Our Premier League team features a host of Manchester United and Chelsea names following the derby success, in addition to the improved summer signing from Everton.
Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez – Chelsea
Returned excellently from his mistakes in midweek. Sánchez was in top form as Chelsea defeated Brentford in a West London derby, making two excellent saves. First he prevented what looked like a certain own goal, before denying Kevin Schade one-on-one.
Two super Robert Sanchez stops ⛔️@Chelsea FC pic.twitter.com/bNqOftIDsg
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 17, 2026
Right back: Nordi Mukiele – Sunderland
Watching Nordi Mukiele this season, you’ll wonder why more Premier League clubs weren’t in the hunt for a deal for the defender.
The £9.5m fee for Sunderland was a bargain, with Mukiele excelling again against Crystal Palace this week. Great defensive work and an assist to top it off.
Center back: Tosin Adarabioyo – Chelsea
Liam Rosenior brought Tosin back to Chelsea, with the defender’s towering frame instrumental in nullifying Brentford’s threat.
He made 13 clearances and did not lose a single aerial duel (4/4) as Chelsea dealt with Brentford’s long throws. Chelsea will hope his injury is not serious.
Center back: Lisandro Martinez – Manchester United
Can we all please stop talking about Lisandro Martinez’s height? The Argentinian has done more than enough to make it a moot point.
He was fantastic against Manchester City this weekend, winning all his defensive duels and scoring eight times. Manchester United are a better team with him in it.
Lisandro Martinez vs Manchester City:
— 100% aerial duels won
— 100% ground duels wonNo one came to pick him up today. 😉 pic.twitter.com/N91P3JEfJ0
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 17, 2026
Left back: Bashir Humphreys – Burnley
Burnley dug deep to leave Liverpool with a result, with Bashir Humphreys huge in their defensive performance. The defender won 100% of his aerial duels (2/2) and made two crucial goal-line clearances as the Clarets withstood an Anfield siege.
Midfield: Casemiro – Manchester United
We have rolled back the years with disciplined performances in defensive midfield. So often in the right place at the right time against Manchester City, which keeps a cool head in the heat of a local derby.
Casemiro was *everywhere* on Saturday 🔋🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/UDay2l3xCS
—Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 18, 2026
Midfield: Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea
Plenty of action on his birthday and Chelsea’s standout performance against Brentford. Fernandez troubled the Bees throughout, assisting the opener and providing many stylish moments.
Midfield: Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest
Expect the transfer talk surrounding Elliot Anderson to get louder.
Against the leader, he was perhaps the best player on the field. Among his Nottingham Forest teammates, he topped the statistics for touches, duels won, fouls won and passes into the final third.
He is one of the most complete midfielders in the league this season.
Elliot Anderson for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal:
◉ Most touches (75)
◉ Most matches won (12)
◉= Most last third entries (9)
◉ Most possessions won (7)
◉ Most fouls won (5)
◉ Most tackles (3)And he won 100% of his aerial duels (5/5). 👏 pic.twitter.com/0jrCZmyNqw
— Squawka (@Squawka) January 17, 2026
Forward: Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United
Moved into a central role for the Manchester Derby and thrived. His movement and work rate disrupted an inexperienced Manchester City centre-back as he brilliantly grabbed the opener. That’s seven for the summer signing season.
Forward: Patrick Dorgu – Manchester United
Michael Carrick raised eyebrows with his selection of Patrick Dorgu for the Manchester Derby, but the 21-year-old repaid his manager’s faith.
Dorgu enjoyed the freedom of a forward roll, racing up and down the left side. He got his reward with the second goal at Old Trafford.
Forward: Thierno Barry – Everton
After a difficult start at Everton, Thierno Barry is growing in confidence. The Frenchman scored three goals in four Premier League games as the Toffees upset chances to win at in-form Aston Villa.
Barry’s winner was a brilliant finish, the kind that will do him a world of good. He was difficult for Aston Villa all match with smart runs and energy in the lead. David Moyes will want more of this.
Thierno Barry has scored 3️⃣ goals in his last 4️⃣ Premier League games.
Starting to find form at Everton 📈 pic.twitter.com/T5mnXmLS4U
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 18, 2026
Read – Five of the best ever Premier League loan signings in January
See more – Golazo Merchants: A man with impeccable technique, David Beckham
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