Premier League Team of the Week from the midweek action, featuring stars from Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez – Aston Villa
The Argentine was equal to all that Brighton had at the Amex Stadium, including a wonderful save at full length to dip a free-kick onto the post. With the game goalless, it was a big moment for Martinez. His clean sheet made it 34 in his first 100 league appearances for Villa, a new club record, eclipsing Brad Friedel and Mark Bosnich (33).
Centre-back: Dara O’Shea – Ipswich Town
Bailed out his goalkeeper early on with a crucial goal-line clearance, after Ipswich had played themselves into pressure against Bournemouth. The Irishman stood firm for the remainder of the contest, as the Tractor Boys claimed a win that keeps their survival hopes alive. O’Shea recorded a mammoth 14 clearances, blocked five shots, and won 5/6 defensive duels.
Centre-back: Murillo – Nottingham Forest
A heroic effort from the Brazilian, who was so often the wall between Manchester United and the Nottingham Forest goal. A goal-saving clearance in stoppage time helped secure the points and edged Forest closer to the Champions League. Qualification could keep the in-demand defender at the City Ground a little longer. Europe’s elite are circling.
Murillo has made more clearances than any other player in the Premier League this season (186).
Rock at the back. 🪨 pic.twitter.com/G5Qp1SpPje
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) April 2, 2025
Centre-back: Emmanuel Agbadou – Wolves
What a terrific signing he has been. The January recruit was solid again at Wolves and moved closer to Premier League safety with a 1-0 win over West Ham. Solid defensively and progressive with his passes forward, the Ivorian has had a huge role in Wolves’ improvement under Vitor Pereira.
Midfield: Boubacar Kamara – Aston Villa
Another outstanding display from the midfielder, who Aston Villa are understood to be pushing hard to tie down to a new deal. Kamara’s combative class was instrumental to the 3-0 win at Brighton this week, with the Frenchman so often in the right place to snuff out dangers. His reading of the game was the foundation on which victory was built.
Midfield: Sandro Tonali – Newcastle
Deserved his slice of luck with a fortuitous winner after an indefatigable performance. The Italian has emerged as the heartbeat of Eddie Howe’s midfield since his return from suspension and is getting better and better in a Newcastle shirt. The driving force of the club’s crucial 2-1 win over Brentford.
Sandro Tonali. WOW 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Wf1BcUYnOO
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 2, 2025
Midfield: Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa
Two assists for Morgan Rogers on another excellent evening for the midfielder. He took time to settle into the game but showed his awareness to send away Marcus Rashford with a raking pass for the opening goal. He turned provider again to square for the in-form Marco Asensio to turn home. One of the best young players in the league this season.
Right-wing: Anthony Elanga – Nottingham Forest
Showed his former side what they’re missing with a wonderful solo run and finish. Elanga earned Nottingham Forest a huge 1-0 win over Manchester United as the Champions League moved a step closer. He now has 14 goals and assists in the Premier League this season, which matches last season’s return.
Left-wing: Luis Diaz – Liverpool
Liverpool’s brightest spark in their 1-0 win over Everton, Diaz created more chances (6) than Everton managed as a team (4). The Colombian’s combination of hustle and creativity was a constant threat for the Reds. No player in the Premier League created more open-play chances (6) during the midweek games.
Luis Diaz created more chances (6) and completed more take-ons (5) than any other player against Everton, as well as assisting the only goal of the game.
He’s the first Liverpool player to create 6 chances in a Premier League game against the Toffees since Mo Salah in 2017. 🔑 pic.twitter.com/c1A4WDo9ia
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 2, 2025
Forward: Jorgen Strand Larsen – Wolves
Jorgen Strand Larsen has stepped up when Wolves have needed it this season. In the absence of the talismanic Matheus Cunha, Larsen has netted crucial winners in key clashes against Southampton and West Ham. His deflected winner against the latter was the highlight of another performance that saw Larsen lead the line with class. He’s up to double figures for the Premier League campaign.
Forward: Liam Delap – Ipswich Town
Ipswich earned a 2-1 win at Bournemouth to keep their fading survival hopes alive. Regardless of whether Ipswich stay up, you can bet your house that Liam Delap will be a Premier League player next season.
Liam Delap is one of just ten players aged under 23 to have scored double figures across Europe’s top five leagues this season.
He is the ONLY striker in that age bracket to have done so in the Premier League.
One of the top CF prospects on the market. 📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/roO8zSwAvf
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 2, 2025
The 22-year-old slammed home his 11th goal of the Premier League season in emphatic fashion to enhance his reputation as one of the best-emerging number nines around. Full of power, pace and hard running, he’s sure to be snapped up in the summer.
Read – Premier League Awards – Electric Elanga, Classy Kamara
See more – The 10 best right-wingers in the world right now
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