Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week: Haaland, Foden, Munoz, Merino, Watkins, Romero
Who made Troy’s Premier League XI this round?
After each round of Premier League fixtures this season, BBC pundit Troy Deeney reveals his picks for the team and manager of the week.
Here are this week’s selections. Do you agree? Share your thoughts using the comments form at the bottom of this page.
Image source: BBC Sport
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace): He’s quietly building a case as one of the league’s top goalkeepers. He isn’t often talked about as England’s number one, but his recent form—like the performance in the win at Burnley—suggests he’s earning that consideration. Steady, efficient, and as a friend put it, the best goalkeepers are the ones you rarely notice. Henderson tends to fly under the radar, which often signals quality.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur): Highly effective in the draw at Newcastle, contributing both offensively and defensively. He netted a superb opener, sweeping in across the front man, and followed it up with an audacious overhead kick in stoppage time. Tottenham didn’t win, but Romero stood out for his influence and intent.
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion): It’s unusual to reward a player from the losing side, but a two-goal display from a center-back in a 4-3 defeat deserves recognition. Van Hecke has been solid with impressive passing range. The only caveat is his lapse when Aston Villa began a late first-half/early-second-half surge. Still, the goals—reflecting a striker’s instinct—merit praise.
Jaka Bijol (Leeds United): A strong performer amid Leeds’ 3-1 victory over Chelsea, grabbing his first goal of the season and delivering a defensively sturdy display. His performance underscores that Leeds’ defensive issues aren’t necessarily the core problem; rather, their attacking chances have sometimes gone missing earlier in the campaign.
Lewis Hall (Newcastle United): Undoubtedly the standout on the pitch against Spurs. If he sustains this level, he could become England’s starting left-back for the World Cup. His rise is notable given the price tag when he moved from Chelsea, and despite past injuries, he looks like a steal for Eddie Howe.
Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace): The season’s consistency personified—Palace’s chief attacking threat on the right, especially in Ismaila Sarr’s absence. He delivered again at Burnley. Munoz and Hall combine to form a modern, relentless wing-back duo, bustling up and down the flanks with composure and precision.
Phil Foden (Manchester City): The current standout, after a brilliant double helped City beat Fulham. The big question has been which Foden would show up—the explosive form from two seasons ago or last season’s quieter run. Recently, he’s back to his best, scoring freely and influencing games, which complicates selection decisions for City’s lineup and even world Cup considerations.
Ao Tanaka (Leeds United): After several near-misses this season behind Declan Rice and Moisés Caicedo, Tanaka finally delivered with a goal as Leeds defeated Chelsea. His energy, pressing, and game intelligence reflect a player who looks at home at Premier League pace and intensity, with subtle touches that reveal a seasoned instinct for the game.
Mikel Merino (Arsenal): Although often used as a midfielder, his ability to link play and find pockets of space makes him valuable in attacking transitions. Arsenal fans, weigh in: was Merino’s inclusion justified given his versatility and ongoing production—especially his continued scoring form, such as in the 2-0 win over Brentford?
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): It was heartening to see him back among the goals with a brace that steadied Villa’s form. After a slow start to the season, his two goals at Brighton were crucial, helping Villa push through tough spells and restore confidence.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City): A no-brainer pick here, given his prolific output—100 goals in 111 appearances speaks for itself. He contributes goals and assists consistently, making him a perpetual threat and a mainstay in the team of the week.
Daniel Farke (Leeds United): Guiding Leeds to a pivotal win against Chelsea was a major achievement under heavy expectations. The team’s subsequent performance against Manchester City and Chelsea showcased composure under pressure, with Farke earning broad recognition for steering the side effectively. Enzo Maresca even said Leeds were superior in every department—an emphatic nod to the manager’s approach.
Do you agree with Troy’s selections? Who would make your Team of the Week? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
