Leeds United pulled themselves a point closer to Premier League safety following Sunday’s hard-fought 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace. The Whites were made to play the entire second-half with 10 men following Gabriel Gudmundsson’s controversial red card but defended with their lives to keep Oliver Glasner’s side at bay.
Daniel Farke’s side produced a mammoth defensive effort at Selhurst Park to keep Palace from even registering a shot on target - which according to Opta, is the first time a team have done that having gone a man down before half-time. It is therefore no surprise that one of the back three have been rewarded for their efforts.
Writing in his BBC Team of the Week column, former striker Troy Deeney labelled his Leeds defender of choice ‘aggressive’ and praised him for ‘heading every ball and organising everything’. Take a look below to see who joins stars from across the Premier League this week.
1. GK: Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle)
Deeney said: "He was a huge part of why they won against Chelsea, not just for his saves and collecting balls into the box, but for his ability to play out from the back as well." | Getty Images
2. DF: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
Deeney said: "You have to say that free-kick was special, even though it wasn't the result Liverpool would have wanted in the end. He plays at right-back like he has played there his whole life. Very comfortable, offered a lot going forward, and was clearly the best player on the pitch." | Getty Images
3. DF: William Saliba (Arsenal)
Deeney said: "A Rolls Royce. A calming influence. He is always in the right position and taking care of business." | Getty Images
4. DF: Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham)
Deeney said: "He was a beast against Manchester City. He put his face in front of the ball when Haaland blasted it at him from five yards. In the age where everyone turns their back, he is an old-school centre-back. And he scored with his team's only shot of the game." | Getty Images
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5. DF: Jaka Bijol (Leeds United)
Deeney said: "Leeds went down to 10 men and he headed every ball and organised everything. He received a yellow card and still managed to be aggressive while making sure not to be sent off." | AFP via Getty Images
6. MF: Joe Willock (Newcastle)
Deeney said: "I felt like this was a coming of age game for him. He was up against £200m worth of talent in Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo and he looked like the £100m pound player. Lots of energy and running, and he was really unselfish with the assist for Gordon." | Getty Images