London24 team of the week: Luiz, Mertesacker, Bolasie & more

Monday, December 24, 2012
12:00 PM

The London24 sports team have picked this week’s star XI from the 14 Premier League and Football League clubs around London. What do you think of our selection? Tweet us @London24Sport!

With heavy rain washing out a number of lower league fixtures, it’s a Premier League-heavy line-up this week.

Goalkeeper – Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)

The Pole made a string of great saves to keep a crucial clean sheet as the Gunners’ edged Wigan 1-0 at the DW Stadium. An assured presence between the sticks.

Defender – Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Another competent display from the Spanish full back as Chelsea put Aston Villa to the sword at Stamford Bridge. Solid at the back and provided the cross for Fernando Torres to head home after three minutes.

Defender – Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)

The German was Arsenal’s best player against Wigan. He was a rock at the back, making crucial interceptions and clearances and proving typically commanding in the air. Coped well with Wigan’s pacy attackers.

Defender – Ryan Nelsen (QPR)

Another assured performance from the veteran, keeping Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse quiet before Shola Ameobi’s late goal condemned QPR to a 1-0 defeat.

Defender – Jan Vertonghen (Spurs)

The Belgian makes our team of the week for the second week running for another cool display at the back in Spurs’ 0-0 draw with Stoke.

Midfielder – David Luiz (Chelsea)

That’s right, midfielder. The Brazilian seems to have found his true calling at the base of the Blues’ midfield in recent weeks. He was brilliant against Villa and capped his display with a stunning free kick goal.

Midfielder – Gareth Bale (Spurs)

By far Tottenham’s most dangerous attacker in the stalemate with Stoke. The Welshman whipped in several dangerous crosses that almost ended up in the back of the net.

Midfielder – Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

The Belgian was back to his scintillating best against Aston Villa, scoring one, providing an assist and generally proving too hot to handle for Paul Lambert’s young side.

Midfielder – Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace)

The 23-year-old probably doesn’t get enough credit at Palace with Wilfried Zaha stealing the headlines but he was bursting with pace and attacking intent in the Eagles’ stormy 1-1 draw with Huddersfield. His backheeled assist for Zaha’s goal was a wonderful piece of improvisation.

Striker – Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

Rafael Benitez’s arrival seems to have given Torres a new lease of life. His superb header against Villa was his seventh goal in six games and he led Chelsea’s attack very well.

Striker – Chris Wood (Millwall)

A 2-1 defeat to Barnsley was a big disappointment for Millwall but West Brom loanee Wood could again be relied on for a goal. His well-taken finish was his eleventh strike of the season for Kenny Jackett’s side.