A Tactical Masterclass
Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week: A Tactical Deep Dive (2026-01-20)
Troy Deeney, a name synonymous with Premier League grit and insightful commentary, has released his Team of the Week. This isn’t just a list of high-scoring players; it’s a carefully constructed XI reflecting tactical acumen, defensive solidity, and attacking flair. Let’s dissect Deeney’s selections, exploring the rationale behind each pick and the overall tactical shape of his team.
Formation and Philosophy
Deeney has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, a system that prioritizes attacking width and a dynamic midfield. This formation provides a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions and multifaceted attacking options. The key to a successful 4-3-3 lies in the balance of the midfield, with one holding midfielder providing cover for the defense and two more advanced midfielders driving forward and supporting the attack. Deeney’s selection clearly emphasizes this balance.
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Alisson’s inclusion is hardly surprising. The Liverpool shot-stopper has been consistently excellent this season, and his performance this week was no exception. His commanding presence in the box, exceptional shot-stopping abilities, and accurate distribution make him a vital asset for any team. Alisson’s Premier League profile highlights his importance to Liverpool’s defensive stability.
Defense: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Destiny Udogie (Tottenham Hotspur)
The defensive line showcases a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Trent Alexander-Arnold, known for his pinpoint crosses and creative passing from right-back, offers an attacking threat down the flank. His defensive capabilities have improved significantly, making him a more complete player. Whoscored.com’s Trent Alexander-Arnold profile details his key stats.
In the center, William Saliba’s composure and aerial prowess make him a rock at the back for Arsenal. His partnership with a seasoned leader like Virgil van Dijk provides the defensive backbone of Deeney’s team. Van Dijk’s leadership, tackling, and overall defensive awareness remain unmatched. Van Dijk’s Transfermarkt profile displays his career statistics.
Destiny Udogie completes the back four. His pace, tackling ability, and forward runs from left-back provide a valuable outlet on the left side. He is a rising star and a key component of Tottenham’s defense. His inclusion demonstrates Deeney’s appreciation for modern full-backs who contribute both defensively and offensively.
Midfield: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), Rodri (Manchester City), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
The midfield trio is a dynamic blend of creativity, steel, and technical ability. Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal captain, is the creative hub of the team. His vision, passing range, and ability to find space in tight areas make him a constant threat. ESPN’s Martin Ødegaard profile showcases his passing accuracy and key passes per game.
Rodri anchors the midfield, providing defensive cover and dictating the tempo of the game. His tackling, interceptions, and passing accuracy make him an invaluable asset. He is the metronome of the team, ensuring that the defense is protected and the attack is launched effectively. His presence allows the more attacking midfielders to flourish.
Bruno Guimarães adds further dynamism and energy to the midfield. His box-to-box ability, tackling, and eye for goal make him a constant threat. He is capable of winning the ball back, driving forward, and contributing goals and assists. His inclusion provides the midfield with a vital injection of energy and creativity.
Attack: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
The attacking trident is a fearsome combination of pace, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal winger, has been in scintillating form this season. His dribbling, crossing, and finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to cut inside onto his left foot and unleash powerful shots makes him a constant threat. Saka’s Premier League profile details his goal and assist statistics.
Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, is a goal-scoring machine. His pace, power, and clinical finishing make him one of the most feared strikers in the world. His ability to find space in the box and convert chances with ruthless efficiency makes him a constant threat. He is the focal point of the attack, and his goals are crucial to the team’s success.
Son Heung-min completes the attack, providing pace, skill, and a clinical finishing touch. His ability to run in behind defenders and score from tight angles makes him a constant threat. His partnership with Haaland and Saka creates a dynamic and unpredictable attacking force. He is a proven goalscorer and a valuable asset to any team. His work rate and willingness to track back also contribute to the team’s defensive efforts.
Tactical Nuances and Key Partnerships
Deeney’s team isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about tactical synergy and key partnerships. The combination of Alexander-Arnold’s crossing ability and Saka’s movement off the ball creates a dangerous threat down the right flank. The partnership between Van Dijk and Saliba provides a solid defensive foundation, allowing the full-backs to push forward with confidence. The midfield trio of Ødegaard, Rodri, and Guimarães offers a perfect blend of creativity, steel, and energy, ensuring that the team can control the midfield battle.
Furthermore, the forward line of Saka, Haaland, and Son offers a variety of attacking options. Saka’s dribbling and crossing ability, Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess, and Son’s pace and clinical finishing make them a nightmare for defenders. Their ability to interchange positions and create space for each other makes them a difficult attack to contain.
Substitutes Bench
While the starting XI is impressive, the strength of the substitutes bench is equally important. Deeney’s bench would likely include players like:
* **Goalkeeper:** Nick Pope (Newcastle United) – A reliable backup goalkeeper with excellent shot-stopping abilities.
* **Defender:** Lisandro MartÃnez (Manchester United) – A versatile defender who can play at centre-back or left-back.
* **Midfielder:** Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – A creative midfielder with excellent passing range and vision.
* **Forward:** Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) – A prolific goalscorer with excellent movement and finishing ability.
* **Forward:** Julian Alvarez (Manchester City) – A versatile forward who can play in multiple positions and offers a different attacking dimension.
This bench provides Deeney with tactical flexibility and the ability to change the game if needed. The presence of experienced players like MartÃnez and Mac Allister ensures that the team can maintain its quality even when key players are rested or injured. The inclusion of goalscorers like Watkins and Alvarez provides the team with additional firepower off the bench.
Areas for Improvement
While Deeney’s team is undoubtedly strong, there are always areas for improvement. One potential weakness is the lack of a natural left-footed player in the midfield. This could limit the team’s ability to switch play quickly and effectively. Another potential weakness is the reliance on Haaland for goals. If Haaland is injured or out of form, the team may struggle to find the back of the net.
However, these weaknesses are relatively minor and can be addressed through tactical adjustments and player substitutions. Overall, Deeney’s team is a well-balanced and highly talented XI that is capable of competing with the best teams in the Premier League.
Conclusion
Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week is a testament to his insightful understanding of the game. His selections reflect a deep appreciation for tactical balance, individual brilliance, and team synergy. This isn’t just a collection of star players; it’s a carefully constructed team designed to win football matches. The 4-3-3 formation provides a solid defensive base and a dynamic attacking threat, while the individual players offer a perfect blend of creativity, steel, and goal-scoring prowess. Deeney’s team is a force to be reckoned with, and it would be fascinating to see them compete against other top teams in the league.
FAQ Section
Why did Troy Deeney choose Alisson Becker as his goalkeeper?
Alisson Becker’s consistent performance throughout the season, coupled with his exceptional shot-stopping abilities, command of his area, and accurate distribution, made him the obvious choice for goalkeeper. His presence provides a sense of security and confidence to the entire team.
What is the tactical rationale behind selecting Rodri as the holding midfielder?
Rodri’s selection is based on his ability to provide defensive cover, dictate the tempo of the game, and win back possession. He is the anchor of the midfield, allowing the more attacking midfielders to express themselves freely. His tactical discipline and positional awareness are crucial to the team’s defensive stability.
Why were both Bukayo Saka and Son Heung-min included in the attack?
Saka and Son offer a combination of pace, skill, and clinical finishing that is difficult for defenders to handle. Saka’s dribbling and crossing ability, combined with Son’s pace and ability to run in behind, create a dynamic and unpredictable attacking force. Their ability to interchange positions and create space for each other makes them a constant threat.
What makes William Saliba a good choice for center-back in this team?
William Saliba brings composure, aerial dominance, and excellent tackling ability to the center-back position. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk creates a formidable defensive wall that is difficult for opposing strikers to penetrate. His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions is also a valuable asset.
Why is the 4-3-3 formation chosen for this team?
The 4-3-3 formation provides a balance between attack and defense. It allows for attacking width and a dynamic midfield, while also providing a solid defensive foundation. The key to success with this formation is the balance of the midfield, with one holding midfielder and two more advanced midfielders. The formation also allows for quick transitions from defense to attack.
