Premier League Team of the Week: Van Dijk and Diaz Shine in Liverpool’s Victory

The Premier League made its return with midweek fixtures following the last international break of the season, showcasing several standout players across various clubs. But which stars have secured a place in our Team of the Week?

Liverpool maintained their quest for a second Premier League title with a slender 1-0 victory over their Merseyside rivals, Everton, on Wednesday night. Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Chelsea also achieved important wins during the round.

Sadly, the plight of Southampton, currently at the bottom of the league, worsened as they settled for a late 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, putting them at serious risk of relegation. Meanwhile, Ipswich celebrated a vital 2-1 away victory over Bournemouth.

Nottingham Forest’s goalkeeper, Matz Sels, has emerged as one of the season’s unexpected stars in the Premier League, boasting an impressive league-high tally of 13 clean sheets.

The Belgian continued his exceptional run with a standout performance in Forest’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, making six crucial saves, reinforcing their position as serious contenders for a top-four finish.

While Ipswich has faced a challenging season and looks set for a Championship return, they demonstrated their determination to fight back with a much-needed 2-1 win against Bournemouth.

Dara O’Shea significantly contributed to Ipswich’s success, registering an incredible 14 clearances, alongside five blocks, one tackle, and one interception during the match.

Virgil van Dijk has solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders over recent years, consistently proving vital to Liverpool’s pursuit of further glory.

In the recent Merseyside derby against Everton, the Dutch international excelled once more, contributing eight clearances and four interceptions during a commanding defensive display as Liverpool triumphed 1-0.

Aston Villa enjoyed a convincing 3-0 victory over Brighton during the week, with defender Pau Torres playing a key role in the match.

Torres showcased his defensive prowess, helping Villa secure a fifth clean sheet in their last six matches across all competitions with eight clearances, three interceptions, two tackles, and one block, earning him a place in our Team of the Week.

Savinho, despite facing challenges adapting to life in England with Manchester City, displayed his potential in their 2-0 win over Leicester.

The winger shone with his creativity, notching up five key passes and an assist, consistently troubling the opposing defence.

Marco Asensio played a pivotal role as well, scoring a goal and providing an assist in just 25 minutes on the pitch, guiding his team to a crucial win.

With nine goal contributions across all competitions this season, the midfielder is experiencing a significant resurgence following his transfer to England.

MID – Ryan Yates, 8.0 (Nottingham Forest)

Ryan Yates, a Nottingham Forest academy product, was instrumental in their success against Manchester United.

The 27-year-old not only provided the assist for the match’s only goal but also delivered a solid defensive performance with five clearances, three blocks, two interceptions, and two tackles, ensuring a crucial victory for his team.

MID – Luis Diaz, 8.3 (Liverpool)

In Liverpool’s triumph over Everton, Luis Diaz had a productive game, contributing an assist and six key passes.

Despite facing inconsistency this season, the winger excelled against their rivals, setting up the pivotal goal with a delightful flick, benefitting from a contentious offside call that went in his favour.

FWD – Anthony Elanga, 8.1 (Nottingham Forest)

Anthony Elanga haunted his former club by scoring the only goal in Forest’s win against Manchester United.

Exhibiting exceptional speed, he showcased remarkable pace in a counterattack, darting almost the entire length of the pitch before netting a superb effort into the bottom corner—proving United what they are missing.

FWD – Liam Delap, 7.9 (Ipswich)

Liam Delap continued his impressive form for Ipswich, contributing to their hard-fought victory against Bournemouth.

Delap has shone in a challenging season for the Tractor Boys, adding his 11th goal of the campaign with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area, rounding off a well-executed team effort.

Newcastle extended their unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory over Brentford, and it was no surprise that Alexander Isak once again found the scoresheet.

The Swedish forward netted his 20th league goal of the season, tapping in from close range, and has achieved the remarkable feat of hitting 20 Premier League goals in back-to-back seasons—the first Newcastle player to do so, a record even Alan Shearer never attained.