Premier League TOTW using PFF FC Grades and Metrics - GW1 📊
The Premier League returns, and so does the PFF FC Team of the Week series. Our analysis team selects an XI using PFF FC event data, physical metrics, and our unique grading system. To read more about how we grade players, click here.
GK : Emiliano Martínez, Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez started his Premier League campaign with a stellar performance, he finished GW1 with the best passing grade among all goalkeepers (78.4), completing 6/9 passes while under pressure. Martínez saved 2 of the 3 shots he faced on target registering a 72.2 shot-stopping grade, with his only goal conceded being a Lucas Paqueta penalty.
LB: Antonee Robinson, Fulham
Robinson earns a spot in our TOTW due to a very strong defensive performance. The USMNT star ends GW1 with a challenge grade of 86.5, 1st out of 50 full-backs. He won two aerial duels, three 50/50 duels, five tackles, and defended both dribble attempts against him.
CB: Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk was impressive on and off the ball this week. Defensively VVD won 5/6 aerial duels earning a challenge grade of 81.4, good for 6th/50 CB’s. On the ball, he completed 95% of his passes and completed 9/9 line-breaking passes, resulting in a passing grade of 88.6. This ranked 2nd/51 center-backs and 6th/294 eligible players this week.
CB: Harry Maguire, Manchester United
Harry Maguire anchored a Manchester United backline in their opening-day win against Fulham. He won 9/13 challenges, five aerial duels and four 50/50 duels, which earned him an 88.5 challenge grade. Maguire also blocked one shot and one cross to help Manchester United secure their first clean sheet of the season.
RB: Neco Williams, Nottingham Forest
Neco Williams had a strong showing for Nottingham Forest this week in their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. Williams produced a 68.3 passing grade, 78.2 crossing grade (8th/29), and 82.5 challenge grade (4th/50). He was able to win nine of his 13 challenges this week, two aerial duels, two 50/50’s and five tackles. Williams also blocked three crosses and blocked one shot.
CM: Casemiro, Manchester United
Casemiro looked more like his former self in Manchester United’s 1-0 win against Fulham, winning 15 challenges, the most among all players this week. He won 7/9 aerial duels, 7/12 tackle attempts and one 50/50 duel. Casemiro was also good on the ball, he completed 83% of his passes, 5/7 line-breaking passes, and had 3 key passes. Casemiro’s performance generated a passing grade of 78.7 and a challenge grade of 82.5 (1st /61 center-mids).
CM: Joelinton, Newcastle United
Joelinton earns a spot in our team after an excellent performance while playing down a man for 70+ minutes against Southampton. He earned himself a shooting grade of 77.0, a passing grade of 80.3, and a challenge grade of 79.7. To go along with his game-winning goal, he won 8/14 challenges, including 6/9 aerial duels.
CAM: James Maddison, Tottenham
It may have not been the result he wanted in a return to the King Power stadium, but James Maddison’s play spoke for itself. He ended GW1 with the best dribbling grade, 94.7, and the best passing grade, 92.4, of all players. He completed three dribbles, tied for 4th most this week. Maddison completed 92% of his passes, 8/10 line-breaking passes, and generated one assist and one key pass.
LW: Jérémy Doku, Manchester City
Jérémy Doku was a thorn in the side of the Blue Devils in GW1. Doku completed 7/13 dribble attempts, a match week high, to give himself a dribbling grade of 70.6. When he was not taking players on, he was strong on the ball, with a tackle resistance grade of 81.2, 8th/158 players this week.
RW: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal
After a disappointing end to England’s Euros campaign, Saka returned to life in the Premier League with a great showing in GW1. Saka was able to produce three different grades above 70, including a 72.1 dribbling grade, 78.1 crossing grade, and an 84.1 passing grade. Saka completed 90% of his passes, 3/3 line-breaking passes, one assist and four key passes. All of this while still scoring a goal to propel Arsenal to an opening-day win.
CF: Danny Welbeck, Brighton & Hove Albion
Danny Welbeck was at the center of Brighton’s 3-0 win over Everton on Saturday. Welbeck ended the game with a goal and an assist. His two shots and one goal earned him a shooting grade of 66.1. Welbeck was able to complete 89% of his passes, generate one assist and one key pass.
PFF FC's Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek 1.