Here is our Premier League team of the week from the latest round of fixtures.
Jordan Pickford – Sunderland
Pickford was immense for Sunderland against Watford as he kept a clean sheet and ensured the Black Cats took all three points.
The 22-year-old has become a regular in the starting XI for David Moyes men and is growing with confidence each week, his displays have been so impressive it is only a matter of time before the big clubs come calling.
Aleksandar Kolarov – Manchester City
When the team-sheet was announced on Sunday afternoon, many football fans was surprised that Kolarov started over summer signing John Stones, but his performance warranted his starting spot and with a performance like that it will keep the Englishman out of the team for coming weeks.
The centre-half was solid at the back, keeping the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott very quiet throughout the game, as always the City man was excellent in possession and composed defensively.
Ragnar Klavan – Liverpool
Playing in his first Merseyside derby, Klavan had a truly phenomenal display dealing with Romelu Lukaku with ease and keeping Everton’s attacking players at bay.
The Liverpool man was physical, defensively sound and composed in possession finishing the game with 88% passing accuracy, as a defender winning your tackles is crucial and this man won 100% of his against Everton, to emphasise how impressive he was.
He was excellent in an all-round great display as the Red side of Merseyside came out on top.
Phil Jones – Manchester United
Phil Jones was once the forgotten man at Manchester United, but is slowly becoming the needed man.
The English International has been superb at the back for United in recent weeks and is giving Jose Mourinho a headache for when Chris Smalling and others return to full fitness.
Many doubted Jones’s ability but he dealt with Salomon Rondon very well, coming out on top of the physical battle and helping his side take all three points.
Patrick Van Aanholt – Sunderland
Firstly, Sunderland has a very good left-back on their hands in Van Aanholt, he has been consistently impressive all season thus far and his performance at the weekend again proved why he has become vital in this Sunderland team.
When your club is in a relegation battle, all you want is for your players to show desire and fight in their performances and that shone through when he ran from deep in his own half, into Watford’s area to set up the winning goal was fantastic, a run of true desire.
Jack Wilshere – Bournemouth
Jack Wilshere registered his first assist of the season this weekend against Southampton and was unfortunate to be on the losing side.
It’s brilliant to see Wilshere getting back to his best after years of devastating injuries, he was excellent against the Saints and is finally getting his burst of speed back. As Wilshere completed another 90 minutes, some of the stats behind his game are impressive, he managed 85% pass accuracy, made nine take ons and created one chance.
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City
The attacking midfielder’s display against Arsenal was simply sublime, magical and amazing.
He ran the show, from start to finish he was a complete nuisance for the Arsenal defence, he made arguably the pass of the season to assist Raheem Sterling for the winning goal after switching play magnificently.
The Belgian was immense, he created seven chances against Arsenal, having three shots and completing one take on. He deserved to score when he hit the post and was a stand out performer on Sunday afternoon.
Fernando – Manchester City
With Manchester City missing Fernandinho, it was crucial that Fernando stepped up in his absence and he has done so in style.
The Brazilian was a rock in the midfield against Arsenal and dominated the Gunners midfield winning the battle overall. The midfield rock maintained a 90% pass accuracy which is exquisite, whilst making two interceptions and four blocks.
The midfielder was good in both offensive and defensive situations and was always on top of the likes of Mesut Ozil, Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin.
Diego Costa – Chelsea
Diego Costa is the best number 9 in Europe, without a shadow of doubt, there is no better striker on this planet at this current moment and Costa is week in week out showing why.
The Spanish international is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot with 13 goals, and scored the winning goal (again) against Crystal Palace to ensure his side are comfortably top of the tree at Christmas.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Manchester United
Like the man himself said, he get’s better with age, just like wine.
The Manchester United man again proved why he was such a good signing for free in the summer as he has hit double figures for the season already
He was influential for United in their 2-0 win over West Brom and helped the Red Devils secure all three points with a brace.
Alvaro Negredo – Middlesbrough
The summer arrival of Negredo was massive for Boro, and he is really starting to find his feet again in England as he scored a brace in a brilliant win over relegation rivals Swansea.
Boro were superb at the weekend as they picked up a massive three points just before Christmas, climbing away from the relegation zone by four points.
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