Gakpo, Isak, Odegaard and Mitchell all star in Round 3
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Man City were expected to ease to victory over Coventry, but in the end, it was Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics which sealed all three points.
The Italian made three saves, including crucial ones against Ellis Simms and Loum Tchaouna to keep the score 1-0 to City.
Right-Back: Ronald Araújo
The Barcelona loanee started his first Premier League match of the season and instantly looked at home in Liverpool’s back line.
Araújo registered ten defensive contributions throughout the game vs. Ipswich, including nine clearances, while also succeeding with 100% of his dribble attempts.
This performance could well ensure that he has cemented his spot as the first choice right-back under Andoni Iraola heading into the next few matches.
Centre-Back: Luka Vušković
Luka Vušković may end up costing Brighton a staggering £50m, but judging by his early performances, that could soon turn into a bargain.
The Croatian centre-back displayed his aerial presence by scoring the Seagulls’ equaliser against Leeds with a header, along with making two headed clearances in the game.
He also won 71% of his ground duels and succeeded with 89% of his passes. If he keeps this up, there is no doubting he will go down as one of the signings of the summer (something we predicted in this article – here).
Centre-Back: Bobby Thomas
If it wasn’t for Bobby Thomas, who knows how many goals City would have scored against Coventry.
The defender was outstanding at the back for the Sky Blues, recording 12 defensive contributions and winning five of his seven ground duels.
More surprisingly, however, was the fact Thomas registered the most shots in the game (5) while also creating two chances for his teammates.
He could be so important for Frank Lampard this term.
Left-Back: Tyrick Mitchell
Tyrick Mitchell’s FotMob rating of 8.9 was the best among Premier League defenders this weekend, and for good reason.
Not often do you see left-backs score twice in the same game, but that is what Mitchell achieved against Fulham.
Although he made just six defensive contributions, Mitchell took seven touches in the opposition box, showcasing his attacking talents, and his eye for goal.
Centre-Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo is looking back to his best under Michael Carrick and he shone throughout against Everton.
The Englishman had the most touches (94) and recorded the most defensive contributions (15) out of anyone else on the pitch.
He finished the match with a stunning 96% pass success rate also, highlighting just how vital he will be in the heart of Manchester United’s midfield under Carrick.
Centre-Midfield: Elliot Anderson
No Rodri, no problem. Elliot Anderson has stepped up to fill the void left by the Spaniard in superb fashion.
Against Coventry, the summer signing from Nottingham Forest dictated play throughout, taking 178 touches and making an eye-watering 146 passes, with 21 of those into the final third.
He also won 100% of his ground duels and created a chance. All in a days work for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Left-Wing: Cody Gakpo
Liverpool supporters breathed a collective sigh of relief that Iraola managed to keep hold of Cody Gakpo as the transfer window approached the final few days.
His performance against Ipswich on Friday evening earned him a FotMob rating of 9.0, the best of anyone in round three.
Gakpo provided two assists for Alexander Isak, who converted both chances and the Dutchman also created the most chances (3) and completed the joint-most dribbles (3) at Portman Road.
Attacking Midfield: Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard proved to be the match-winner against Chelsea in Sunday’s London Derby, sweeping home a lovely team effort to secure a 2-1 win at the Emirates.
Arsenal’s captain created the joint-most chances (4) during his time on the pitch and won three of his four ground duels against the Blues.
Just when Mikel Arteta needed him most, Ødegaard delivered, as he has done many a time before for Arsenal.
Right-Wing: Marcus Tavernier
Bournemouth may have thrown away a 2-0 goal advantage to eventually settle for a point against Newcastle, but Marcus Tavernier delivered another solid performance.
Not only did he score his second Premier League goal of the season to open the scoring against the Magpies, but the winger also managed five shots, the most out of anyone on the field.
Tavernier also contributed when his team were under attack, registering nine defensive contributions and winning 86% of his ground duels.
Centre-Forward: Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak scored his first brace for Liverpool, 13 months after joining the Reds, in a 2-0 win over Ipswich.
The Swede combined well with Gakpo during the first half and Iraola will be hoping this is a sign of things to come from the duo.
Isak also made three passes into the final third, succeeded with two of his three dribbles, and completed seven sprints.
This could well be the catalyst for him to go on a scoring run in the next couple of weeks.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.
