Liverpool and Cardiff City have the most representatives in the CaughtOffside Premier League Team Of The Week, while there are places for Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and other teams’ stars too.
David Marshall (Cardiff City)
Cardiff City earned a rare three points in the Premier League against Southampton thanks to a goal from defender Cala, but their victory owed much to the performance of David Marshall in goal.
The Scottish goalkeeper made seven saves to repel the Saints attack, and claimed four crosses to help the Bluebirds hold out.
Adrian Mariappa (Crystal Palace)
Adrian Mariappa played very well at right back for Crystal Palace against Aston Villa, and was highly involved both in defence and attack.
He made 86 touches throughout the game – three tackles and four clearances at the back, and successfully found a team-mate with two of his four crosses.
John Stones (Everton)
John Stones is the most promising young centre back to have emerged in English football in quite some time.
The 20 year-old was always in the right place at the right time against Sunderland, blocking an astonishing five shots and making nine successful clearances.
Juan Cala (Cardiff City)
As well as making four tackles to keep out Southampton, Juan Cala scored a superb goal from outside the area to give Cardiff all three points.
Erik Pieters (Stoke City)
Erik Pieters helped Stoke City beat Newcastle United with a fine performance from left back, getting forward well to score the winning goal from outside the area.
Steve Sidwell (Fulham)
Fulham star Steve Sidwell provided his team with another all action display from central midfield, making six tackles, making 85% of his passes, and providing the assist for Hugo Rodallega’s goal.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Steven Gerrard’s resurgence in an anchor midfield role was once again evident against Manchester City, with three tackles halting the away side’s attacks, and 90% pass accuracy helping him dictate play – particularly in the first half.
The Liverpool skipper also provided the assist for Martin Skrtel’s goal with a fine delivery from a corner.
James Milner (Manchester City)
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini brought on James Milner for Jesus Navas just after half time against Liverpool, and the England man made an immediate difference.
Milner not only set up David Silva’s goal, but was also heavily involved in build-up play for Man City’s equaliser.
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
It is worth repeating that Raheem Sterling is only 19 years of age.
The composure shown by the teenager in wrong footing both Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart to score the opener was that of a seasoned veteran, and he consistently found space and dribbled past players from his role in central attacking midfield.
Mohamed Salah (Chelsea)
In the absence of Eden Hazard through injury, January transfer window signing Mohamed Salah has really stepped up to the plate for Chelsea.
The 21 year-old Egyptian shone against Swansea, dribbling past players on nine occasions, hitting the woodwork with a fine strike on goal, and creating three opportunities for his team-mates.
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Harry Kane has now scored each time he has started a Premier League match for Tottenham Hotspur, though it does say much about Roberto Soldado that the 20 year-old Englishman started ahead of him.
Kane only got one of his five shots on target against West Bromwich Albion – scoring a header from an Aaron Lennon cross to bring Spurs back into the game after going 3-0 down – but it is worth mentioning that Soldado only averages 2.1 shots per top flight game, and at least the more junior player was getting in the right position to attempt a strike on goal.
Full team on next page!