Team of the Week: Defenders

Defenders Axel Tuanzebe, Gabriel, Matthijs de Ligt and Jan Paul van Hecke all make Troy Deeney’s team of the week

Axel Tuanzebe (Ipswich): “He absolutely dealt with Kaoru Mitoma. He is obviously really good – excellent defending and he did well going forward. He contributed to another clean sheet for Ipswich on the road.”

Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United): “He struggled at the start, got found out in one-on-one situations with Kyle Walker-Peters and got sent to the shops. But his goal sent United on their way, plus another clean sheet. After he scored, he got more confident and we saw the class and quality he has.”

Gabriel (Arsenal): “What a monster. Great header for the goal. It was just a monstrous display from Arsenal defensively. The two centre-halves stepped up but Gabriel gets it because of that wonderful goal.”

Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton): “He’s wonderful on the ball, looks so calm and composed. I think he’ll be the one they end up selling next year to someone like Liverpool. He’s naturally left-footed and never looks flustered. A clean sheet for a Brighton team who keep on rolling.”