Picking an eleven is hard; picking just five is even harder.
Sam picks this week’s Premier League Five-a-side TOTW
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford
He might have made a clanger for Southampton’s equalising goal, yet the young Sunderland goalkeeper was in inspired form prior to his mistake. He was Southampton’s nemesis, keeping them out on a number of occasions. With Vito Mannone side-lined for a lengthy period of time, Sunderland fans could have been forgiven for having a few concerns surrounding their young keeper. Those concerns would have been allayed following this fine goalkeeping display.
The Ball Winner – Eric Bailly
He looks a find. It is hard to believe that the game against Hull was only his third in the Premier League. The young Ivorian looks a seasoned professional already. Mourinho has been known to trust young centre halves, and Bailly is doing everything to repay the faith shown in him.
Playmaker – Danny Drinkwater
Many thought that the departure of his fellow central midfielder, N’Golo Kanté, would highlight his weaknesses. Yet the Leicester man has continued from where he left off last season. An assist this weekend, with a beautifully weighted ball over the top for Jamie Vardy to chase down and hammer home. How many times did we see that combination last season? Drinkwater has started this season in fine form and has been deservedly recalled to the England set up; he more than merits a place in the team of the week.
The Finisher – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean attacker was in fine form for Arsenal during their 3-1 victory versus Watford at the weekend. A goal and an assist proved that he was back to his best. Despite being more comfortable on the wing, the ex-Barcelona man has found himself being deployed as a lone frontman for the first three games of the season. He is growing into the role, and looked dangerous every time he received the ball at Vicarage Road.
Free Role – Raheem Sterling
Everyone thought that Guardiola’s arrival would spell the end for the Jamaica-born England international. Yet Sterling has found a new lease of life. An assist last weekend versus Stoke was followed up with two splendid goals in City’s comfortable 3-1 win over West Ham. Widely criticised last season, and further maligned for his dismal displays at the European Championships in the summer, Sterling has recovered, and is currently in the form of his life.
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