After another successful and eye opening trip to the UK to take in SIX premier league matches in six days, I’ve put together a list of one player from each match that impressed me the most after watching them in person. Watching these footballers in action with the naked eye, rather over the television, changes your perspective on the game of football at the highest level, and the speed, technique, and mental toughness you NEED in order to reach that level.
Eberechi Eze; centre attacking midfield
Game 1: Crystal Palace vs Sheffield United (3-2): Eberechi Eze; CAM
A toss up between Eze & Winger Olise for this match, but Eze in the central attacking midfield was my favourite player of this match. His dynamism & fluidity of movement on & off the ball is second to none. He glides so effortlessly on the ball, his scanning ability to pull into the pockets as a number 10 is eye opening, and his final product is very good. A great part of Eze’s game is his patience of movement between the defense & midfield of the opposition; often, he is working at a slow jog/walk into space, and back pedalling towards the opposition’s goal when receiving the ball between lines. A great example of not thinking you run towards the ball to receive it; often times, the best midfielders are moving away from the ball on the half turn to receive, turn, and attack.
Eze also scored a wicked weak footed banger from outside the box, and helped set up several attacks for Palace, which influenced this selection.
Ranking: 8/10
Cristian Romero; centre half
Game 2: Tottenham Hostpur vs Brentford (3-2): Cristian Romero; CB
Although Spurs conceded twice, Cristian Romero is a Rolls Royce of a defender. His ability & confidence on the ball allows him to find press-ridding passing into his midfielders & forwards. As well, defensively, he’s an absolute monster – his aggressiveness is nothing like I’ve seen before, and his ability to make a well-timed, forceful tackle is one of the best on the globe currently.
Ranking: 7.5/10
Edson Alvarez; Central defensive midfield
Game 3: West Ham vs Bournemouth (1-1): Edson Alvarez; CDM
A fairly disappointing third game between West Ham & Bournemouth – although, Alvarez stood out for West Ham in the midfield. Defensively, he regathers second balls very well, breaks up attacks by cutting out passing lanes, and is aggressive as needed when 1v1 defending.
As well, in possession he offers great pockets for defenders to find him often as an outlet, and played some great passes into the likes of Bowen & Kudus.
Crysencio Summerville; Left Wing
Game 4: Bristol City vs Leeds United (0-1): Crysencio Summerville; LW
Summerville’s explosiveness and agility on and off the ball made him the greatest threat for Leeds united on & off the ball. Every time he picked up the ball on the LW, you were waiting for something to happen, although his final product needs work in terms of shot & pass selection.
As well, with his speed, he is able to run in behind as needed to increase his unpredictability as a player. The RB of Bristol had a very rough night having to constantly keep him in his eyesight.
Ranking: 7.5/10
Ross Barkley; Central Midfield
Some really great performances for both sides in this match, with the likes of Sean Longstaff, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Elijah Adebayo & Carlton Morris all having influential matches.
That being said, my stand out was Ross Barkley in the midfield for Luton Town. His influence in the 2-man midfield on the ball is one of the best in the premier league. He has a great knack for knowing when to dribble, when to pass, where to dribble to create passing options into the final third, and just his general technique on the ball is one of the best in the league now that he’s back to his best.
Ranking: 8/10
Matheus Cunha; Striker/Left Wing
Game 6: Chelsea FC vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-4): Matheus Cunha; ST
This was a toss up between Pedro Neto & Matheus Cunha, but with Cunha converting a hat trick there really wasn’t any other choice. His power & threat; both on and off the ball, makes him a stand out player in the premier league. His technique, in addition to his power & strength, gives him the opportunity to play different roles in this Wolves team.
He finds himself in so many positions as a forward player. His hold up play thanks to his technique & strength is very good. Second, his ability to float wide to receive the ball & take players on makes him a threat when receiving the ball to feet. Third, his movement in behind, and in an amongst the box, is what allowed him to score 2 of his 3 goals in this match. A fabulous player.
Ranking: 8.5/10
