As we are now facing a break in the action for almost six weeks due to the Qatar World Cup, it feels like a good moment to take stock of the (interrupted) Premier League season. After just over a dozen games, it might be too early to draw some conclusions. But we can say with some certainty that Arsenal really do look like title contenders, although Manchester City remain the firm favorites. We can also say that Manchester United and Chelsea look like teams in transition, and Newcastle look like joining the elite. Of course, all of this might look somewhat foolish by the end of May 2023.
However, we can be almost objective when we cite the players that have performed well so far this season. Some obvious candidates have set the Premier League alight, whereas some players have simply surprised us all. Here is our list of the top five best performers:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
No guesses for the top place – he has arguably been the best player in the world over the last few months. His tally of 23 goals for Manchester City has come in just 17 games, an incredible feat. His form is the reason that City are listed as the favorite by online betting platforms for the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. It goes without saying that Haaland is favorite for the Golden Boot, too. In fact, he is on course to break the all-time scoring record in a Premier League season. So, a firm pick for number one as the best player in the Premier League so far this season – if not the world.
2. William Saliba (Arsenal)
We mentioned earlier that Arsenal should now be considered Premier League title contenders. Of course, they are top of the league at the moment, which suggests that is a no-brainer. However, Arsenal have flattered to deceive before, as many of the Gunners fans will tell you. One of the reasons that many critics have changed their minds is that the North London team has added steel to their undoubted flair. And the best example of that is the towering French defender William Saliba. He’s been brilliant all season for the Gunners, allowing the midfield and attack to flourish.
- Miguel Almiron (Newcastle)
While Almiron’s tally of goals pales in comparison to the mercurial Haaland’s, the Newcastle forward has been on a path to redemption. He is, if we are honest, but one of a number of Newcastle players who could have made this list, but we opted for Almiron because he has done so much to turn his fortunes around. Newcastle are now firmly in the hunt for a Champions League spot, something that would have been unthinkable just 18 months ago. Almiron’s form has rocketed them up to third
place in the table, and he looks like he is getting better every week.
- David De Gea (Manchester United)
Perhaps the most controversial selection here, but please hear us out. Manchester United have conceded 19 goals in the Premier League and have produced some very sorry performances. Moreover, De Gea was at fault for goals in some of those worst performances (versus Brentford, in particular). In saying that, the Spaniard has also been at his best for 99% of the time. Some of the saves he has pulled off this season could not have been done by any other goalkeeper in the world. Bar those couple of mistakes, De Gea has been superb.
5. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Yes, it’s a little bit boring to cite De Bruyne on this list because he has always been brilliant. However, we cannot leave out the Belgian due to his continued excellence for City this season. One thing we have noticed about the midfielder is that he is the man for the tight occasion. City regularly swat teams aside with ease, with Haaland bagging hat-tricks in 4-0 and 5-0 victories. But when things aren’t going the way of the champions, it seems to be De Bruyne who pops up with a late winner or equalizer. The best midfielder on the planet.
