Who has made Troy’s Premier League team of the week?

Troy Deeney’s Premier League team of the week is out, and it’s a selection that rewards defensive solidity, midfield control, and creative flair. The former Watford striker’s picks reflect a round where organisation and individual brilliance stood out—sometimes in the same player. Whether you agree with his choices or not, Deeney’s team highlights the players who made a tangible difference when it mattered most, from Hull City’s resurgence to Manchester United’s survival against the odds.

Defenders who anchored their teams

Konstantinos Tzolakis and Semi Ajayi have been the bedrock of Hull City’s unexpected rise up the table. Deeney’s praise for Tzolakis centres on his consistency: another clean sheet, another match where Hull’s defensive structure held firm under pressure from opponents like Leeds United and Brighton. Ajayi, meanwhile, is described as a “solid pro” who seized his Premier League chance after years in the Championship, where he built a reputation as a no-nonsense defender. His partnership with Tzolakis suggests Hull’s defensive organisation is no accident—it’s a deliberate system built around these two, with Ajayi’s aerial dominance and Tzolakis’ reflex saves forming the spine of a side that has conceded just three goals in their last five matches.

At the heart of Sunderland’s resistance against Fulham was Nordi Mukiele. Deeney labels him a “powerful centre-half” and credits him with restricting Fulham to no shots on target—a defensive masterclass in itself, one that underscored Mukiele’s importance to Sunderland’s setup. His ability to read the game and intercept passes in midfield before Fulham could build attacks was pivotal, while his composure under pressure allowed Sunderland to play out from the back with confidence. James Tarkowski, too, delivered a captain’s performance for Everton, scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute despite Bournemouth’s defensive errors. Tarkowski’s leadership and defensive nous make him a rare constant in a team often overlooked, with his positioning and reading of the game preventing countless chances before he stepped up to finish clinically.

Midfielders who dictated the tempo

James McAtee’s display at Anfield was the standout midfield performance of the week. Deeney describes him as the reason Nottingham Forest were “any good,” highlighting his ability to receive the ball in half-turns and play forward under intense pressure. That kind of midfield control is rare in a game where Liverpool dominated possession for long spells, yet McAtee’s influence was undeniable—Forest’s only clear chances came from his progressive carries and incisive passes, culminating in a 28th-minute effort that forced Alisson into a save. His performance suggests Forest’s midfield might finally be finding its feet under their new manager, with his work rate and technical ability offering a glimpse of what the club has been missing.

Bruno Fernandes’ impact for Manchester United was impossible to ignore. Three goals and an assist—plus a near-halfway-line effort that rattled the crossbar—paint the picture of a player carrying his team. Deeney’s question—”Where would Manchester United be without him?”—is rhetorical but telling. Fernandes’ creativity and leadership are the difference between mid-table and the relegation zone, with his ability to unlock defences through his vision and set-piece delivery proving decisive in a 3-1 victory over Brentford. Rayan Cherki, meanwhile, continues to dazzle for Manchester City. Deeney calls him his “favourite player in world football to watch,” praising his ball manipulation and fearless approach. Cherki’s ability to think for himself makes him a constant threat, even when City rotate their squad, as seen in his cameo against Aston Villa where he glided past two challenges before teeing up a chance for Erling Haaland.

Forwards who delivered the moments

Anthony Elanga has now delivered back-to-back weeks of standout performances for Newcastle, with goals against Wolves and Crystal Palace bookending a display of renewed confidence. His manager’s system appears to have revitalised him, and Deeney wonders aloud whether we’re seeing the “real” Elanga—one who combines direct running with a clinical edge. That’s high praise for a player often overshadowed by bigger names, with his ability to stretch defences and link play proving crucial in Newcastle’s recent uptick in form. His goals and consistent contributions suggest Newcastle’s attack is finally firing on all cylinders, with his partnership with Alexander Isak looking increasingly potent.

The tactical edge

Deeney’s selections reveal a clear pattern: defensive organisation and midfield control are the foundations of success. Hull’s rise is built on Tzolakis and Ajayi’s partnership, while Sunderland’s resilience hinges on Mukiele’s ability to snuff out attacks before they begin. Even in attack, the midfielders—McAtee, Fernandes, and Cherki—are the ones dictating play, not just the strikers. That’s a shift from the traditional “goals win games” narrative; this week, it was the players who controlled the game who made the difference. McAtee’s performance at Anfield, Fernandes’ all-round influence at Old Trafford, and Cherki’s cameo for City all underscore how midfielders are now the primary architects of victory, with forwards judged on their ability to link play rather than just score.

Deeney’s team of the week isn’t just a collection of individual performances—it’s a reflection of how football is evolving. Defenders are now expected to play out from the back, midfielders must dictate tempo, and forwards are judged on more than just goals. Whether you agree with every pick or not, the selections highlight the players who shaped the week’s outcomes through skill, leadership, and tactical awareness. From Hull’s defensive resilience to Manchester United’s survival against the odds, these are the performers who turned the Premier League’s narrative this week.