Southampton star named in Premier League Team of the Week

Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu has earned a place in the Premier League’s team of the week after his performance against Watford.

The young Ghanaian continued his expected rise to stardom with another rock-solid showing that ultimately proved crucial in helping Saints to secure another vital three points in the English top-flight.

2021/22 has been the season where Salisu has started to build some real momentum in the Premier League and he has played the full 90 minutes in all but one of Southampton’s 10 top-flight fixtures so far.

His team are benefitting from his calmness and authority at the back and Southampton fans will be enjoying watching a future star rising at their club.

Southampton have their new van Dijk in Mohammed Salisu

The very best defenders in the world have an ability to get through their work in each match with almost perfection whilst providing a stable base for their team to rely on defensively. Some even become the attacking catalyst by using their passing range from the backline.

Despite it still being early in his career, Salisu has started to show all of this.

He has a strong left foot that allows him to make that range of passes across most angles, but most impressive is his positioning. He always seems to be on hand to mop up with any sign of danger for Southampton.

Any comparisons to established defenders may be too hasty but Saints fans will be seeing traits appear that are similar to what was on show when Virgil van Dijk was still playing at St Mary’s.

Premier League team of the week in full

Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Raphael Varane (Manchester United), Mohammed Salisu (Southampton), Gabriel (Arsenal), Reece James (Chelsea), Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace), Declan Rice (West Ham), Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace), Leandro Trossard (Brighton), Maxwell Cornet (Burnley), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)