Premier League Team of the Week XI

We aren’t far away from the end of the 2025/26 Premier League season. As we enter the last third of the campaign, who made it into our most recent team of the week?

We’ve included players from clubs such as Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal in our XI. Can you guess who we’ve picked this week?

GK: Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale has had a rough time over the past couple of years, but he showed everyone that they were wrong to write him off with his performance against Chelsea.

Making several saves and high claims, Ramsdale dealt with everything that the Blues could throw at him as Newcastle picked up a crucial 1-0 away win at Stamford Bridge.

RWB: Ola Aina

Like Ramsdale, the 2025/26 season has been a difficult one for Ola Aina, largely due to injuries. However, he was pretty much faultless when Nottingham Forest took on Fulham.

Not only did he effectively contain the dangerous Oscar Bobb, he also came the closest to scoring out of anyone on the pitch when he struck the bar with a powerful volleyed effort.

CB: Malick Thiaw

Malick Thiaw is rapidly becoming one of the best signings of the season in the Premier League. He put another heroic display at the weekend when Newcastle overcame Chelsea – not only did the Toon win, they also kept a clean sheet.

He did an excellent job in keeping Liam Delap quiet, never giving the former Ipswich Town man time to pick his shot in the box.

CB: William Saliba

Is William Saliba the best centre-back in the world? Many may point to his partner, Gabriel – but, for us, no-one can match Saliba’s pure defensive prowess at the moment.

He was outstanding again on Saturday afternoon, limiting Everton’s chances to a premium whenever possible.

CB: Jan Paul van Hecke

Jan Paul van Hecke has matured greatly this season – playing alongside Lewis Dunk has clearly had a positive effect on the Dutch international.

Sunderland have had an excellent home record this season, but Van Hecke wasn’t fazed – even against a rambunctious Brian Brobbey, Van Hecke held his nerve and made a number of clearances to preserve the Seagulls’ clean sheet.

LWB: Ferdi Kadioglu

Next to Van Hecke on the defensive flank, Ferdi Kadioglu was similarly excellent at the Stadium of the light.

With a tackle success ratio of 100%, no-one could get beyond Kadioglu on Saturday afternoon – it was a dull game, but one that Brighton fans can take a cornucopia of positives from.

CM: Joao Gomes

Joao Gomes is far too good to be playing in the Championship next season. His energy levels are phenomenal, as is his passing ability – he plays long passes that other players wouldn’t even dream of considering.

Gomes is always looking to move the ball through the phases. Despite being 25 years of age, he plays with a certain maturity, doing everything you would expect from a top-class central midfielder. He is a cultured footballer, but he isn’t scared to do the dirty work.

CM: Bruno Fernandes

Where would Manchester United be without Bruno Fernandes? They owe so much to him – he has been a constant shining light during their darkest period in the Premier League.

Fernandes stepped up to the plate once again on Sunday afternoon, notching up a pair of assists against Aston Villa. In particular, his second assist demands a second viewing – he threaded a pinpoint through ball to Matheus Cunha to put United back into the lead.

RW: Rio Ngumoha

What a breath of fresh air Rio Ngumoha is. So few players are willing to take on their man in modern football, but Ngumoha is a complete anomaly in this regard.

He gave Tottenham all kinds of issues at the weekend, making several runs at their left flank. With any luck, his penchant for dribbling won’t be coached out of him – but given Arne Slot’s tactical preferences, we’re fearing the worst.

LW: Richarlison

Tottenham fans will be eternally grateful to Richarlison if he can keep them in the Premier League. Spurs have been completely pathetic over the last few weeks, but the Brazilian international’s level of effort can never be questioned.

He looked like a threat throughout, always looking to find space in Liverpool’s box – eventually, he was rewarded for his efforts with a late goal.

ST: Tolu Arokodare

Tolu Arokodare is one of the most underrated forwards in the Premier League – he made an instant impact when he was brought on against Brentford at the G-Tech Stadium.

A fantastic target man, Akorodare scored the equalising goal to give Wolves a valuable point on the road with a well-timed diving header.