Premier League: Team of the Week XXVIII feat. Everton and Liverpool stars

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Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)

It was a tough call this week but Mignolet gets the nod in goal after an assured display in the Liverpool goal. There was precious little he could do about Ashley Barnes’ rifled opener for the Clarets, but he kept his side steady at the back with a solid display, looking unafraid to come off his line to claim the ball. Promising signs from a goalkeeper who has been much-maligned in the past for failing to command his area.

Centre-Back: Ashley Williams (Everton)

The addition of the Wales captain has been important in helping reinforce the Everton defence after losing John Stones prior to the season, and although his distribution looks unorthodox at times, he was a composed presence on the ball against the Baggies.

He defended admirably at the heart of Toffees defence next to skipper Phil Jagielka, and his presence was an important factor in slamming the door in the face of the West Brom attack and restricting them to just two efforts on target.

Centre-Back: Phil Jagielka (Everton)

Like Williams, the skipper put in a captain’s performance to help hold the line for Everton in what was a closely-fought game until Kevin Mirallas found the breakthrough goal. After that, Jagielka’s task became somewhat easier, and he began to have the freedom to venture out of defence that little more.

Initially shaky following his return to the side, he grew with confidence as the game went on, and nevertheless put in a defensive display, giving away very little to a side that has recently become a dangerous opponent in the Premier League.

Centre-Back: Andrea Ranocchia (Hull City)

The Italian has been a revelation since arriving on-loan from Inter Milan. Often overshadowed by Harry Maguire though, it was Ranocchia’s turn to be the star of the Tigers’ defence as they set about keeping out relegation rivals Swansea in a key clash at the KCOM Stadium, and did so until late on, when Alfie Mawson netted a last-gasp consolation goal.

Ranocchia held the defensive line well and was a commanding presence in the air to continually foil the Swans in their search for the breakthrough, but he enjoyed an easier task then he perhaps would have after Fernando Llorente departed the field with an injury.