Team of the week

Jack Butland – Stoke City
The 22-year-old shot stopper has had to be patient at Stoke. Signed from Birmingham City, he was behind Asmir Begovic in the pecking order but his sale to Chelsea has facilitated opportunities for Butland. Making the most of his run in the team, he was simply sensational at the Emirates. He may have been on the losing team but he helped keep the score-line respectable for Mark Hughes and that will give Stoke fans something to cheer about at least.

Allan Nyom – Watford
There wasn’t much fanfare when Allan Nyom arrived at Watford from their Italian sister club Udinese. A Cameroon international with La Liga experience, it seemed a solid signing that could add some depth to the team’s defensive options. However against Swansea, the defender was incredibly impressive. Fast, strong and eager to get forward, he could be perfect for an Ultimate Team on a budget. Not the best technically, his ability to open up space for his teammates is a major asset.

Daley Blind – Manchester United
Now in his second season with Manchester United, Blind is really beginning to settle into the surroundings of Old Trafford. Supremely composed, his ability to understand a number of different positions is a consequence of his education at Ajax and it’s proving invaluable for Louis Van Gaal. Working well with Chris Smalling in limiting Liverpool’s attacks, I’d expect his 79 rating to go up somewhat if he keeps this up.

Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham Hotspur
The Blegian centre-back was previously a target for Barcelona and you can see why with performances like this. Leading Spurs from the back, the way he handled Jeremain Lens one on one in the second half was incredibly impressive. While he might not be the quickest centre-back in the game, the technical side of his game is strong, as is his decision making. A quality player for Spurs, it’s easy to see why he’s vice-captain and is seen as important to the future of the club.

Robbie Brady – Norwich City
A lot was said of Brady in the summer. Costing Norwich in the region of £7million, he was seen as another player going for more than his value due to his home-grown status. The player himself is doing a great job of disproving that theory with his performances this season. Producing another strong showing against Bournemouth he nearly found the net but for the post. Tricky, smart and eager to get forward, he adds a new dynamic to the Norwich City attack, something that could help the Canaries in their quest to stay in the top flight.

Yaya Toure – Manchester City
A staple of most Ultimate Teams, Toure is physically one of the most intimidating midfielders in world football. Much more than just strength and speed, he also has a quality in his feet that has seen him saw countless top quality goals. While Kelechi Iheanacho stole the headlines with his goal, Toure’s bossing of midfield helped Manchester City to an important win at Selhurst Park as they maintained their flawless start to the season. Seemingly ageless, it’s hard to find a team that wouldn’t improve from the Ivorian’s presence in the heart of midfield.

Wes Hoolahan – Norwich City
The tricky little Irishman was a huge difference maker for Norwich this weekend. Setting up their opener while holding his own shinpad – no really he did – it was followed up by an impressive goal in the second half. Equally as important for the Republic of Ireland in their qualifying campaign, it’s easy to see why with performances like this one against Bournemouth. Linking up well with compatriot Brady, he should boost your team’s chemistry as well if you pick the Norwich left-back.

Ryan Mason – Tottenham Hotspur
With all the talk of Harry Kane, it’s easy to forget about another talented young Englishman in the Tottenham Hotspur dressing room. Ryan Mason has convinced not only Mauricio Pochettino but also Daniel Levy that he is the club’s future and performed well against Sunderland. A game that at times lacked attacking fluency and a cutting edge, he contributed on both sides of the ball for Spurs during an impressive showing. Providing the final touch to a great team move by the visitors, he took an injury in the process, underlining his commitment to the cause.

Riyad Mahrez – Leicester City
It’s amazing to think that Mahrez cost Leicester a reported £500,000 from Le Havre in France’s second tier. He now looks worth twenty times that figure as he dictates the attack. On Sunday against Aston Villa he had something of a mixed afternoon. By his own admission he was poor in the first half and gave it away for Villa’s second. However he turned on the style in the last 25 minutes and played a part in all three of the Foxes’ goals. Having already jumped a few points on FIFA 15, there’s every chance we could see him become a gold card player by the end of the year.

Anthony Martial – Monaco
There was so much uncertainty surrounding Anthony Martial at the weekend, he could have been forgiven for producing a meek first outing for Manchester United. Instead he took to the pace of the game exceptionally and showed just why many in France compare him to Thierry Henry. Giving the Man Utd attack pace, dynamism, and really energy, they’re all things it has arguably missed in the first few weeks of the season. Capping it off with a great goal, there could be something really special here.

Steven Naismith – Everton
Turning 29-years-old this week, the former Rangers man celebrated in style this weekend with a hat-trick against the champions. Showing that there’s more to Everton’s attack than Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, the Scotsman will likely have caught the eye of Gordon Strachan too as his Scotland side struggle to score goals. Producing the perfect hat-trick (right foot, left foot, header) he could be a shrewd selection for someone needing a lower-priced finisher for their squad.