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Southampton duo named in Opta Dream Team

Southampton defensive duo Artur Boruc and Jose Fonte are included in a statistically-selected Premier League Dream Team named by Opta and BT Sport.

Football analysts Opta have teamed up with BT Sport to name a Premier League Dream Team made up of this season's top performers.

The star-studded XI was selected based on key statistics from the opening seven rounds of top-flight fixtures.

Six British players made the grade, alongside three other Europeans, an African and a South American.

BorucSouthampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc in action against Norwich during their Premier League match on August 31, 2013© Getty Images

Southampton's Artur Boruc was picked as the league's most in-form goalkeeper after keeping five clean sheets in seven appearances.

The Polish keeper has made 19 saves and 15 catches.

WalkerTottenham's Kyle Walker is tackled by Cardiff's Ben Turner during their Premier League match on September 22, 2013© Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur's Kyle Walker is at right-back. The 23-year-old has made 10 interceptions, 11 tackles and 26 clearances.

Going forward, Walker has created 13 chances and has a passing accuracy of 85%.

BainesEverton's Leighton Baines is congratulated by teammates after scoring a free-kick against West Ham on September 21, 2013© Getty Images

Left-back Leighton Baines's inclusion will not surprise many people. As well as making 21 tackles and 21 clearances, the Everton star has been one of his side's most important attacking players.

He has delivered 55 crosses, created 11 chances and scored two goals.

TerryChelsea's English defender John Terry celebrates after scoring a goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane in London on September 28, 2013© Getty Images

Chelsea captain John Terry makes the team despite having featured in just four games so far.

The former England skipper, who has made six interceptions, five tackles and 48 clearances, partners Southampton's Jose Fonte in the centre of defence.

FonteSouthampton's Jose Fonte is congratulated by team mates after scoring the equaliser against Sunderland on August 24, 2013© Getty Images

Fonte has not missed a minute of the Saints' league campaign, contributing to the cause with 15 interceptions, six tackles and a whopping 68 clearances.

The Portuguese centre-half has also made his mark at the other end of the pitch, scoring a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland in August.

HazardChelsea's Eden Hazard in action during a friendly match against Indonesia All-Stars on July 25, 2013© Getty Images

Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard features in a three-man midfield.

The Belgian earned his place in Opta's side by creating 11 chances, making nine crosses, having nine shots and scoring one goal.

RamseyAaron Ramsey celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Arsenal at Liberty Stadium on September 28, 2013© Getty Images

Aaron Ramsey has been Arsenal's stand-out performer so far, finding the net on four occasions to help fire the Gunners to the top of the table.

The Welshman has registered 12 shots, created eight chances, made 35 tackles and been on target with 87% of his passes.

ToureMan City's Yaya Toure scores his team's third goal against Wigan during their League Cup match on September 24, 2013© Getty Images

Manchester City enforcer Yaya Toure completes the midfield trio. He has found a teammate with 92% of his passes and created 10 chances.

The 30-year-old Cote d'Ivoire international has made 14 tackles and scored four goals from nine shots.

AgueroManchester City's Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Manchester United during their Premier League match on September 22, 2013© Getty Images

Sergio Aguero is the second member of the Etihad Stadium crew to make the super team.

The Argentinean forward has terrorised defenders by winning 11 fouls and creating eight chances, as well as hitting the target with seven of his 10 shots, scoring four goals in the process.

RooneyLike Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney seems to limit his smoking to the holidays. Many believe that his habit used to infuriate Sir Alex Ferguson.© Getty Images

After starting the season as understudy to Robin van Persie at Manchester United, Wayne Rooney has forced his way back into David Moyes's starting XI thanks to a string of top-notch displays.

The 27-year-old, who scored his 202nd goal for the Red Devils in their shock 2-1 defeat to West Brom last month, has found the net with three of his 15 Premiership shots this season. He has also created nine chances and delivered 35 crosses.

SturridgeLiverpool's English forward Daniel Sturridge celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the season's opening English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Stoke City on August 17, 2013© Getty Images

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge is the Dream Team's top goalscorer, having netted six times from 20 shots.

He has made two assists, both for Luis Suarez in a 3-1 win at Sunderland, as well as creating a further four chances that did not result in goals.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416


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