Is this the best team of the opening weekend of the Premier League…?
Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet – Liverpool
Despite a shaky start, Mignolet ended up having a debut to remember for the Champions League hopefuls. The Belgian saved a late penalty ensuring the Reds left Anfield with three points, becoming an instant Kop hero in the process.
Right-back – Steven Whittaker – Norwich
Bagged both a goal and an assist for the Canaries in their opening day draw against Roberto Martinez’s new-look Everton side.
Centre-half – Brede Hangeland – Fulham
Fulham recorded a rare away victory in their opening match against Sunderland, and have the commanding defensive performance from captain Hangeland to thank. The giant Norwegian was imperious at centre-half, leaving Paulo Di Canio’s new look side frustrated.
Centre-half – Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United
Finally looked fully fit for United, and was back to his solid best. Hardly anything gets past Vidic when he’s in this kind of form, as he helped his United side to an opening day battering of Swansea. If he stays healthy, the Serb will be one of the first names on the team sheet this season.
Left-back – Luke Shaw – Southampton
The 18-year-old is destined to fill Ashley Cole’s England left-back position for years to come. Shaw was composed on the ball, and defensively solid in his side’s victory away at West Brom.
Holding midfield – Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
The 33-year-old England captain is no longer the dynamic box-to-box midfielder he once was, but instead, sits in a deeper position and dictates play. He did the job fantastically for Liverpool at Anfield, and only Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey completed more passes than Gerrard in the Premier League’s opening weekend.
Centre-midfield – Frank Lampard – Chelsea
Sitting next to Gerrard in our team of the week is his fellow Premier League legend Frank Lampard. Despite missing a penalty, Lampard scored a 40-yard wondergoal, and was involved in everything good Chelsea did in their easy win against Hull City.
Centre-midfield – Ross Barkley – Everton
Possibly the no.1 candidate to eventually step into either Gerrard or Lampard’s England boots, the Everton 19-year-old earned glowing reviews for his performance during Everton’s 2-2 draw with Norwich. The right-footed teenager bagged a beauty with his left, and fans across the country will be watching his development closely.
Left-Forward – Danny Welbeck – Manchester United
If Welbeck can consistently add goals to his already polished game, United and England have a serious player on their hands. Scored twice on the opening day of the season, and linked up beautifully with Van Persie, scoring with a lovely finish in the process.
Right-Forward – Robin Van Persie – Manchester United
The Premier League’s best striker has started the season as he left the last – in the goals. Golden boot winner for the past two seasons, few will bet against the brilliant Dutchman making it three in a row this term.
Centre-forward – Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
A brace for the powerful Belgian striker away at Arsenal has silenced many doubters who believed Benteke could be a one season wonder. The 22-year-old bagged 19 league goals last year, and Villa fans will be relying on him to do the same this season if they want to push for a mid-table finish.
COMMENTS