Richarlison shines as new-look Everton dominate Premier League Team of the Week

 

There may have only been eight games in the opening round of Premier League fixtures but there were plenty of standout performances to enjoy, including a handful of impressive debuts.

However, there are only 11 places up for grabs in our first Premier League Team of the Week of the 2020/21 campaign, and as ever players can only qualify in their starting positions. So who makes the cut...

Vicente Guaita (Crystal Palace) - 8.19

While the Eagles may have been the home side, many will have been surprised by their opening day victory over Southampton given the contrasting way the two sides ended last season, and Guaita certainly played his part. The 33-year-old was in fact, awarded the WhoScored man of the match award for making five saves en route to a clean sheet, some of which were exceptional.

Reece James (Chelsea) - 8.88

Getting the nod at right-back over captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who most expected to line up on the left, the 20-year-old did his long term prospects of retaining a place in the starting XI no harm at all at Brighton. The youngster was Chelsea's star man on a night that they handed debuts to the likes of Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, netting his first Premier League strike with an absolute rocket just moments after the Blues had conceded an equaliser, before assisting the game-ending third from a corner.

Romain Saiss (Wolves) - 9.12

Doubling Wolves' lead at Brammall Lane inside the opening six minutes with a sensational header, Saiss' defensive work thereafter was crucial to ensuring a clean sheet and subsequent victory. The Moroccan won six aerial duels in total and made seven clearances, one of which was off the goal-line, as well as completing 88.9 per cent of his passes.

Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) - 7.96

In what was a dream debut for the Gunners - and one many didn't think the Brazilian would make so soon given a lack of playing time - Gabriel opened his Arsenal account at the first time of asking having only ever scored one goal in a season during his time at Leeds. The 22-year-old also made two tackles and completed 94.7 per cent of his passes in an incredibly composed display.

Lucas Digne (Everton) - 7.99

Another game, another telling contribution from Digne, would spoke to us ahead of the campaign on being named in each of our last two Premier League team of the seasons. The Frenchman registered the assist for Everton's winner at Tottenham with another outstanding delivery and produced three tackles and two interceptions in a typically strong all round display.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 9.88

Setting his stool out early in a bid to reclaim the Golden Boot he lost last season, Salah scored an opening day treble against newly promoted Leeds, with two penalties sandwiching an unbelievable strike into the roof of the net. The Egyptian had nine attempts in all, as well as completing seven dribbles and creating four chances in a display that earned him a place in the side ahead of strong competition from debutants Willian (8.35), Jeff Hendrick (8.61) and James Rodriguez (7.68).

Mateusz Klich (Leeds) - 7.71

In what was a superbly spirited display from Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds, coming from behind three times only to eventually fail to find an all important fourth equaliser, it's fitting that they are represented in the XI. Klich is the man to make the lineup having proven his ability to score goals from midfield in the top-flight having done so regularly in the Championship with a fantastic finish for Leeds' third goal, having also made four tackles in the defeat.

 

Richarlison shines as new-look Everton dominate Premier League Team of the Week

 

Dennis Praet (Leicester) - 7.69

After a modest debut campaign for Leicester, Foxes fans will hope to see more of the same from Dennis Praet's opening day exploits. The Belgian midfielder clipped in a delightful cross for compatriot Timothy Castagne to head home the opening goal against West Brom on his debut, and mustered two shots and two tackles in an improved showing.

Richarlison (Everton) - 9.18

While the Brazilian squandered a fine chance in the opening half against Tottenham, Richarlison's overall performance was quite remarkable besides. The winger completed a gameweek high of 11 dribbles, attempted seven shots and won six fouls to give Matt Doherty a torrid time on debut. Meanwhile, a further five tackles displayed the 23-year-old's exceptional work rate as he aims to remain the star man in a much improved Toffees side.

Jamie Vardy (Leicester) - 7.99

Having been frustrated for much of the game against newly promoted West Brom, Vardy eventually had the last laugh, scoring two penalties to put the win beyond any doubt for Leicester. The veteran striker also created a chance and helped out at the opposite end with two clearances.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton) - 7.97

Opening his account in gameweek one with a towering header to hand Everton all three points, Calvert-Lewin was a real handful for Tottenham all game. The Toffees striker won five aerial duels and linked up play superbly with an improving support cast, completing an excellent 86.7 per cent of his passes.

Richarlison shines as new-look Everton dominate Premier League Team of the Week