Premier League TOTW using PFF FC Grades and Metrics - GW11 📊
Welcome to 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: Jordan Pickford, Everton
Jordan Pickford finds himself in our TOTW after a strong performance against West Ham. Pickford generated a shot-stopping grade of 95.1 (1st overall in GW 11) and a passing grade of 88.4 (2nd among GK’s and 10th overall). Pickford made 6 saves, the most in week 11.
LB: Andy Robertson, Liverpool
After a below-average performance against Arsenal in late October, Andrew Robertson rebounded in his return to the Liverpool starting 11. He received 3 grades over 75.0. A crossing grade of 83.5 (4th among FB’s and 7th overall), aerial duel grade of 75.1 (1st among FB's and 7th overall) and a tackling grade of 76.2 (4th among FB’s and 16th overall). Robertson won 6 of 9 challenges, including 3 of 4 aerial duels and 3 of 5 tackles.
CB: Jan Paul van Hecke, Brighton & Hove Albion
Jan Paul van Hecke was a key player in Brighton’s enormous win over Manchester City in week 11. He led Brighton in their attempts to break down Manchester City, receiving a passing grade of 99.8. This is the highest passing grade of the 24-25 season for any player. Jan Paul van Hecke completed 94% of his passes, completed 10 line-breaking passes (7th most this week) and created 2 chances.
CB: Joachim Andersen, Fulham
In Joachim Andersen’s first return to Selhurst Park, he picked up a 2-0 win with Fulham. Andersen received 4 grades over 70.0, one of only 3 players to do so this week. He had a passing grade of 74.3 (11th among CB’s and 58th overall), aerial duel grade of 73.0 (7th among CB’s and 14th overall), tackling grade of 82.1 (1st among CB's and 3rd overall) and a tackle resistance grade of 71.1 (7th among CB’s and 59th overall). Andersen won 80% of his challenges this week, including 100% of his aerial duels.
RB: Ashley Young, Everton
While Everton’s clash with West Ham did not provide scoring fireworks, it did not stop Ashley Young from recording a solid day’s work on the pitch. Young earned a 74.2 crossing grade, good for 9th at the FB position. Young won 11 of the 13 total challenges he was engaged in, including all 6 of his aerial duels and 5 of 6 tackle attempts. He also recorded a 79.6 tackle resistance grade whilst on the ball, ranking 4th among all FB’s.
CM: Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United
Ugarte enjoyed a very productive day in Manchester United’s clean-sheet victory over Leicester City. His passing was a clear bright spot in his performance. He completed 47 of his 52 pass attempts (90.4% accuracy), leading to a season-high 82.6 passing grade (11th among CM’s). Ugarte was also one of the strongest CMs in the Premier League this week in defence. He won 10 total challenges which was good for 3rd at the CM position, while his 77.4 tackle grade also ranked 3rd among CMs. While in possession of the ball, he was dominant, grading out with an 83.9 tackle resistance grade, another mark that placed him 3rd among CMs for the week.
CM: Youri Tielemans, Aston Villa
Aston Villa did not earn the result they had hoped for at Anfield, but Youri Tielemans remained a bright spot for The Villans. Tielemans owns the highest passing grade of any CM so far this season (97.6), and his passing display in GW11 was no different than his run of form all season long. He was a near-perfect 31-for-32 passing, and his 96.9% accuracy rate was the best of any CM with at least 15 pass attempts. Tielemans also had a strong day crossing the ball, completing 3 crosses and earning the highest cross grade of any CM in GW11 (82.1).
How Youri Tielemans has performed vs. his positional average in the Premier League this season.
CAM: Emile Smith Rowe, Fulham
Emile Smith-Rowe was dominant in Fulham’s victory over Crystal Palace. He scored the eventual match-winning goal during stoppage time in the first half and went on to earn the 2nd highest shooting grade among Wingers and Attacking Mids (81.4). His day did not stop with the goal, though. Smith-Rowe was fantastic in possession. He created 3 chances and completed 43 of his 46 passes, tied for the 2nd-most at the position. There wasn’t much defenders could do to stop Smith-Rowe even if they attempted to challenge him. He was exceptionally strong on the ball and earned the Premier League’s highest tackle resistance grade for GW11, with a 90.3 mark. This determines how well a player protects the ball against defenders.
LW: Hueng-min Son, Tottenham
Spurs suffered a setback in gameweek 11, losing 2-1 at home to newly promoted Ipswich Town. Despite the disappointing result, Son still delivered a stellar performance with his very impressive passing grade of 89.1, the highest of any player in his position this week. Some particularly impressive stats underlying this impressive grade are his 88% completion rate, including 5 out of 7 line-breaking passes attempted. His playmaking efforts were also evident in the two chances created for his teammates in the game, alongside a crossing grade of 79.9, which ranked him 7th among his position group.
RW: Alex Iwobi, Fulham
Iwobi was threatening throughout Fulham's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. He caused all sorts of problems for the Crystal Palace rearguard, creating 5 chances in the game, ranking second among all players in GW11. His creativity and excellent link-up play earned him an 85.1 passing grade, the third-highest among players in his position group. He completed 9 out of 11 line-breaking passes and recorded a respectable crossing grade of 73.3, which further emphasised his influence in the final third.
ST: Yoane Wissa, Brentford
Wissa continues to be a revelation for Brentford this season, as he played a crucial role in their thrilling comeback win over Bournemouth. He notched two goals in the game which takes him up to 7 goals in just 8 games in the league this season. His clinical performance is reflected in our grades, where his 92.5 shooting grade ranked first among all players in GW11. His impressive efficiency is shown in the fact that his two goals came from the two shots he took during the game. Playing as a lone striker requires the ability to hold up the ball, and his respectable 72.3 tackle resistance grade illustrates his all-round ability as a goalscorer and focal point in Brentford’s build-up play.
