Premier League Team of the Week – Fernandes, Elanga, Baleba | OneFootball

Our Premier League Team of the Week from the weekend’s action, as we celebrate the finest performances across the division.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford – Everton

As ever, important for Everton in their draw with West Ham. A brilliant reaction save spared the blushes of teammate Jarrad Branthwaite, while Pickford was equal to another good effort from Jarrod Bowen. Five saves helped Everton stretch their unbeaten league run to nine games.

Centre-back: Nikola Milenkovic – Nottingham Forest

What a signing he has been for Nottingham Forest. The Serbian was an unmissable presence at both ends of the pitch against Ipswich, recording a goal and an assist as Forest edged closer to European qualification.

Milenkovic slammed in a forward’s finish to open the scoring at Portman Road before his lofted pass was misjudged by the Ipswich backline to release Anthony Elanga in behind. A good afternoon’s work, even if a clean sheet was missing.

Centre-back: Ayden Heaven – Manchester United

A breakout performance from the teenager, so cruelly ended by what looked like a bad injury. Heaven was immaculate in the win at Leicester, with his defending and decision-making defying a player of his inexperience. Signed for just £1m in January, he looks a steal. Let’s hope his injury is better than first feared.

Centre-back: Jan Paul van Hecke – Brighton

A strong display from the Dutch defender as Brighton battled to a draw at Manchester City. Van Hecke did well in his duel with Erling Haaland and made crucial sliding challenges to thwart Savinho and Jeremy Doku.

Midfield: Carlos Baleba – Brighton

A dominant midfielder performance from Baleba who is a rising star in this Brighton team. The 21-year-old put his foot in when required and won his duels as Brighton extended their unbeaten run at Manchester City.

His ability to combat opposition attacks and carry confidently are an interesting profile that top teams will be looking at. Even given a glorious missed chance to win it for the Seagulls, this was a top-class display. After Yves Bissouma and Moises Caicedo, he looks the next off the conveyor belt of all-action Brighton midfielders.

Midfield: Andreas Pereira – Fulham

Popped up everywhere in an improved and disciplined performance deeper in midfield. Pereira progressed the ball well alongside Sander Berge and got forward when possible to make things happen. He created three chances, including the assist for Rodrigo Muniz’s opener, and won eight ground duels, as Fulham beat Tottenham 2-0 to boost their push for Europe.

Midfield: Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United

Head and shoulders above those around him once again. Two assists, a wonderful goal, and 11 goal contributions in his last eight appearances for Manchester United. Notable recent criticism of the midfielder continues to circulate but he’s been magnificent in recent weeks. United must build a more functional side around him next season.

Right-wing: Anthony Elanga – Nottingham Forest

Absolutely electric. A quick-fire brace took the game away from Ipswich at Portman Road with the home side unable to deal with Elanga’s direct threat. He backed up Jacob Greaves before curling in a fine finish on 37 minutes and added a second four minutes later. He capitalised on hesitancy from Ipswich to race in behind and slot past Alex Palmer. It’s now 10 goals and 17 assists in the Premier League since the start of last season.

Left-wing: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – Wolves

Continued his good form with two assists as Wolves won 2-1 at Southampton.

Bellegarde has grown in importance to this side and shone in the absence of the suspended Matheus Cunha. The Frenchman’s fine cross was headed home by Jorgen Strand Larsen before the same combination doubled the advantage at St Mary’s.

Forward: Jorgen Strand Larsen – Wolves

With Wolves in need of a hero this weekend, Jorgen Strand Larsen stepped up. Matheus Cunha’s suspension was a concern for Wolves, but Strand Larsen’s double downed Southampton in a crucial six-pointer.

An excellent header and smart finish made it nine goals in the Premier League this season. A perfect time to end his drought. He’s been a good addition to a Wolves side who have lacked a reliable forward in recent campaigns.

Read – Premier League Awards – Electric Elanga, Haaland’s century

See more – What does Newcastle cup win mean for European places in Premier League

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