Troy Deeney's Premier League Team of the Week: Suzuki, Semenyo and Brobbey Lead the XI

BBC football pundit Troy Deeney has selected his Premier League Team of the Week after the latest round of matches. Zion Suzuki, Antoine Semenyo, Brian Brobbey and Keith Andrews are among the standout picks, with Deeney explaining each selection in detail.

  • Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki (Aston Villa) selected after commanding his area against Spurs.
  • Hat-trick hero: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) scored three against Manchester City.
  • Manager of the week: Keith Andrews (Brentford) after beating Chelsea 3-0.
  • Brighton dominance: Three Brighton players included after suffocating Arsenal in midfield.
  • Newcastle double: Lewis Hall and Joe Willock both make the XI.
  • Debut impact: Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa) scored one and assisted one on his first start.

What was said

"He let in two against Spurs but that was when Villa decided they weren't really going to try any more so no pressure on him for those goals. He commanded his area and has really taken to the Premier League quickly."

— Troy Deeney on Zion Suzuki

"It doesn't get spoken about how much he puts aggressive pressure on the ball, goes into midfield to win the ball back and he's calm."

— Troy Deeney on Luka Vuskovic

"He must have won the ball back off Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Odegaard at least 15 times. He was so good in his positioning and possession and he got a goal."

— Troy Deeney on Chema Andres

"He gets a hat-trick against Manchester City. Even though they lost he comes away with a lot of credit."

— Troy Deeney on Brian Brobbey

"I can't get a Brentford player in the team despite them beating Chelsea 3-0. Unbelievable performance. Andrews keeps that momentum going so that's why he's manager of the week."

— Troy Deeney on Keith Andrews

Deeney's selections reflect a weekend of contrasting fortunes. He reserves praise for players who combined defensive solidity with attacking output, particularly Chema Andres against Arsenal and Luka Vuskovic at the back. His comments on Suzuki suggest he sees the goalkeeper as a seamless replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who departed Villa Park in the summer. The omission of any Brentford player despite a 3-0 win over Chelsea is a rare quirk in his thinking, yet he rewards Andrews for maintaining momentum.

The inclusion of Brian Brobbey despite Sunderland's defeat to Manchester City underlines Deeney's willingness to acknowledge individual brilliance in a losing cause. His hat-trick, though ultimately in vain, left a lasting impression. Deeney also highlights the tactical suffocation Brighton imposed on Arsenal, singling out Andres, Vuskovic and Charalampos Kostoulas.

Full Team of the Week

  • GK: Zion Suzuki (Aston Villa)
  • RB: Jay Dasilva (Coventry)
  • CB: Luka Vuskovic (Brighton)
  • CB: Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool)
  • LB: Lewis Hall (Newcastle)
  • MID: Antoine Semenyo (Man City)
  • MID: Joe Willock (Newcastle)
  • MID: Chema Andres (Brighton)
  • MID: Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa)
  • FW: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)
  • FW: Charalampos Kostoulas (Brighton)

Manager: Keith Andrews (Brentford)

Why Deeney picked these players: tactical analysis

Zion Suzuki has settled quickly at Aston Villa, commanding his area and taking the ball cleanly. Deeney notes that the two goals conceded against Spurs came when Villa had already disengaged, so Suzuki bears no blame. His selection signals that Villa have not missed Emiliano Martinez.

Luka Vuskovic impressed Deeney live against Arsenal. The defender is dominant in the air but also composed in possession, stepping into midfield to win the ball back. That aggressive pressing from centre-back is a modern trait, and Vuskovic executed it perfectly.

Chema Andres was the midfield anchor as Brighton suffocated Arsenal. Deeney claims Andres won the ball back off Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Odegaard at least 15 times, a remarkable stat that highlights his positioning and tenacity. He also scored, capping a complete performance.

Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick against Manchester City, even though Sunderland lost. His ability to trouble a defence of City's calibre earned him a place despite the result. Deeney believes Brobbey will not want the international break to interrupt his form.

Keith Andrews takes the manager's spot after Brentford's 3-0 win over Chelsea. Deeney admits he could not fit any Brentford player into the XI, but Andrews' tactical setup and momentum earned him the nod. It is described as an unbelievable start for him.

Talking points

  • Is it right to include Brian Brobbey in a Team of the Week when his hat-trick came in a losing cause? Deeney clearly values individual brilliance over results.
  • How can Deeney justify leaving out every Brentford player after a 3-0 win over Chelsea? Andrews gets the manager's spot but no player makes the XI.
  • Chema Andres winning the ball back 15 times off Rice, Guimaraes and Odegaard is a staggering claim. Does that say more about Brighton's tactics or Arsenal's midfield?
  • Zion Suzuki's selection over Emiliano Martinez suggests Villa have moved on seamlessly. Is that a fair reflection after just a few games?

What happens next

The international break now interrupts the Premier League season, and Deeney notes that Brian Brobbey will not want the pause given his form. When club football returns, all eyes will be on whether these players can maintain their levels. Keith Andrews will look to build on Brentford's momentum, while Brighton's trio will aim to replicate their dominance over Arsenal.

Frequently asked questions

Who is in Troy Deeney's Premier League Team of the Week?

The XI includes Zion Suzuki, Jay Dasilva, Luka Vuskovic, Jeremy Jacquet, Lewis Hall, Antoine Semenyo, Joe Willock, Chema Andres, Johan Manzambi, Brian Brobbey and Charalampos Kostoulas, with Keith Andrews as manager.

Which goalkeeper did Troy Deeney pick?

Zion Suzuki of Aston Villa was selected after commanding his area against Spurs, with Deeney noting he has taken to the Premier League quickly.

Who is the manager of the week?

Keith Andrews of Brentford is manager of the week after guiding his side to a 3-0 win over Chelsea, an unbelievable performance according to Deeney.

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