The Top Flight
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The Top Flight’s Premier League Team of the Weekend – Matchday 26

By Arjun Balaraman

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City is embraced by Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City is embraced by Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton celebrates the second goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and West Ham United at Turf Moor on December 30, 2018 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton celebrates the second goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and West Ham United at Turf Moor on December 30, 2018 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton (Burnley) – Heaton was superb against Brighton, making a string of reflex saves in the first half to keep the Clarets in the match, the most impressive of which was a brilliant left-handed stop to save from Solly March. The Burnley man was in incredible form following the 2015/16 season when he was selected for Euro 2016, but his progress was brutally curtailed as he suffered a shoulder injury at the start of the next season. Heaton missed the full last year as he recovered, and it’s great to see him return to the form that saw him get an England call-up.

Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – It’s almost like you could put van Dijk in the best XI every week. The Dutchman has been immense for Liverpool this season and was crucial again as they kept yet another clean sheet against Bournemouth. He made an impressive 6 clearances against the Cherries and played a huge part in keeping the dangerous Joshua King quiet.

Defender: Jose Holebas (Watford) – Holebas has been a revelation for Watford this season at left-back, bombing up and down the wing as Javi Gracia’s men have enjoyed a solid season in their fight for the ‘Best of the Rest’ outside the top six. Against Everton, Holebas kept Richarlison at bay with 4 tackles and 5 interceptions as Watford kept a clean sheet. Holebas also enjoyed 75 touches, the most on his team, a rarity for a left back, and a testament to the influence he has for Watford.

Defender: James Tarkowski (Burnley) – Burnley were under the cosh for much of the first half against Brighton. As such, Tarkowski was often forced to clean up for his teammates in the center of defense and made an absolutely remarkable 14 clearances last weekend. Just for reference, central defenders across the league usually average just over 5 per 90 minutes. Tarkowski and Mee have started to find their form from last season again and are helping Burnley lift themselves out of the early-season hole they dug.

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