Best XI of Matchday 7 EPL: Robert Sánchez, Danny Welbeck, and others
On October 5th and 6th, matches of the seventh round of the 2024/25 English Premier League took place.
This weekend delivered stable results from the big clubs and two high-scoring matches.
Luis Torres presents the Best XI Matchday 7, as selected by Dailysports!
Formation: 3-4-3
Coach: Arne Slot
No coach displayed particularly brilliant tactics this round, so we’re handing this role to the manager of the team that confidently leads the Premier League table.
Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez (Chelsea)
The Spanish goalkeeper made eight saves. The highlight was his crucial stop at the end of the first half, when Murillo came dangerously close to scoring against him.
Center-backs: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Ethan Pinnock (Brentford), Nathan Collins (Brentford)
Van Dijk earned his spot in this team with a solid defensive performance in Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Crystal Palace. The Dutchman won an impressive eight aerial duels.
Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins helped Brentford win a wild match against Wolverhampton, 5-3! Both center-backs also scored. Incidentally, they were the only defenders to find the back of the net this week.
Midfield: Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford), Facundo Buonanotte (Leicester)
Kovačić was Manchester City’s hero, as his brace led them to a 3-2 win over Fulham. Since Mateo usually plays as a defensive midfielder, two goals in a match is quite a feat.
Palmer was consistently the best player for Chelsea, despite their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. He provided the assist for Madueke’s goal, completed 85% of his passes, and had six shots on target. With six goals and five assists so far, Palmer is the top performer this season.
Although Damsgaard didn’t score in Brentford’s 5-3 win, he delivered two assists. Mikkel dominated the midfield, driving the play and controlling the tempo. The 24-year-old Dane put in one of the best performances of his career.
Buonanotte was the sole scorer in Leicester’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth. Facundo dribbled past several defenders and smashed the ball into the near corner. A brilliant goal earned him a well-deserved place on the right flank.
Left Winger: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
It’s interesting that when Gakpo plays the full 90 minutes, he almost always provides an assist. This happened again in the match against Crystal Palace, where the Dutch winger set up Diogo Jota’s goal. Additionally, Gakpo contributed defensively with one tackle, three interceptions, and two aerial duels won.
Right Winger: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
In Arsenal’s match against Southampton, Saka racked up a goal and two assists in the second half. What more needs to be said?
Striker: Danny Welbeck (Brighton)
Welbeck, once known as a prolific forward for Manchester United and Arsenal, is now a key player for Brighton. The 33-year-old striker secured the win for the Seagulls in their 3-2 victory over Tottenham. He’s earned his place as the main striker in this week’s lineup.
Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
