Alan Smith’s Expert Analysis: Premier League and International Break

Raya and Ødegaard the Standouts in the Opening Weeks

David Raya has pulled off some great saves. He’s been so consistent again, maybe in a way underrated. There’s a case for him to be Spain’s number one, but they are world champions, and he’s been great. Ødegaard as well. It’s been nice to see him return to form after a really good World Cup. So there’s been a few, Guimaraes coming in, there’s been a few, but I’d probably say David Raya and then Ødegaard.

Konsa Has Hit the Ground Running Alongside Gabriel

Konsa slotted in like he’s been there a long time. He’s done ever so well. The fans have taken to him. So he’ll be really pleased with the way he’s gelled with Gabriel. Gabriel might have been wondering how it was going to go, but yeah, that’s been great, and that’s why Konsa was brought to the club.

As for whether it’s the best pairing outside of Saliba and Gabriel, I don’t know. Van Dijk and Jacquet are doing well at Liverpool, aren’t they, developing a good partnership? But yeah, that’s been a real bonus for Arsenal, that Konsa has just hit the ground running.

McBurnie Can Be the Focal Point Scotland Build Around

I think the fact McBurnie is playing in the Premier League obviously helps, because if he can do well at this much higher level then you’d imagine he’ll cement a place for Scotland. I mean, he’s been around a while, he’s 30 years of age, but that’s not, you know, he’s not past it by any means. The new Scotland manager, he hasn’t got a host of choices, has he, in the striking position? So McBurnie might feel, well, I should be number one.

And if he can do that good target man job and hold the ball up, it gets them up the pitch, doesn’t it? So a chance for him.

Trafford Is Doing Everything Right, but Pickford Still Holds the Shirt

I don’t know if Trafford is pushing Pickford or not for that No.1 spot. He started the last two, played last night and has done nothing much wrong. So it’s been great. To play regularly for your club in the Premier League, obviously that helps you, sharpens you up. But I still see him as number two with England. Pickford’s had a brilliant England career, done very little wrong. But for Trafford, yeah, really good news for him.

Selling Harrison Armstrong Would Have Hurt Everton Badly

Selling Armstrong would have hurt Everton, there’s no doubt, with their small squad. And he probably doesn’t want to leave now, does he? He’s playing every week. You think if the club indeed did want to sell him, they probably didn’t think that he could do what he’s done at the start of the season. He’s been forced in there due to a lack of options, and sometimes when that happens, a player can surprise a manager.

So David Moyes will be really pleased with him. I’m sure he’s got a lot of developing to do, but he’ll be thankful that the club didn’t sell him, and certainly the fans will be as well.

Premier League Clubs May Live to Regret Missing Out on Parrott

I was looking at Troy’s stats this season, and he’s scored the winner against Real Madrid; he’s scored in the Champions League, scored for Ireland the other night. So what did he go for? About 17 million, didn’t he, which is cheap as chips these days. Maybe some clubs in England might think, oh, well, yeah, why didn’t we go for him? Some escape the net, and maybe Troy Parrott is one of those.

And Betis have started the season really well, haven’t they? I mean, he could still move to the Premier League. But as things stand, maybe he’s one that did escape.