midfielders and attackers who, in his view, delivered the most impactful displays on the pitch. Among the names he praised were Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, Bournemouth’s versatile winger Rayan and Tottenham’s emerging forward Mathys Tel. Deeney’s picks also featured a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising talents, reflecting the unpredictable nature of this season’s competition.
Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki earned the nod for his “big‑game” composure, the former Aston Villa player making crucial saves and sparking counter‑attacks despite conceding to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. “He couldn’t do anything about Haaland’s goal, but he was very, very good. He was excellent,” Deeney said, underscoring the keeper’s influence in keeping Villa in the contest.
Defensive solidity was another theme in Deeney’s choices. He chose Bournemouth’s James Hill and Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa, describing them as “absolutely solid” and “proper defenders who defend.” While Konsa added a goal to his résumé, Hill was lauded for his tackling celebrations, a habit that epitomises his commitment on the back line.
In the full‑back department, Aston Villa’s Matty Cash received high praise for a captain‑like performance against Manchester City. Deeney noted that Cash neutralised Jeremy Doku’s threat and, after an early setback, helped Villa regain momentum, calling the display “exceptional” and a perfect example of what the club stands for.
Mid‑field selections saw Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert and Marcus Tavernier featured for their dual contributions in attack and defence. Deeney highlighted Truffert’s role in the Cherries’ attacking intent and his defensive work rate, while Tavernier was credited for his goal‑scoring streak that helped Bournemouth turn a “maybe” season into a “unbelievable” run, including victories over Sunderland, AC Milan and Manchester United.
On the wing, Deeney placed Rayan, also from Bournemouth, on the right side, applauding his pace, power and a goal against Manchester United. “He could have had a hat‑trick on another day,” the pundit remarked, acknowledging the striker’s threat in the final third.
Fulham’s Shea Charles was another surprise inclusion, chosen for his control and spark in a side that Deeney described as “pretty weak” but improving after a clean‑sheet win at Coventry. Charles, a recent Southampton signing, has apparently helped lift Fulham’s performances, according to the analyst.
The attacking line‑up featured Nicolas Jackson of Aston Villa, who netted a brace against Manchester City, bringing his season tally to seven goals, four in the Premier League. Deeney called Jackson “really strong” and said his form merited a place in the weekly best‑eleven.
Mathys Tel, the young Tottenham forward, earned recognition for a “real difficult start” to his career that finally showed promise against Chelsea. Deeney highlighted Tel’s pace, power and hard work, capped by an “unbelievable” goal that cemented his spot.
Lastly, Deeney selected Marco Rose as Bournemouth’s manager of the week, praising his composure after three big wins in eight days. The former German coach, Deeney noted, has steadied the Cherries after a shaky start under Andoni Iraola, bringing calm and consistency to the side.
Fans are invited to voice their agreement or dissent with Deeney’s selections via the comments section, a reminder that the conversation around weekly performances remains lively across the Premier League community. As the season progresses, the pundit’s picks will continue to reflect the ebb and flow of form, injuries and tactical shifts, offering a snapshot of which players have captured the spotlight in recent matches.
The next round of fixtures promises further opportunities for players to break into Troy Deeney’s team of the week, with clubs across the league eager to see their representatives earn the weekly accolade.
