Troy Deeney names his Premier League team of the week including Benitez, Doku and Maresca
October 13, 2026 01:00
BBC pundit Troy Deeney has published his Premier League team and manager of the week. His selection covers performances he judged decisive across the latest round of fixtures and names Enzo Maresca as manager.
TROY DEENEY'S XI (with Deeney's reasoning)
- Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace): Deeney highlighted a save from Liam Delap's effort — when Delap "smashed the ball into his face" — as the turning point that kept Palace on course to win.
- Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton): Noted for a crucial second-half block that prevented an equaliser and stopped a potential collapse.
- Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace): Picked after playing at centre-back despite being a centre-midfielder; Deeney praised his goal, big tackles and ability to play out from the back.
- James Justin (Leeds): Deeney referenced Justin's versatility after his transformation since leaving Leicester and called his goal "unbelievable".
- Ethan Pinnock (Coventry): Praised for his physical presence and calming influence since joining Coventry from Brentford.
- Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal): Described as one of Arsenal's best forward options at present, offering good positioning, defensive work and contributions in assists and goals.
- Jordan Henderson (Chelsea): Included after scoring twice, with Deeney singling out his confident free-kick.
- Matt Grimes (Coventry): Cited as an unsung hero who moves the ball well and proved he can make the step up in the match against Newcastle.
- Rayan Cherki (Manchester City): Lauded as an entertaining presence who asks for the ball and creates moments of joy on the pitch.
- Joao Pedro (Chelsea): Projected by Deeney to have a prolific season with support from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.
- Jeremy Doku (Manchester City): Credited with changing a game via a goal and an assist after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off.
MANAGER
- Enzo Maresca (Manchester City): Deeney praised Maresca for getting the job done at Anfield, galvanising the squad and for the tactical change of bringing on Doku, which Deeney said changed the game.
WHY IT MATTERS
Deeney's picks highlight individual interventions and tactical choices he believes decided recent matches — from match-winning saves to substitutions that swung momentum.
Do you agree with Troy's selections? Have your say using the comments form on the original BBC page.