Premier League: Team of the Week XXV feat. Manchester United and Swansea stars

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Right-Wing-Back: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

This man has become something of a Mr. Reliable for Manchester United in recent years. The converted right-back still goes forward with all the attacking threat of a right-winger, but can do the hard-work in tracking back and defending just as well, and he showed that in abundance against Watford. The Ecuadorian was always eager to get forward and cause trouble in behind for the Hornets, and was an indomitable presence down the Watford left, a defensive wall to which they had no answer.

Centre-Midfield: Manuel Lanzini (West Ham United)

West Ham fought back valiantly against West Brom over the weekend and were unlucky not to have taken all three points, with Manuel Lanzini once more a lynch-pin in midfield. His direct running and incisive passing caused problems for the Baggies all afternoon, but he popped up in the right place at the right time on two occasions.

The first came with Sofiane Feghouli hitting home the equaliser after Lanzini’s effort had been tipped onto the bar by the excellent Ben Foster, before Lanzini himself fired the Hammers ahead with a swerving, left-footed effort that which left Foster a mere spectator and by all accounts should have won the game for the hosts.

Centre-Midfield: Juan Mata (Manchester United)

Just like last week, Juan Mata was back on the score-sheet for Manchester United and has interestingly established himself as one of Mourinho’s more important players, though whether their relationship is more harmonious than in Mata’s waning days at Chelsea is anyone’s guess.

The Spaniard was at his fluid, dynamic and creative best once more against Watford, and the statistics not only show his impact on the Premier League since his arrival in England, but also his consistency. Since his first appearance in English football for Chelsea, Juan Mata has been involved in 87 goals, scoring 45 and assisting 42, a total better than that of any other midfielder.

Left-Wing-Back: Martin Olsson (Swansea City)

Part of Paul Clement’s revolution at the Liberty Stadium has been his shrewd activity in the transfer window, and the recruitment of Martin Olsson is another shining example of that, and his inclusion in the side paid dividends against Leicester as the Swans look closer and closer to breaking free of relegation trouble.

The Swede netted his side’s second against Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes with his one effort on goal in the game, firing his effort splendidly beyond Kasper Schmeichel, and his guile and experience in the top-flight has thus far proven invaluable. Despite playing at left-back, he also made more key passes than any other Swans player.