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Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 22
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Joleon Lescott
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Kobbie Mainoo scored a stunning winner for Manchester United at Wolves
Kobbie Mainoo scored a stunning winner for Manchester United at Wolves

The midweek set of Premier League fixtures certainly had no shortage of drama — particularly that bonkers game at Molineux!

Of course, one player from that clash makes my five standout performers of Matchday 22 but you'll have to read on to see who made the cut.

Elijah Adebayo (Luton)

Scoring a Premier League hat-trick is a special achievement for any player and Luton's Elijah Adebayo will cherish his treble against Brighton forever.

The Hatters are not a team who create endless chances, so there's pressure on the forwards to be efficient with the opportunities they get — and Adebayo was exactly that.

Having spoken to Rob Edwards on a few occasions, he knows Adebayo offers more than just goals. His overall work rate and physical presence are so important to his team.

But as a centre forward, you still need goals for your confidence so the hat-trick is going to give him a huge boost for the weeks ahead.

Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)

Julian Alvarez bagged himself a brace against Burnley and I still feel he's hugely underappreciated outside of Manchester City.

He can play as a false nine, out wide or as an out-and-out striker but what I like most is his football intelligence and ability to adapt to different situations.

He loves to come deep and link the play but with Kevin De Bruyne back, there's less of a need for those movements and he was a lot more disciplined in his positioning as a result.

Even when Erling Haaland returns fully, he's still guaranteed regular minutes because Pep Guardiola trusts him to carry out whatever job is required.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Eberechi Eze scored twice in Crystal Palace's win over Sheffield United and he's a player I absolutely love watching.

Eze has a level of natural talent I think you're born with. Sure, you have to develop it, but the understanding he has of his body is just so natural compared to other players.

He must be a dream for a manager to work with because as well as doing what he's been asked, he also produces these moments of magic you can't prepare for.

Palace always seem to do enough to steer clear of the relegation battle and with players like Eze and Michael Olise in their ranks, that should be the case again this term.

Conor Bradley (Liverpool)

Conor Bradley's emergence at Liverpool has been one of the most impressive of the season and the Reds look to have an extremely exciting player on their hands.

Obviously, Bradley has a fantastic player ahead of him in Trent Alexander-Arnold. That's a blessing and a curse because while you're learning from him, you're also trying to get him out of the team.

I like the way Jurgen Klopp has integrated him so far, giving him a lot of home appearances to build his confidence and ensure he gets great encouragement from the Anfield faithful.

Against Chelsea, he showed the enthusiasm you'd expect from an academy graduate but also real moments of quality, justifying exactly why he's been given his opportunity.

Conor Bradley was a menace down the right flank for Liverpool against Chelsea
Conor Bradley was a menace down the right flank for Liverpool against Chelsea

Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

I was pitchside for Manchester United's thrilling win at Wolves and while it was a tough one to take for the home side, Kobbie Mainoo's performance was a joy to behold.

When I watch Mainoo, it's his composure that catches my eye every time. He's always comfortable on the ball and constantly makes the correct decisions.

With his winning goal, everyone talks about the run and finish but the positioning beforehand to pick up the ball, anticipate the tackle and sustain the attack is really classy.

That's not luck. His maturity for his age is crazy and I think he's got a big part to play in this United side for years to come.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill

Etiquetas

Joleon LescottPremier LeagueElijah AdebayoLuton TownJulian AlvarezManchester CityEberechi EzeCrystal PalaceConor BradleyLiverpoolKobbie MainooManchester United
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