There aren’t many better keepers in the league than Emi Martinez. I thought he was superb at Goodison yesterday. That double save he made right at the end of the first half was brilliant, particularly the one from Calvert-Lewin.
Pedro Porro has to be one of the most improved players in the league. The amount of assists this lad is getting is amazing, his corners yesterday were causing so much trouble. Defensively he had a few shaky moments, but his overall performance was brilliant and he’s developing into a real weapon in this Spurs side.
I’ve picked young Branthwaite quite a few times this season and he’s back in my side this week. The question now is whether Gareth Southgate will be picking him! This lad has a bit of everything and he’s such a presence in the box. He’s only going to get better, and I’d be shocked if some of the big sides in the country aren’t looking at hm.
I can’t believe how good Thiago Silva still is. He’ll be turning 40 later in the year but you wouldn’t know, and I still think he’s Chelsea’s best centre-half! Fulham threw the kitchen sink at Chelsea towards the end of the game, but Silva dealt with everything that came his way and helped his side see out a vital win. I’m sure he’s still one of the first names on Pochettino’s team sheet.
Destiny Udogie is another one that’s been in my side a lot this season. I thought this fella had another great game at Old Trafford yesterday. His duel against Garnacho was great to watch, two young lads trying to get the better of each other. Udogie’s energy was brilliant, I think he’s been one of the revelations of the season.
What a player Rodri is. Everyone goes on about it but this unbeaten record he’s got right now is unbelievable. He just seems to be getting better and better and I think he’s the first name on Pep’s team sheet. It didn’t look like much but that effortless outside of the foot pass to De Bruyne for his goal was top class and opened the game up.
My star man can only be one man though, Kevin De Bruyne. To come on and change the game like he did at St James’ was unbelievable but he’s a special player. His goal was so typical of him and make no mistake, he meant to put the ball through Schar’s legs like that. I don’t think he should have had as much time as he did but the pass for the winner was absolutely world class. I’ve got to say a word too about the finish, how good was that! What a game it was at St James’ and what a player he is.
Ross Barkley has really turned his career around at Luton and ran the show at Burnley the other night. No disrespect to any of the other lads but Barkley’s range of passing and composure on the ball is just at a different level to anyone else down at the end of the table. I know a few people were surprised he ended up at Luton this season, but it’s proven to be a masterstroke.
He may have been on the losing side, but Anthony Gordon couldn’t have done much more, he was fantastic. Not many players give Kyle Walker such a hard time, but this boy was so dangerous. He’s always had tremendous pace, but he’s really worked on his end product, that was a brilliant finish. He plays with so much desire and I’d be shocked if he’s not in the next England squad, it seems a no-brainer to me!
I’m really happy for young Hojlund getting himself on the scoresheet. I thought some of the criticism he was getting earlier in the season was ridiculous. He’s got a lovely left foot and looks a good finisher to me. Vicario’s a good keeper but he slotted it past him with so much pace, it reminded me a bit of the way Van Persie used to finish. I do think there’s a real player here, he just needs to get a bit more service.
Another lad who got way too much stick in my opinion, Richarlison. He’s having a really good season and led the line well for Spurs. He’s really taking advantage of the absentees Spurs have at the moment and with the way this side create chances, he’ll fancy a few more goals. When you look at this lad’s skillset, you wonder why he doesn’t score more, there’s a lot to like about his game.
