George Allen takes a look at the standout performers from last weekend's Premier League action and reveals his Team of the Week...
Goalkeeper: Allisson (Liverpool)
The goalkeeping crisis at Anfield can finally be put to bed. Jurgen Klopp has found the perfect replacement between the sticks in Allisson and the Reds are yet to concede in their opening three games.
The Brazilian has not only showed his impressive shot stopping but his confidence with the ball at feet is imposing. Expect to see many more clean sheets throughout the season from the 25-year-old and a strong title challenge from the Reds.
Right Back: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
Questions have been asked of whether Hector Bellerin is the best option at right full back, especially with the addition of Stephan Lichtsteiner during the summer. Despite Arsenal’s defensive worries, Bellerin’s attacking quality cannot be disputed.
The 23-year-old created two of Arsenal’s three goals against West Ham which gave the Gunners their first points on the board and it looks as if Unai Emery has plenty of faith in the Spanish full back.
Centre Back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
The Dutchman has single-handedly fixed all defensive issues for Jurgen Klopp since arriving in January and his impressive form has continued into the new season.
Being a pivotal part of the defence alongside Joe Gomez, the Reds are yet to concede.
The 27-year-old has also made the second highest number of passes in the opening three games (behind Jorginho) proving what an important asset to Klopp’s team he is becoming and he isn’t just important for his defensive presence.
Centre Back: Harry Maguire (Leicester City)
England’s World Cup star has continued his great form into the new season for the Foxes. Despite being linked with moves elsewhere, he has proved to be an important part of Leicester’s team.
With Leicester manager Claude Puel up against his former club, a long range, last minute strike earned Leicester all three points and gave the Leicester fans all more reason to love the 6”3 England defender.
Left Back: Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)
The Spanish full back has become a very underrated name at the Emirates. With his game based around defensive versatility and consistency has made him one of the top full backs in the league that can also slot in at centre back.
Monreal’s equaliser against West Ham ignited their comeback at home which gave Unai Emery his first points as Arsenal boss. Bellerin’s cross eventually found Monreal who smashed it in and Arsenal finished the game with all three points.
Right Midfielder: Theo Walcott (Everton)
Walcott hasn’t been the most consistent over recent years but his weekend performance against Bournemouth was like the young Walcott we all loved.
His constant threat down the right side led to Adam Smith’s red card and also got himself on the score sheet.
The pace and power of the 29-year-old will be crucial for Everton and his goals will be needed to guide Marco Silva towards a European place.
Centre Midfielder: Jean-Michael Seri (Fulham)
There were high expectations for Seri when he first arrived at Craven Cottage and the Ivory Coast International was one of the impressive signings by the Championship play off winners but the 27-year-old proved his worth this weekend.
Scoring the opening goal against Burnley with a fantastic strike was the perfect way to open his scoring account for Fulham. Expect more of the same from the Ivory Coast midfielder this season.
Centre Midfielder: James Milner (Liverpool)
Since Milner was signed on a free transfer from Manchester City, he has been one of the most consistent performers in the league.
Despite the large amounts of skill and flair in the Liverpool team, James Milner continues to be a pivotal part of Klopp’s midfield.
Another impressive performance against Brighton has proved the importance of Milner to this current Liverpool team.
Even though Milner may be overlooked by the bigger names such as Keita and Wijnaldum, he is still a vital part of this Liverpool side.
Left Midfielder: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Everyone is aware of the importance that Zaha has to Crystal Palace. After signing a new deal at Selhurst Park in the summer, the ambitions of Roy Hodgson’s team have shot up.
Zaha is becoming a player who can lift his whole team just through his own performance.
Zaha’s goal came after a neat one-two with Max Meyer which almost salvaged something for Crystal Palace as they faced Watford.
His goal managed to lift Roy Hodgson’s team and it is clear if Palace are to have a good season, Zaha will need to continue his good form.
Centre Forward: Mo Salah (Liverpool)
There were always questions of whether Salah could replicate the form of last season. He opened his account for the season with the only goal of the game against Brighton which will certainly lift the expectation off the Egyptian going forward.
With even more added attacking quality around the 26-year-old, it is likely we will see a lot more of the same from Salah and lots more excitement for the Liverpool fans.
Centre Forward: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)
Even though the Serbian striker never fulfilled his potential at Newcastle, since wearing a Fulham shirt, he has been exceptional.
He has impressed in the Championship and now may be the best time to make that step up in division.
His two goals against Burnley at Craven Cottage gave Fulham their first win of the season and hopefully playing in a Fulham shirt will get the best out of the 23-year-old.
Manager: Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)
Howe managed his Bournemouth side against Everton in a game that had everything. Despite being 2-0 down to high flying Everton and the game being 10 vs 10, Howe managed to pull back two late goals to salvage his team a point.
The result leaves Bournemouth in fifth and unbeaten so far. If Howe can continue to get the best out of his players, it could be great season for Eddie Howe and Bournemouth.
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