BBC football pundit Troy Deeney has selected his first Premier League Team of the Week of the new season, highlighting standout performers from the opening round of fixtures. The former striker’s choices mix established stars with lesser-heralded names who impressed across the weekend’s matches.
After every set of Premier League games this campaign, Deeney will name his team and manager of the week. His latest selections reflect strong individual displays, clean sheets, goals, and tactical discipline. Several players from promoted or mid-table sides feature prominently, underlining the competitive nature of the early fixtures.
Goalkeeper and Defensive Backbone
James Trafford earns the goalkeeper spot after a composed display for Leeds United at Nottingham Forest. The England international produced a strong performance and was one of the few keepers to keep a clean sheet. Deeney noted the pressure of Trafford’s move to Leeds, suggesting the goalkeeper sought more regular football after limited opportunities at international level.
In defence, Keane Lewis-Potter of Brentford receives high praise. The versatile player excelled both defensively and in attack, scoring in Brentford’s emphatic win over Tottenham Hotspur. Deeney described him as one of the underrated members of the Bees squad and a player who embodies the team’s collective strength.
Nobel Mendy of Hull City also makes the cut. The powerful defender contributed solidly at the back and scored Hull’s second goal. Deeney highlighted Mendy’s physical presence, calling him a real powerhouse whom opponents would prefer to avoid.
Maxence Lacroix impressed on his Chelsea debut. The French centre-back brought experience and calmness to the side while providing an assist. Deeney felt Lacroix understood the demands of the game and offered maturity that should benefit Chelsea throughout the season.
Maxim de Cuyper of Brighton completes the defensive contingent. He scored, assisted, and set an aggressive tone early against Aston Villa. Even though Villa struggled overall, Deeney pointed to de Cuyper’s intensity in the opening stages as a key factor in Brighton’s dominance.
Midfield Control and Creativity
Marc Guehi slots into the holding midfield role for Manchester City. Against Bournemouth he scored the equaliser after missing an earlier opportunity. Deeney preferred Guehi’s calming influence over that of City’s expensive new signing Elliot Anderson, noting that Guehi controlled the tempo more effectively.
Vitaly Janelt of Brentford joins him in midfield. The powerful German performed the unglamorous but essential work of breaking up play while also finding the net against Tottenham. Deeney praised his ability to do the basics well and remain a dominant presence.
Attacking Flair and Goal Threat
Christos Tzolis of Arsenal earns recognition for his all-round contribution. The Greek forward, signed from Club Brugge, impressed with goals, assists, tenacity and composure. Deeney compared him favourably to other Arsenal attackers, suggesting he combines elements of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard while offering greater output.
Anthony Elanga of Newcastle United features after a lively display against Liverpool. Deeney felt Elanga had been under-used previously but looked transformed under a new setup. He used his pace to great effect, outrunning Liverpool’s Milos Kerkez and finishing superbly. The performance suggested a happier and more confident player.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea continues to catch the eye. Deeney believes this could be a breakout campaign for the England international following injury setbacks. Palmer showed positive movement, pace and confidence, chopping and turning freely once again.
Joao Pedro, another Chelsea player and former Watford teammate of Deeney, rounds out the attack. The Brazilian is expected to enjoy a strong season and silence earlier critics of his ability.
Manager of the Week
Hull City’s Sergej Jakirovic receives the managerial nod. Deeney admired the tactical plan that limited Manchester United’s transitions while allowing Hull to progress in wide areas and create chances. Jakirovic impressed with his measured approach and game management, even if longer-term squad quality remains a question.
Reflecting on the Opening Weekend
Troy’s Premier League team of the week captures a range of narratives from the first matches. Clean sheets, debut contributions, revitalised performances and understated excellence all feature. Players from Leeds, Brentford, Hull, Chelsea, Brighton, Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle all earned recognition.
Deeney’s selections often spark debate, and this opening list is no different. Some high-profile names miss out, while several less-discussed performers receive credit. The inclusion of multiple Chelsea players and a strong representation from sides outside the traditional top six illustrates the competitive balance early in the campaign.
As the season progresses, Deeney will continue to assess each round of fixtures and name his team of the week. For now, these eleven players and one manager stand as the standout performers according to the BBC pundit. Fans and fellow observers will no doubt form their own views on who deserved inclusion after an eventful opening weekend of Premier League action.
