Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur): Hugely effective in the draw at Newcastle from an attacking and defensive point of view. Wonderful first goal getting across the front man like a true striker, and the second – although it bounced 16 times – to have the audacity to do an overhead kick in the last minute you have to give him credit. They didn’t get the win but he came across really well in the game.
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion): I don’t usually put players on the losing team in but if the centre-back scores two goals and the team loses 4-3 I think you have to give a bit of credit. He’s been solid, with a good range of passing. The only negative is that he went missing when Aston Villa went on that little run at the end of the first half and beginning of the second. But I will give him credit for the goals – that’s the striker in me. He deserves it.
Jaka Bijol (Leeds United): I could have put every Leeds player in from their 3-1 win over Chelsea. He gets his first goal of the season in a monster of a performance. Not only with the goal but defensively solid. Backed it up after just missing out a couple of times because a few of the Leeds defenders have been putting in bullish performances. I don’t think defending has been the problem for Leeds – I think it’s been a case of missed opportunities from an attacking point of view over the course of the season.
Lewis Hall (Newcastle United): Hands down the best player on the pitch against Spurs. I haven’t said this yet but if he continues in this level of form he will be the starting left-back for England at the World Cup. Exceptional level and it was interesting when he got brought to Newcastle from Chelsea that a lot of people questioned the fee. He’s had a few injury problems but he looks top class and like a bargain now for Eddie Howe.
Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace): Mr Consistency this season – my player of the season so far. Their best attacking threat and without Ismaila Sarr there was more emphasis on him on the right-hand side – and he delivered again at Burnley. Him and Hall are frightening – their ability to go up and down, modern-day wing-backs who don’t stop, calm on the ball with a level of assuredness in the final third as well as being excellent midfielders.
