FA Cup Team of the Round – Asensio, O’Reilly, Welbeck | OneFootball

Our Team of the Week following the action for the FA Cup’s fifth round, featuring Brighton’s evergreen match-winner and Fulham’s shootout hero.

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno – Fulham

Eight saves at Manchester United and then Fulham’s shootout hero. The German guessed right to save from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee to send Fulham into the quarter-finals. The dream of a first major trophy is on.

Right-back: Daniel Munoz – Crystal Palace

What a season he’s having. If Munoz continues at this level there will be inevitable transfer talk in the summer. The Colombian covered every blade of grass and was relentless down the right as Crystal Palace beat Millwall 3-1 at Selhurst Park. He popped up with the second goal for his fifth of the season in all competitions. No Premier League defender has more.

Centre-back: Kaine Kesler-Hayden – Preston North End

Thriving on loan at Preston this season. Kesler-Hayden helped Preston into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a defensive performance full of commitment against Burnley. He made six clearances, won three tackles and 100% of his aerial battles (3/3) at Deepdale. The defender has been so consistent this season.

Centre-back: Chris Richards – Crystal Palace

A performance of real quality from the ex-Bayern Munich man. Richards made 11 clearances and won a huge 16 defensive duels against Millwall while assisting Eddie Nketiah’s goal with a header back across goal. A fine afternoon for the American.

Left-back: Nico O’Reilly – Manchester City

The youngster’s enjoying himself in the FA Cup this season. An unlikely hero of Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Plymouth, O’Reilly scored two headers as the Citizens came from behind to progress. Tall, technical and a goal threat, it’s clear to see why City shunned interest from Chelsea in January.

Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City

Pulled the strings in the City midfield, in a timely reminder of his quality. De Bruyne’s delightful delivery was met by Nico O’Reilly for the equaliser before the Belgian sealed the win with a tap-in from Erling Haaland’s centre. In between he was at the hub of City’s best football.

Midfield: Marco Asensio – Aston Villa

Has added real quality to the Aston Villa ranks. After a stagnant period at PSG, Asensio has offered a reminder of just why he boasts such a trophy cabinet since arriving in the Midlands. The Spaniard was the spark of Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City, creating an early chance for Ollie Watkins with a defence-splitting pass before netting a well-taken brace to book Villa’s place in the last eight.

Right-wing: Marcus Tavernier – Bournemouth

A massive part of cup progress for Bournemouth. Involved throughout, Tavernier made 10 ball recoveries, fired four shots on goal and created five chances. Bournemouth couldn’t find a route past Wolves in normal time, but Tavernier converted his kick in the shootout to send the Cherries into the last eight. Manchester City await in the quarter-finals.

Left-wing: Robbie Brady – Preston North End

Excellent all afternoon from wing-back, as Preston upset Championship high-flyers Burnley to reach the quarter-finals. The veteran won eight defensive duels and opened the scoring with a peach of a free-kick. Brady could not have placed it better, bent beautifully into the top corner.

Forward: Marcus Rashford – Aston Villa

A nightmare for Cardiff City as the renaissance at Aston Villa continues. Rashford created six chances against the Bluebirds on Friday night, the joint-most he has ever created in a single game. His movement and pace caused problems all evening for the visitors, with Rashford teeing up Marco Asensio for the opening goal.

Forward: Danny Welbeck – Brighton

Outstanding introduction when Brighton needed him. Welbeck used all his experience to lead the line late on and found a winner at St James’ Park. Tino Livramento’s failure to get out played Welbeck onside and the 34-year-old made no mistake with a delightful dink. It was his eighth of the season in all competitions, the best return of his Brighton career.

Read – FA Cup quarter-final draw: Man City face Bournemouth

See more – Hurzeler backs Brighton veteran for England call-up

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