Premier League Team of the Week: Henderson, Lewis, Salah and Haaland hog headlines

Dean Henderson's heroics, Mohamed Salah's red-hot record-breaking and Erling Haaland's unstoppable scoring streak lead the charge in our Team of the Week.

Sports News Blitz’s Premier League Team of the Week highlights the stars who made headlines in an electrifying round of top-flight tear-ups.

Henderson’s six incredible saves, Rico Lewis’s domination at right-back, Salah’s historic showing at Old Trafford, and Haaland’s relentless goal-scoring were just a few of the standout moments.

Check out our round-up of the week’s top performers to see who else made the starting XI.

Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace) – Goalkeeper

Dean Henderson was nothing short of heroic, delivering a masterclass between the sticks to secure Crystal Palace’s first point of the season.

His six sensational saves, including a nerve-wracking late one-on-one stop against Nicolas Jackson, kept Chelsea at bay and showed why Palace's number one is a force to be reckoned with.

Henderson’s tenacity and razor-sharp reactions were the difference-maker in a match where Palace’s back was firmly against the wall.

Rico Lewis (Manchester City) – Right-back

Rico Lewis is proving to be a game-changer for Man City. For three straight weeks, the 19-year-old has been Pep Guardiola's first choice over the seasoned Kyle Walker, and it's clear to see why.

His relentless work rate across defence and midfield earned him a well-deserved England call-up.

Guardiola, a manager with over a decade of experience coaching the world's elite, called Lewis "one of the best" players he has ever trained. That’s high praise from a man who’s seen it all.

Lewis dominated against West Ham, racking up 76 touches, winning every ground duel, and leading the game in tackles, clearances and fouls won.

This young star is making a name for himself, and if his current form is anything to go by, he could be City’s right-back for the next decade. Keep an eye on him - Lewis is the real deal.

Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion) – Centre-back

Jan Paul van Hecke is hitting new heights every week with his commanding performances.

Against Arsenal, he was the backbone of Brighton’s defence in their hard-earned draw, making crucial interceptions under pressure.

But it wasn’t just his defensive work that stood out; the Dutchman was a force going forward, boasting a 95.6% pass completion rate and nailing all eight of his long balls.

In the second half, his precision diagonal balls to Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra were pure class, reminiscent of Paul Scholes at his best.

READ MORE: Greyton Roses slip to long, painful defeat in Nedbank Cup Regional play-offs

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – Centre-back

Virgil van Dijk was a towering presence at the heart of Liverpool's defence, leading his team to the only clean sheet of the weekend.

In the heat of the fierce rivalry against Manchester United, Van Dijk was as composed as ever, shutting down threats with ease.

He didn’t just defend; he dominated, showing exactly why he’s the monster of a captain that Liverpool rely on.

Lucas Digne (Aston Villa) – Left-back

Lucas Digne delivered another standout performance for Aston Villa, proving he's more than just a solid defender.

His relentless drive going forward is where he truly excels, showing off his attacking prowess with every stride.

Digne's efforts culminated in a pinpoint cross that set up Jhon Duran’s winning goal against Leicester, sealing a crucial victory for Villa and highlighting his impact as a top-tier left-back.

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) – Midfielder

Ryan Gravenberch dominated Old Trafford this weekend, delivering a standout performance in Liverpool's win over Manchester United.

Thriving under Arne Slot's system, the Dutchman has found his rhythm in a double pivot with Alexis Mac Allister, showcasing his skill and composure.

Gravenberch was pivotal in this victory, leading the team with the most interceptions, drawing crucial fouls, and winning seven duels.

His impressive display suggests that Martín Zubimendi's decision to snub Liverpool might have been a blessing in disguise, as it allowed the Reds to uncover the hidden gem they already had in Gravenberch.

Amadou Onana (Aston Villa) - Midfielder

Amadou Onana continues to dominate, earning yet another spot in Sports News Blitz’s Team of the Week.

The Belgian midfielder was at the heart of everything against Leicester, bossing the midfield and breaking the deadlock with a crucial goal.

With two goals in three games, Onana has already matched last season’s tally, making it clear that his start at Villa is nothing short of stellar.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – Right-wing

Mohamed Salah reigns supreme in the Manchester United fixture, having scored 15 goals, more than any other player in history, with Steven Gerrard coming in second with nine in this historic showdown between fierce rivals.

Just when you think he might be slowing down, 32-year-old Salah proves why he’s one of the Premier League’s greatest.

In Liverpool’s latest clash with United, Salah was everywhere - 54 touches, three chances created, three shots, two assists and a goal.

He was directly involved in every Liverpool goal and made history as the first visiting player to score in seven consecutive matches at Old Trafford.

READ MORE: Salah contract news: Mo mauls Man Utd - then says he might be leaving Liverpool

Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – Forward

The Norwegian goal machine just can't stop finding the net. Haaland struck yet another hat-trick this weekend, making it two consecutive weekends with three goals each.

That's seven goals in just three games. In only his third Premier League season, he's already racked up eight hat-tricks - only three players in Premier League history have more.

Every time the ball lands at his feet, it feels like a goal is coming; his finishing is clinical, needing barely a sniff at goal to make it count.

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) – Forward

Bryan Mbeumo has stepped into Ivan Toney’s shoes with ease, making it seem like Brentford never lost their star striker.

Mbeumo’s double against Southampton secured a gritty 3-1 win at home, showcasing his knack for delivering when it matters most.

With three goals in as many games, he has embraced the pressure in Toney’s absence and hasn't missed a beat.

Luis Diaz (Liverpool) – Left-wing

Luis Diaz lit up one of English football’s fiercest rivalries with a brilliant brace, kickstarting his season in style.

The Colombian has silenced any doubters, locking down the left wing in Arne Slot’s new-look line-up.

Fresh off a strong Copa America showing, Diaz has been a standout in Liverpool’s loaded squad, contributing three goals and an assist in the first three games.

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Noah Ngcobo

Noah Ngcobo has a Bachelor's degree in Media & Writing from the University of Cape Town and is now doing an Honours in Media Theory & Practice.

Noah writes the Premier League Team of the Week column for Sports News Blitz and is passionate about football (soccer), NBA, UFC, boxing and rugby union.

He is a Man Utd fan who also supports the Springboks, Bafana Bafana and LA Lakers.

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