Premier League team of the week

Take a look at SoccerMag’s best 11 performers from Gameweek 21 of the Premier League.

Gameweek 21 was strange. The 10 games from this round were split over two weekends, making it seem like an international break for some supporters. Kevin De Bruyne announced his return against Newcastle, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota dominated in Salah’s absence, and Gabriel Martinelli got the Gunners back in the title race.

Take a look at SoccerMag’s best 11 performers from Gameweek 21 of the Premier League.

We used buildlineup.com to put our team on paper, but our selections are explained below.

Goalkeeper:

Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa

World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been a star in Aston Villa’s pursuit of European football this season. Martinez kept a clean sheet away to Everton and made one of the best saves of the 2023/24 campaign with a no-look stop against Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Emi Martinez is a top five 1v1 shot-stopper. The way in which he uses his legs to make himself big is a differentiator, and makes sure not to leave space beneath for the ball to slip through.

pic.twitter.com/vROnkIGwg2

— Kyle Boas (@KyleBoas_) January 17, 2024

Defenders:

Pedro Porro – Tottenham Hotspur

One of Ange Postecoglu’s most reliable performers this season, has been arguably the best fullback in the Premier League. The Spaniard was impressive against Manchester United and got a crucial assist.

Only Heung-Min Son (11) has created more big chances for Spurs in the Premier League this season than Pedro Porro (10).

Superb numbers. ? pic.twitter.com/kQ1alNUbAr

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 16, 2024

Gabriel – Arsenal

Brazilian centre-back Gabriel was at his best this weekend in the Gunners 5-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace. Gabriel scored the opener and had a second ruled out as an own goal.

? The HIGHEST scoring CB in the world since he joined Arsenal in 2020.

Gabriel Magalhães. ?? pic.twitter.com/vpK8mLHbcB

— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) January 20, 2024

Levi Colwill – Chelsea

Despite Chelsea’s inconsistent season, young defender Levi Colwill has been one of the few players Mauricio Pochettino has been able to rely on. Colwill’s preferred position is in the centre of the defence, but on multiple occasions this season, he has been deployed as a left fullback. In Chelsea’s win against Fulham, Colwill was dominant in both defence and attack.

Levi Colwill dominated at Left Back in the last Chelsea Game against Fulham on and off the ball.

These LB shifts could end up actually helping him play as a Wide Centre Back to an even higher level.

Top Performance.pic.twitter.com/EkpkHwg2f2

— AzM (@CFCAzM) January 20, 2024

Joe Gomez – Liverpool

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has stepped up in every position across the backline so far this season. His performances on both flanks have been invaluable for Jurgen Klopp’s side. In addition to a rock-solid defensive display, Gomez whipped in a superb cross for Darwin Nunez to secure their victory over Bournemouth.

Joe Gomez ???????

The most versatile defender in the world currently.

Put him anywhere on the back line, and he will be absolute class. pic.twitter.com/OjObdyqZO7

— Raws (@Raws_FUT) January 16, 2024

Midfielders:

James Ward-Prowse – West Ham United

James Ward-Prowse is one of the most effective midfielders in the Premier League and has become one of the Hammers most important players. Ward-Prowse converted from the penalty spot once again in West Ham’s draw against Sheffield United.

58.5% – Of James Ward-Prowse’s 53 Premier League goals, 31 have either been direct free-kicks (17) or penalties (14). He is the only player to score 50+ Premier League goals and have at least half of them come via direct free-kicks or penalties (58.5%). Expert. pic.twitter.com/l6DfsnnFEt

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 21, 2024

Cole Palmer – Chelsea

Manchester City’s decision to sell Cole Palmer to Chelsea looks to be less favourable every week. Palmer has been the Blues best performer this season and scored their winner in a London derby against Fulham.

Penalty takers don’t come much cooler than Cole Palmer ? pic.twitter.com/ZkxZAIAuzr

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 16, 2024

Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City

KDB is back. The Belgian has been out for months due to injury and announced his return with an outrageous goal and match-winning assist. The rest of the Premier League will be terrified of his reunion with Erling Haaland.

Kevin De Bruyne is up there with Messi and Ronaldo ? pic.twitter.com/q2ueZBu61c

— GOAL (@goal) January 17, 2024

Forwards:

Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal

Arsenal’s goalscoring troubles were put to rest against Crystal Palace. The Gunner’s domination was spearheaded by Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian’s brace signaling that Arteta’s offensive woes appear to be over.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright on the win over Palace: “When you get someone like Gabriel Martinelli in that much space, the line was so high, I was very surprised he didn’t start.

“I’m quite pleased he came on and made the impact he did. His first goal is a very good finish.” pic.twitter.com/OTdETW3U2d

— Irtz Gooner (@gooner_irt) January 23, 2024

Diogo Jota – Liverpool

Diogo Jota showed his class against Bournemouth, stepping up in the absence of Mohamed Salah. Jota ended the game with an assist and two finishes of the highest quality.

Diogo Jota has never lost a Premier League game that he’s scored in:

WWWWWWWDDWWWWWWWDWWWWWDWWWWWDWWWDWWWDWWWWWW

The lucky charm.? pic.twitter.com/9dCBXAcCZn

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 21, 2024

Darwin Nunez – Liverpool

Darwin Nunez, the agent of chaos, looked to be in complete control this weekend. His overall performance from the left flank was less erratic and more effective. Nunez got two outstanding goals from three attempts, helping the Reds send a message against the Cherries.

Darwin Nunez is the first Premier League player this season to reach 10+ goals and assists in all competitions ✨ pic.twitter.com/C33LBScxs0

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 22, 2024

Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP

Premier League team of the week – Gameweek 21

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