admin In the latest edition of Troy Deeney’s inews Matchday 21 Team of the Week, two Nigerian players have been recognized for their great performances in the English Premier League – Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.
Iwobi, the versatile Super Eagles midfielder, was included in Deeney’s team after a brilliant display in Fulham’s 3-2 loss against West Ham United. Despite the loss, the former Arsenal player put in a great performance, providing two important crosses that helped Fulham score goals.
Meanwhile, Amad Diallo, the young Ivorian winger playing for Manchester United, also earned a spot in Deeney’s team after scoring a hat-trick in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Southampton. The 22-year-old’s goals helped the Red Devils get their first win since the Manchester derby in December, and he became the first African player to score a hat-trick for Manchester United.
Deeney, the former Watford striker who is now a pundit for inews, praised both Nigerian players, highlighting their impressive contributions and saying they deserve more recognition.
Iwobi’s Midweek Masterclass
Alex Iwobi has been a consistent performer for Fulham this season, but his latest display against West Ham United has firmly established him as one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.
Despite the 3-2 loss, Iwobi was a standout player, providing two crosses that led to Fulham’s goals and helping to keep the game close until the end. Deeney was very impressed with the Nigerian’s contribution, praising his overall influence on the match.
“He got another couple of goals and has probably been Fulham’s best player throughout. He can play in many positions but he has just been really, really good. He’s one of those people that we don’t respect and appreciate enough, but if he was in your team, you would love him. He’s had a really good week,” Deeney said in his column.
Iwobi’s ability to adapt and play in multiple roles has been a key strength for Fulham this season. The 26-year-old has shown his versatility, playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and even as a wide forward when needed. This flexibility has allowed him to become an important part of Marco Silva’s team, and his recent performances have highlighted his growing influence.
The two assists against West Ham United showed Iwobi’s creative abilities, as he demonstrated his vision and delivery from wide areas. His willingness to take on defenders and create chances for his teammates has been a constant part of his game, and it’s no surprise he has become a fan favorite at Craven Cottage.
The Rise of Nigerian Talent in the Premier League
The recognition of Iwobi and Diallo in Deeney’s Team of the Week also highlights the growing influence of Nigerian players in the Premier League. Both players have been key to their teams’ performances this season, and their inclusion in the prestigious team selection shows the depth of Nigerian football.
Iwobi, in particular, has been a consistent performer for Fulham, showcasing his versatility and technical skills. The 26-year-old has been a crucial figure in Marco Silva’s side, contributing with goals, assists, and hard work in defense. His performances have not only earned him a spot in Deeney’s team but have also cemented his status as one of the most underrated players in the league.
Diallo’s rise to prominence has been equally impressive. The young Ivorian winger, who has Nigerian roots, has been making waves at Old Trafford, and his hat-trick against Southampton has solidified his position as a player to watch in the Premier League. Diallo’s ability to make an immediate impact and turn the tide of a match is a testament to his talent and potential, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop under Amorim’s guidance.
The inclusion of these two Nigerian players in Deeney’s Team of the Week is a reflection of the growing influence of Nigerian talent in the English top flight. Over the years, the Super Eagles have produced many talented footballers who have made their mark on the Premier League, and Iwobi and Diallo are the latest examples of this rich tradition.
Amad Diallo’s Hat-Trick Heroics
While Iwobi’s impressive display earned him a spot in Deeney’s team, it was Manchester United’s Amad Diallo who stole the limelight with a match-winning performance against Southampton.
The 22-year-old Ivorian winger scored a stunning hat-trick in the final 12 minutes of the game, turning the tide in United’s favor and securing a crucial 3-1 victory for Ruben Amorim’s side. Deeney was amazed by Diallo’s impact, praising the youngster’s ability to single-handedly change the course of the match.
“I didn’t even know he was playing in the first 70 minutes against Southampton, but to get a hat-trick in 12 minutes, you have to put him in. He turned Manchester United’s team and fortunes on its head. He obviously got a nice big contract, he seems like the bright spark of this season so far, but he has still got loads of learning to do and he has still got loads to improve on. He’ll only get better,” Deeney said.
Diallo’s heroics marked a significant milestone, as he became the first African player to score a hat-trick for Manchester United. The young winger, who joined the club in 2021 from Atalanta, has been making steady progress in his development, and this performance has undoubtedly elevated his status within the team.
The hat-trick against Southampton showcased Diallo’s clinical finishing, his ability to make an immediate impact, and his growing confidence on the big stage. After a difficult start to the season, this match-winning display could be a turning point for the Ivorian, who will be looking to build on this performance and cement his place in Amorim’s starting XI.
Deeney’s Praise and the Importance of Appreciation
Both Iwobi and Diallo’s inclusion in Deeney’s Team of the Week highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating unsung heroes in the Premier League. As the former Watford striker pointed out, these players often don’t receive the level of praise and attention they deserve, despite their consistent contributions to their respective teams.
Iwobi’s case is particularly noteworthy, as Deeney acknowledged the midfielder’s tendency to be “disrespected and underappreciated” despite his impressive performances. The pundit’s words serve as a reminder that sometimes the most valuable players are the ones who quietly go about their business, making important contributions that may not always grab the headlines.
“He’s one of those people that we disrespect and underappreciate, but if he was in your team, you would love him to death. He’s had a really good week,” Deeney said of Iwobi.
This sentiment is echoed in the praise for Diallo, who has emerged as a bright spark for Manchester United this season. Deeney’s comments about the Ivorian’s potential and the need for continued improvement highlight the importance of nurturing young talents and providing them with the platform to showcase their abilities.
“He obviously got a nice big contract, he seems like the bright spark of this season so far, but he has still got loads of learning to do and he has still got loads to improve on. He’ll only get better,” Deeney said.
The inclusion of Iwobi and Diallo in Deeney’s Team of the Week serves as a testament to the impact these players can have when given the opportunity to shine. It also underscores the need for fans, pundits, and the media to be more mindful of recognizing the contributions of players who may not always grab the headlines but are nonetheless integral to their team’s success.
