Skip to content

Premier League team of the weekend: Leicester's Algerian axis in attack

Darren Staples / Reuters

After another weekend of some great individual performances, theScore puts together a best XI from the latest slate of Premier League fixtures.

The lineup

GK - Jordan Pickford

Criticism about the lack of creativity in attack and inability to find reasonable players to accompany Lamine Kone in defence is just, but Sunderland's Pickford will continue to fly under-the-radar as a gifted shot-stopper. The 22-year-old made eight saves on Sunday, but was helpless to prevent Harry Kane's match-winner.

RB - Seamus Coleman

Everton's Coleman cost £60,000 - about 417 times less than Yannick Bolasie. The Irishman is thriving under the management of Ronald Koeman, and smartly converted in Saturday's 3-1 ease over Middlesbrough. He's oft-overlooked in the debate for the league's best right-back.

CB - Scott Dann

When Crystal Palace forwards slung shots into the furthest corners of Selhurst Park last season, defender Dann was regularly leaned on for goals. He came good again in Sunday's trouncing of Stoke City, and paired that with six no-nonsense clearances.

CB - Joel Matip

A signing that will be looked upon in May as among the season's best. Matip, a freebie from FC Schalke 04, was unflappable at the back, again bringing calm to an otherwise frantic Liverpool and, for the most part, keeping Chelsea quiet. A key component of the Reds' superb 2-1 away win.

LB - Christian Fuchs

Fuchs has shown a little more adventure in participating in attacks this season, and ensured Islam Slimani got off to a good start in league football after assisting the Algerian's opener from a set-piece. Elsewhere, the Leicester City left-back put in more tackles than any of his teammates against Burnley.

RM - Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez appears to have hit his rhythm through 3-0 wins over Club Brugge and Burnley. The winger showed an instant understanding with compatriot Slimani during Leicester's forays forward - getting an assist for his troubles. A promising outing after a stuttering start to the Foxes' title defence.

CM - Jordan Henderson

Calling Henderson Liverpool's worst captain since the early 1960s is harsh, but entirely apt. He's not the most imposing midfielder - particularly when charged with protecting the back four - but was wise in the midfield on Friday, scoring an absolute rocket which has to be an early frontrunner for goal of the season.

CM - Kevin De Bruyne

The words of his manager Pep Guardiola will do: "He makes everything. Without the ball he's the first fighter, and with the ball it's clear he sees absolutely everything. He decides what he has to do in the right moment every single time."

LM - Nacer Chadli

West Bromwich Albion had put four past West Ham United by half-time, and Nacer Chadli was involved in each effort. The Belgian, signed from Tottenham Hotspur over the summer, claimed two goals and two assists, and adds much-needed unpredictability to Tony Pulis' typically turgid lot.

FW - Islam Slimani

Leonardo Ulloa is now redundant. Slimani had a sublime Premier League debut, rising to nod Leicester into the lead just before the break, and then repeating the feat shortly after the restart. He adds a whole different element to his new side's attack, and has physical attributes that can fit seamlessly into English football.

FW - Alexis Sanchez

Whether Sanchez can cut it as a No. 9 divides opinion, but in matches against Watford and now Hull City he has certainly made a fine audition. Why he took the bodged penalty is anyone's guess - it should've been left to Santi Cazorla - but he was otherwise a menace, bagging a brace and making smart runs throughout.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox