The Premier League is back and back here starts a weekly analysis of the best 11 players in every round of matches. Here are the best players from the first round.
Premier League Team of the Week
Formation: 4-3-2-1
Goalkeeper – Wayne Hennessey – Crystal Palace
Six new signings were on show from the start for hosts Fulham but it was the experience and chemistry of Palace – fielding zero new signings – that got the better of the Premier League new boys.
Keeper Wayne Hennessey was at his best, denying Aleksandar Mitrovic on a number of occasions to maintain the clean sheet. The 31-year-old Welsh goalkeeper faces competition from new signing Vicente Guaita from Getafe but did his chances of starting the next game no harm whatsoever with this impressive shutout.
Right-Back – Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Crystal Palace
The 21-year -old was another star performer for Palace on Saturday, getting an assist and contributing to an impressive clean sheet as part of the Palace rear guard.
Wan-Bissaka repaid the faith shown by manager Roy Hodgson, picking the youngster over the experienced Martin Kelly and Joel Ward. His run and perfectly-weighted pass for Wilfried Zaha’s goal also showed what he can do as an attacking outlet on Palace’s right flank.
Centre-Back – John Stones – Manchester City
£50 million man John Stones continued right where he left off at the World Cup with another solid showing at the heart of the Manchester City defence.
Stones denied Arsenal on a number of occasions and looks set to be a regular for Pep Guardiola alongside Aymeric Laporte.
Centre-Back – Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
There was all the talk about Liverpool’s front three and new midfielders but it was their record signing who laid the foundations for their 4-0 demolition of West Ham thanks to an assured display at the back.
Van Dijk looks to have solved Liverpool’s defensive worries for now with young Joe Gomez seemingly learning well from his senior partner.
Left-Back – Luke Shaw – Manchester United
Any game to get your first ever senior goal is a good game. But the first game back after a World Cup you were never considered for and a summer where you were consistently criticised for your seeming lack of commitment and dedication, is the perfect game.
Luke Shaw showed what he can do with an impressive performance at left-back for Manchester United, capped off by a well-taken goal to win the game for his team. An attacking threat throughout.
Centre-Midfield – Naby Keita – Liverpool
The Guinean has started his Anfield career with a mouth-watering performance, picking up from where the Liverpool No.8 left off after his stint with RB Leipzig.
Keita’s ball-winning ability, passing and dribbling in tight areas looks set to offer Liverpool another potent threat at both ends of the pitch.
Centre-Midfield – Jorginho – Chelsea
The Chelsea new boy was under pressure after an underwhelming performance in the Community Shield but, if he was feeling it, he showed no sign.
The Brazilian’s coolly-taken penalty showed his calm nature and he influenced the game enormously with his passing ability. An impressive first outing in the Premier League.
Centre-Midfield – James Milner – Liverpool
Kept Liverpool ticking and watched over the game effortlessly. Excellent performance in the middle of the park. Did the dirty work superbly, all of it without even breaking sweat.
Right-Wing – Sadio Mane – Liverpool
Lively, dangerous, two goals and looks set to continue as he finished last season.
The potential that this Liverpool frontline possesses is frightening. Great goalscoring feats to come this season.
Left-Wing – Raheem Sterling – Manchester City
Sterling was in scintillating form as he ran his socks off, causing Arsenal’s shaky defence all sorts of problems.
An in-form and confident Raheem Sterling can be a delight to watch. Not too shabby a goal too.
Striker – Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
He may not have scored but Sergio Aguero was the best striker this week.
City’s all-time top goalscorer’s link-up play was excellent, combining superbly at times with Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva. He also found space and picked up dangerous positions constantly. Should’ve passed to Kevin De-Bruyne when one-on-one with Cech but, overall, a very effective game from City’s No.10.
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