English Premier League: Boxing Day - Team of the week

Here we look at the standout players of the Christmas encounters in the Premier League:

Joe Hart

The Manchester City custodian has been criticised in recent weeks for not matching up to Manuel Pellegrini’s expectations, and also has fans and the press thinking that he is one of the most overrated players in world football, and at times, he is. But that is the fault of the press in the first place, and the England international may have a tough time rebuilding his reputation, but if he picks up where he left off after a solid game against Liverpool, it should be an easy enough journey, should Pellegrini not seek to replace him in January.

Mathieu Debuchy

A player who is really showing his worth this season, Mathieu Debuchy is finally showing us all what we knew he was capable off with another stellar performance against Stoke City. Solid defensively and also an constant and consistent attacking threat, Bacary Sagna no longer looks like the best right back in England.

Dejan Lovren

Another solid performance from the Southampton defender has his name written all over the signing of the season award. He came from Olympique Lyon, and we all know their European pedigree. Lovren is a champions League player, and could seek a big move in January.

Vincent Kompany

A towering display against high-flying Liverpool, the Manchester City captain dealt with Luis Suarez incredibly well and kept him out in vital moments. Manchester City may be constantly criticised for their lopsided squad, giving all of their depth and prowess in midfield and attack, and their defensive frailty, but with Kompany, there is at least a shining light.

Aleksandar Kolarov

A performance which should stake his name as Manchester City’s starting left back, Aleksandar Kolarov played a solid game all over the pitch against Liverpool and was a candidate for man of the match. The former Lazio man is of interest to Juventus and Galatasaray, so Pellegrini must make his mind up quickly, or risk losing him.

Yohan Cabaye

How many times has Yohan Cabaye been out of the Premier League team of the week this season? A metronomic display by the former LOSC Lille man seen him dictate play and control possession for Newcastle United in their 5-1 mauling of Stoke City. As links with Liverpool, Arsenal, Monaco and Paris Saint Germain get stronger with the transfer window only days away, we could see him leave the Toon for bigger and brighter things.

Tom Huddlestone

Came very close to earning his side a point against Manchester United, Tom Huddlestone was Hull City’s life and soul against the reigning Premier League champions, as he delicately dictated play at times, while at others he showed his dynamism and made tireless runs from box to box. Tottenham Hotspur should be kicking themselves for letting him go.

Scott Parker

He may finally have stopped looking like a waste of space and money at Fulham, as Scott Parker put in a good performance to get relegation candidates Fulham a valuable 3 points against Norwich City. He topped off a good game with a goal to seal the win.

Eden Hazard

Game in game out, Eden Hazard is starting to ferment his place as the Premier League’s best player, with the exception of the competition from Liverpool’s Luis Suarez. In what was a flat performance from Chelsea, Hazard always looked like a threat as he scored the only goal to put Swansea to the sword. A rumoured offer from Real Madrid on the horizon, Chelsea have it all to do to keep hold of him.

Loic Remy

Missed a penalty, but scored a brace to make up for it, Loic Remy is the player that Newcastle needed after losing Demba Ba to Chelsea and also with Papiss Cisse’s fall from grace at St. James’ Park. If Newcastle want to qualify for the Champions League, they need Champions League quality players, and in Remy, they have just that.

Theo Walcott

Saved Arsenal’ blushes with a late brace to dig his side out of what was looking like a 1-0 loss to lowly West Ham. Walcott may be one of the least multi-skilled players in world football, and is by far the most route 1 player in the Arsenal squad, but in the Premier League, that is just what you need against the smaller clubs.