Names of the Premier League, our weekly wrap of the star players you need to know about, is back for another week. Tom Lainchbury looks at the movers and shakers from week five…
Anthony Martial, Manchester United
A potential £58 million price tag weighing over him and unrelenting comparisons to the legendary Thierry Henry is probably less than ideal preparation for a 19-year-old making an Old Trafford debut against Manchester United’s historic rivals Liverpool.
Anthony Martial shrugged off this incredible pressure, however, when he slipped past Martin Skrtel to score the most Henry-esque goal you’re likely to see this season in the 86th minute to round off a comprehensive 3-1 victory.
Christian Benteke’s sublime acrobatic finish to give Liverpool a consolation goal has barely seen the light of day, such is the hype around Martial’s immediate impact at the Red Devils. Having been brought on as a substitute for Juan Mata in the second half, the young Frenchman’s movement to find space on the left wing, coupled with his technical ability and composure to ghost past defenders and find the bottom corner, has fans drooling over the prospect of seeing Martial fulfil his huge potential at Old Trafford.
That moment when you score against Liverpool on your debut! #mufc pic.twitter.com/seVr95g0Rw
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 12, 2015
SEE ALSO: Manchester United’s strange summer transfer window reviewed
Steven Naismith, Everton
Scoring a perfect hat-trick off the bench against the reigning champions (albeit in their current unrecognisable state) meant Steven Naismith was always a shoo-in for this week’s Names of the Premier League.
The Scotland international joined the action at Goodison Park in the 9th minute after an injury to Muhamed Besic, and immediately set about piling the misery on Jose Mourinho and his lacklustre Chelsea side, subjecting the Blues to a 3-1 defeat with three excellently taken goals.
Naismith came close to leaving Everton on deadline day in an £8 million switch to Norwich, but the attacking midfielder, who celebrated his 29th birthday yesterday, will almost certainly be happy to have remained at Goodison Park after his team disposed of Chelsea so emphatically.
Roberto Martinez declined Norwich’s bid on the basis that Naismith is an important member of the squad, but the Everton manager might have to bow to pressure from fans to elevate his status and give him his first start of the season next week after Saturday’s excellent performance.
Wes Hoolahan, Norwich City
Wes Hoolahan finds himself ahead of the likes of Yaya Toure, Juan Mata and Mesut Ozil at the top of the Premier League assists leaderboard with four, thanks to another perfect lay-off for Norwich striker Cameron Jerome to open the scoring against Bournemouth in the battle of the promoted sides last weekend. Hoolahan then turned goalscorer to double Norwich’s lead, and inspired his side to an eventual 3-1 victory at Carrow Road, debutant Matt Jarvis also getting amongst the goals.
The win gave Norwich their first home victory of the season and saw them climb into the top-half of the table. Hoolahan has been crucial to this form, his four assists laying on half of Norwich’s goals so far this season. Normally an under-the-radar performer, the 33-year-old is now gaining the plaudits he deserves for a fine start to the campaign.
Riyad Mahrez, Leicester City
Leicester City continued their remarkable unbeaten start to the season with an outstanding comeback in the Midlands derby against local rivals Aston Villa this weekend. Losing 2-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining, Riyad Mahrez inspired his team to a 3-2 victory and an unlikely three points, providing two assists in a mesmerising attacking display.
The 24-year-old was almost unplayable at times as he drove Leicester forward with powerful attacking runs, including one instance when he embarrassed three Aston Villa defenders simultaneously with one exquisite turn on the edge of the box.
The midfielder remains joint-top of the goalscoring chart with four goals, but his position at the top of the successful take-ons leaderboard (with 22) is equally representative of the Algerian international’s potency, as his direct approach continues to terrify Premier League defenders.
SEE ALSO: Five Fantasy Premier League bargain picks for you this season
John Stones, Everton
All eyes were on John Stones this weekend as the Everton defender lined up against the team who had so determinedly pursued the 21-year-old over the transfer window.
Everton stood firm in the face of reported £38 million offer from Chelsea, and Stones rewarded this decision by standing equally as firm in an outstanding defensive display. Many thought the speculation about the youngster’s future would unsettle him, but Stones put in an almost impeccable performance to blunt Chelsea’s attacking force, and was also instrumental in carrying his team forward.
Naismith stole the show with his excellent hat-trick, but Stones’ ability to turn defence into attack with incredible composure on the ball and accurate passing showed why many have been quick to draw comparisons with Rio Ferdinand.
A career comparable with the former Manchester United and England defender would certainly be an achievement for Stones, but the youngster is showing all signs of that being a realistic target.
SEE ALSO: John Stones and the #JF60 Class of 2016 most exciting young players to watch in the Premier League
Dimitri Payet, West Ham
At the start of the season, Jose Mourinho made the point that the gap between the perceived top four and middle teams in the Premier League was closing as a result of smaller teams making signings that could quite easily fit into any of the top sides. He used Crystal Palace’s signing of Yohan Cabaye as his example, but Dimitri Payet is almost certainly another who could fit comfortably into any of England’s elite teams.
The midfielder looked a class apart in West Ham’s victory over Newcastle yesterday, a goal in each half from the 28-year-old enough to send the Magpies to their third defeat in five games; a result that sees them at the foot of the table on goal difference.
PIC: @dimpayet17 is all smiles after making it 2-0 to the Hammers. #WHUNEW #WHUFC #COYI pic.twitter.com/ok0HoWzZe6
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) September 14, 2015
A nonchalant yet sublime first-time effort on the edge of the box in the ninth minute set the tone, as Payet stroked home the Hammer’s first goal with impeccable technique. His second was almost equally as effortless, capitalising on a great counter-attacking move from Victor Moses to bury the rebound after the debutant had struck the bar.
Even ignoring Payet’s excellent goals, the Frenchman pulled the strings in midfield effortlessly for 90 minutes, his close control and pinpoint passing launching dangerous counter-attack after counter-attack. Payet has settled into English football frighteningly well, and England’s top teams might be rueing a missed opportunity in not signing the former Marseille midfielder.
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