Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen owns the box

Bart Verbruggen was in full command during Brighton’s 5-0 win at Coventry, producing 6 saves and preventing 1.93 goals by Sofascore’s model. Five of those saves came from inside the box, which set the tone for a stress-free clean sheet. He added 1 high claim and 3 punches, plus 7 ball recoveries, showing calm decision-making in traffic. With the ball, he completed 24 of 29 passes and 4 of 9 long balls to help Brighton reset play efficiently.

It was a rounded goalkeeping display rather than a highlights reel. The Dutchman’s positioning and handling cut out half-chances before they grew. His 42 touches speak to Brighton’s comfort using him as the extra option in buildup. A towering outing, wrapped up by a stellar Sofascore Rating of 9.8.

Back three built on control and timely interventions

Jérémy Jacquet turned a tight Liverpool vs Fulham match into a personal clinic. He won 8 duels and 5 aerials, cleared one effort off the line, and added a block and a tackle. In possession he went 75/87 on passes and nailed 9/15 long balls, switching play with maturity. That blend of security and range underpinned his Sofascore Rating of 8.5.

Jan Paul van Hecke turned a goalless draw at Tottenham into a passing masterclass. He completed 103 of 106 passes and 7 of 8 long balls, plus 8 clearances, 2 blocks and 2 tackles won. Add 127 touches and seven progressive carries and you have a defender who handled both sides of the game, reflected in his 8.2 Sofascore Rating. Rounding off the trio, Lewis Dunk scored from his only shot on target, completed 89/94 passes and made 4 clearances in Brighton’s big win. He also won 5 duels and contributed a block and 38 ball carries, good for a commanding 9.1 Sofascore Rating.

Midfield maestros: Groß, Garner and Belloumi

Pascal Groß put on a creative show at Coventry with 1 goal, 2 assists and 6 key passes. He went 87/93 in passing, delivered 2 accurate crosses from 8 and won both his tackles. The German also created a big chance and covered 11.15 km, driving Brighton’s tempo on and off the ball. An 8.7 Sofascore Rating felt well-earned.

For Everton, James Garner delivered elite defensive work: 6 tackles, 8 ball recoveries and 10 duels won, including a last-man tackle in a 0-0 at Tottenham. He added 46/51 passing and a shot on target, plus a block and an interception for an 8.3 Sofascore Rating. At Chelsea, Mohamed Belloumi was ruthless for Hull with 2 goals from 2 shots on target. He squeezed those returns out of just 17 touches and still found time for a key pass, landing an 8.5 Sofascore Rating.

Wing threat and work-rate: Schade and Tavernier

Kevin Schade gave Brentford a platform at Bournemouth with 2 goals from 2 shots on target. He also won 5 aerial duels and 7 total duels, showing real presence in both boxes. The winger logged 10.88 km and 19 sprints, underlining a high defensive and transition output. One accurate cross and steady link play rounded out his 8.5 Sofascore Rating.

On the other touchline, Marcus Tavernier carried Bournemouth’s chance creation. He scored once, produced 4 key passes and created 2 big chances. Crossing was sharp at 3 accurate from 5, and he kept moves flowing with 27/32 passing. Five ball recoveries and four shots in total capped a strong 8.3 Sofascore Rating.

Forwards who finished or fashioned

Erling Haaland decided the Manchester derby with a striker’s staple: 1 goal from 2 shots, backed by 0.87 xG. He added 3 aerials won and took 7 of 10 duels, a constant reference point against United’s back line. Fourteen carries and strong progressive distance showed he was not just a finisher. It all added up to a tidy 8.0 Sofascore Rating.

Jack Rudoni couldn’t change the Coventry scoreline, but his creative output still made the cut. He supplied 4 key passes and posted a hefty 0.73 expected assists, plus 3 accurate crosses from 6. His 12/15 passing, 3 ball recoveries and 4 aerials won point to a busy midfield profile. A shot on target added threat, and an 8.5 Sofascore Rating sealed his place in our XI.

Follow every player in this Team of the Week and the rest of the league on Sofascore. Dive into live momentum, xG and the full stat sets on match and profile pages throughout the Premier League season.