Premier League Team of the Week: Cornelius Makpo Selects His Standout Performers

By Boom Radio NG Sports Desk

Another fascinating week of Premier League football has delivered outstanding individual performances, crucial goals and defensive displays worthy of recognition. In his latest selection, Cornelius Makpo names his Premier League Team of the Week, highlighting players who made a significant impact for their respective clubs.

From Erling Haaland’s goalscoring exploits to Pedro Neto’s decisive contribution for Chelsea and Alex Iwobi’s influence for Fulham, Makpo’s selection recognises quality across the pitch, with players earning their places through their performances over the weekend.

Cornelius Makpo’s Premier League Team of the Week

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez

Martínez earns his place after an impressive display for Chelsea against Everton. The goalkeeper made four saves and provided a strong presence between the posts before suffering a serious injury in a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The reported broken jaw and hospitalisation overshadowed an otherwise strong performance, underlining the physical risks goalkeepers face in high-intensity Premier League encounters.

Right-back: Diogo Dalot — Manchester United

Dalot delivered one of his strongest performances in recent memory for Manchester United, operating out of position at left-back against Leeds United.

The Portugal international has faced criticism this season, but his display demonstrated his ability to adapt to tactical demands and contribute when his team needs him.

Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhães — Arsenal

Gabriel continued to demonstrate his defensive strength in Arsenal’s victory over Nottingham Forest.

His commanding performance helped the Gunners secure a clean sheet, reinforcing his importance to the team’s defensive structure. His consistency and physical presence make him a key figure in Arsenal’s back line.

Centre-back: Luka Vušković — Brighton

Vušković impressed in Brighton’s win over Crystal Palace, delivering an outstanding performance in the aerial battles.

The defender won 10 aerial duels and recorded a pass-completion rate of 92 per cent, according to the supplied match assessment. Those numbers highlight his effectiveness in defence and his composure when distributing the ball.

Left-back: Maxim De Cuyper — Brighton

De Cuyper joins his Brighton teammate in the defensive selection after an impressive performance against Crystal Palace.

He won three tackles and provided a consistent attacking outlet down the left flank, helping Brighton maintain width and apply pressure. His combination of defensive work and forward movement earned him recognition in Makpo’s team.

Right midfield: Pedro Neto — Chelsea

Neto was one of the weekend’s standout attacking performers, scoring both goals in Chelsea’s reported victory over Everton.

His pace, movement and technical quality proved difficult for the opposition to contain. By delivering the decisive contributions in front of goal, the Chelsea attacker underlined his ability to influence the outcome of a match.

Central midfield: Alexis Mac Allister — Liverpool

Mac Allister responded to criticism of his performances this season with an influential display in Liverpool’s reported win against Brentford.

The Argentina international helped control the tempo from midfield, linking Liverpool’s play and providing the balance needed to keep the team moving forward. His contribution demonstrated that midfield influence is not measured by goals alone.

Central midfield: Alex Iwobi — Fulham

Iwobi earns his place after playing a key role in Fulham’s reported victory over Hull City.

The Nigeria international found the net and delivered an influential performance as Fulham secured an important result. His energy, technical ability and contribution in the final third made him one of the standout players in the selection.

For Nigerian football fans, Iwobi’s inclusion is another opportunity to recognise the impact of a Super Eagles international competing at the highest level of English football.

Left midfield: Víctor Muñoz — Liverpool

Muñoz also makes Makpo’s selection following an impressive performance in Liverpool’s reported win over Brentford.

The Spain international scored and posed a persistent threat with his pace and movement. His ability to stretch the opposition and create problems in attacking areas made him a valuable contributor to Liverpool’s performance.

Centre-forward: Erling Haaland — Manchester City

Haaland completes the attacking selection after scoring twice in Manchester City’s reported victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium.

The Norwegian striker once again demonstrated his instinctive finishing and ability to turn opportunities into goals. Regardless of the wider challenges facing Manchester City, his goalscoring remains a major asset for the team.

What stands out in Cornelius Makpo’s selection?

Makpo’s team highlights the different ways players can influence a Premier League match. Neto and Haaland made their mark through goals, while Mac Allister contributed through midfield control and Gabriel helped establish defensive stability.

Iwobi’s inclusion is particularly notable for Nigerian audiences, while Brighton’s Vušković and De Cuyper receive recognition for their complementary defensive performances.

The selection also reflects the value of versatility, with Dalot earning recognition for adapting to an unfamiliar position.

The verdict

Cornelius Makpo’s Premier League Team of the Week celebrates a mixture of attacking quality, defensive discipline and midfield influence. From Neto’s reported double to Haaland’s brace and Iwobi’s contribution for Fulham, the selected players made their cases through performances that stood out over the weekend.

As the Premier League campaign continues, the challenge for these players will be to maintain that form and deliver consistently for their clubs. For fans, the debate over who deserves a place in the next Team of the Week is already part of the excitement.

 

By Boom Radio NG Sports Desk

Written by Boom RadioNG