EA Team of the week.

Hugo Lloris – Tottenham Hotspur

The French custodian only narrowly missed out on this spot last week after a top drawer performance against Crystal Palace. Displaying his consistency with another good showing against Manchester City he played an influential role in Spurs comeback on Saturday. Making a game-changing stop against Raheem Sterling, how Manuel Pellegrini will have wished he had Lloris at his disposal given the erratic performance of Willy Caballero. As is often the case with Tottenham, the question now remains whether they can hold onto Lloris. A player with Champions League aspirations, he will not be short of suitors in the competition if he maintains this level of performance.

Kevin Mbabu – Newcastle United

On Saturday morning Newcastle fans knew very little about Kevin Mbabu but that all changed by the end of the day. The Swiss defender signed from Servette in 2013 spent time on loan at Rangers last year but couldn’t get into the side. Handling Pedro incredibly well he was dogged and determined in his defending and rightly earned a number of cheers from the home crowd. A solid defender he’s not likely to cost you many coins should you wish to give him a chance in your team.

Virgil van Djik – Southampton

The towering Dutch centre-back is still new to the Premier League after his move from Celtic last month. Adjusting to the change in pace can be difficult for even the most talented of defenders. However the former FC Groningen man seems to be coping well and he even managed to contribute in the final third on Saturday with a very good header to give his side the lead. Showing some early promise for Saints, he could be another astute signing by Les Reed and his team on the south coast.

Brede Hangeland – Crystal Palace

At 34 years old the big Norwegian defender has been there and done it in the Premier League. A veteran of English football he has had to be patient while at Crystal Palace. Capitalising on the absence of Damien Delaney he came into the side to face the pace and power of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo and adapted well. Almost finding the net at the other end of the field it capped a fantastic individual performance. Having dependable players like Hangeland in yourr squad is vital and that’s something Alan Pardew will no doubt have realised after Sunday’s win.

Robbie Brady – Norwich City

Scoring the opening goal for Norwich as they held West Ham United at Upton Park, I’ve been consistently impressed by Brady this season. What seemed like a big fee is now looking like a bargain for the Canaries as he gives them a real attacking threat in the final third. Able to score and assist, he is also positionally versatile. I’m unsure whether he works best as a left-back or a left midfielder but having that option will no doubt please Alex Neil.

Ramires – Chelsea

The job of a substitute can be a difficult one especially when your team is losing. Credit to the Brazilian though as along with compatriot Willian he changed the game in Chelsea’s favour. Notching a brilliant goal to get them back into the game he then ran interference on Willian’s free-kick to draw the sides level. A tireless runner, he could be just the kind of energy that the Blues need in the middle of the field as well as the defensive cover they lacked on Saturday.

Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool

The little magician is someone I delight in watching. As a teenager during one of his first training sessions at Inter Milan he nutmegged Marco Materazzi. The club’s physio said if he could do it again he’d buy him snacks for the week. Materazzi said if he tried to do it again he’d break his legs. A game-changing player consistency is the only issue he has to overcome. A bag of tricks in the final third, his four star skills and 89 dribbling could definitely help you humiliate your friends during those ultra competitive matches.

Eric Dier – Tottenham Hotspur

A defender by trade, Dier has recently been used in a holding midfield role and it seems to be doing wonders for his career. Netting a goal against Manchester City the Englishman is composed on the ball and recycles possession well for Spurs. Adding to their core of young players if they can hold onto this group they could have some real success in the years to come. Eager to shield his centre-backs and contribute in attack it may be wise for Mauricio Pochettino to abandon the idea of him as a defender and now play him solely as a midfielder (injuries allowing).

Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal

A slow start to the season the Chilean was back with a bang against Leicester. The first player to score hat-tricks in Italy, Spain and England those pre-season beach sessions have clearly paid off. The spark Arsenal have needed in attack, his mixture of tricks, pace and finishing would make him a must have for any Ultimate Team.

Juan Mata – Manchester United

With his cheeky grin and delicate touch it’s difficult to dislike Juan Mata. His personal Youtube channel recently produced a video in which he teaches you three ways to control a ball. Making it look easy, he did so again against Sunderland on Saturday. Rounding off a strong showing with a goal, Mata has been consistency personified for Louis van Gaal this season. With the emphasis on build up in FIFA 16, having a pass master like Mata in your team could be the difference between success and failure.

Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool

Much has been made of Sturridge’s absence through injury and the impact that has had on Liverpool as a team. Clearly they are worse off without him and he showed that on Saturday by netting a brilliant brace. Linking well with Coutinho, his composed finishes are the kind of thing we expect from one of the league’s best strikers. Arriving during a time in which Brendan Rodgers is under immense pressure, he should put a smile on his manager’s face irrespective of whether he does his trademark celebration.