Deeney names Brighton trio and Haaland in team of the week
Three Brighton players join Erling Haaland in Troy Deeney's latest Premier League team of the week. Manchester City striker Haaland leads the line in the side.
The BBC football pundit names his best 11 after every round of matches this season, and his latest selection was published on 19 October, according to BBC Sport. For anyone new to the idea, the concept is simple. One weekend of league action. One dream team drawn from across all the clubs.
In goal, Deeney chose Brighton's Bart Verbruggen. The goalkeeper is the last line of defence, the one player allowed to use his hands. His inclusion puts a Brighton shirt at the base of this week's side.
The defence in front of him blends four clubs. Chelsea's Levi Colwill and Arsenal's Gabriel are the central pair, the defenders who guard the middle of the box. They are joined by Brighton's Luka Vuskovic and Manchester United's Diogo Dalot in the wider full-back areas. That is a back line built from London, the south coast and Manchester.
In central midfield, Deeney went for Fulham's Sander Berge and Brighton's Diego Gomez. Central midfielders link defence and attack, winning the ball and moving it forward. Their presence gives the team its engine room, with Fulham and Brighton both represented.
Further forward, the picks add craft and pace. Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, a wide attacker who stretches play near the touchline, takes one spot. He is joined by Aston Villa midfielder Johan Manzambi and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison, two players who operate between the lines and create chances. That is one pick each from Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Up front, Deeney chose Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. A striker is the central finisher whose job is to turn chances into goals. He leads the line in this week's side.
What makes this stand out is the spread. Brighton supply three of the 11, Chelsea supply two, while Arsenal, Manchester United, Fulham, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City supply one each. That is eight clubs in total, a reminder of how wide talent runs in the Premier League.
The column continues after every round this season. For fans, this means supporters from Brighton to Manchester have a shared talking point, and a reason to debate kindly who else deserved a place.
