Premier League Team of the Week: Gameweek 11

#2 Defence

Nicolas Otamendi – Manchester City

Since pairing up with Vincent Kompany in defence, Otamendi has been almost impenetrable this season. The 27-year-old – recruited from Valencia over the summer – added to his defensive attributes with his goalscoring abilities from corners, as he rose highest to meet a Kevin De Bruyne corner and score his first City goal.

With 5 aerial duels won, 6 succesful tackles and 9 clearances, he ensured that Norwich were never really given any invitation to find the back of the net. Until Joe Hart’s error, of course.

Mamadou Sakho – Liverpool

The 25-year-old centre-back seems to have found some impressive form under new boss Jurgen Klopp after a relatively poor start to the season. He was solid in defence against an out-of-form Chelsea, who never really created any meaningful goalscoring opportunities since going in front in the fourth minute.

His 4 clearances and 2 key interceptions during the game kept striker Diego Costa and attacking midfielders Willian and Oscar at arm’s length.

Nacho Monreal – Arsenal

This tireless 29-year-old full-back has become an integral member of Arsene Wenger’s squad through the course of the season and his reputation as one of the Gunners’ most hardworking players was kept intact in their impressive second-half demolition of Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

His 5 key interceptions in 90 minutes made sure that Andre Ayew – playing on the right wing for Swansea – was never able to deliver a meaningful ball into the Arsenal box. Monreal also provided a major threat running down the flanks, completing 3 dribbles to keep the Swansea full-back Kyle Naughton on his toes.