10) Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) – 6.89 rating
Right-back was an area Erik ten Hag sought to improve upon over the summer, and Noussair Mazraoui has made the starting spot his own at Manchester United. Indeed, the Morocco international ranks seventh for tackles (21) in the Premier League this season. While United’s summer signings have struggled, the former Bayern Munich man has slotted in well enough under Ten Hag at Old Trafford. They’ll miss Mazraoui during his time on the sidelines.
9) Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest) – 6.91 rating
Defensive reinforcements were a must for a Nottingham Forest side that shipped 67 league goals last season, the fifth most in the division. Nikola Milenkovic joined from Fiorentina for £12m and with each passing week, he looks a steal. Only Liverpool (2) have conceded fewer goals than Forest (6) in England’s top tier this term, with Milenkovic, who ranks seventh for aerial duels won per game (3.3), key to their defensive resolve.
8) Savinho (Manchester City) – 6.97 rating
Having joined from Troyes after a successful loan stint with Girona, Savinho has taken to the rigours of Premier League football with ease. The Brazil international has two assists from four league starts for Manchester City, while only Jérémy Doku (16) has completed more dribbles for the champions than the 20-year-old (9). He’s another attacking wildcard that Pep Guardiola is happy to utilise.
7) Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) – 6.99 rating
Riccardo Calafiori was handed quite the baptism of fire for his full Premier League debut, starting, and scoring in, the 2-2 draw at Manchester City. The Italy international moved to Arsenal off the back of a fine Serie A season that culminated with a starting spot for the Azzurri at Euro 2024. While he hasn’t been guaranteed a starting spot – only three of his five appearances have been from the outset – Calafiori has put in a series of assured displays when called upon by Mikel Arteta.
6) Facundo Buonanotte (Leicester) – 7.04 rating
Leicester have scored nine league goals this season, more than Newcastle (8) and Manchester United (5), and a key reason behind their sound offensive showings has been the performances of Facundo Buonanotte. The young Argentinian joined from Brighton loan back in August and has gone to directly contribute to four goals, scoring twice. The 19-year-old is also a hard worker off the ball, as evidenced by an average of 2.9 tackles per 90.
5) Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) – 7.11 rating
Crystal Palace are winless in the Premier League this season, yet they have been relatively solid at the back, conceding the same number of goals as sixth-placed Brighton (10). Maxence Lacroix has been a consistent performer at the back, with 3.8 tackles per game ranking 23rd in the division. It’s early days for Lacroix in south London but initial signs suggest he’ll forge a fine understanding with his teammates in Palace’s three-man defence.
4) Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) – 7.17 rating
Everton have made a slow start to the season but a three-game unbeaten run – including a first win of the campaign against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace – suggests they have turned a corner. Sean Dyche’s decision to move Dwight McNeil infield not only benefited the team but summer addition Iliman Ndiaye. The 24-year-old provides additional defensive protection down the left having made 2.2 tackles per 90, while he’s not afraid to take on his marker once he does win the ball, as evidenced by a return of 2.8 successful dribbles per 90.
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3) Dara O’Shea (Ipswich) – 7.18 rating
While he was unable to prevent Ipswich from falling to a heavy 4-1 loss against West Ham prior to the international break, Dara O’Shea has proven a shrewd piece of business by the Tractor Boys. The 25-year-old is winning more aerial duels per game (4.8) than any other defender in the Premier League and while he is yet to be on the winning side for Ipswich following his arrival from Burnley, it’s only a matter of time before they’re able to claim a first victory following their return to the top flight.
2) Dominic Solanke (Tottenham) – 7.22 rating
Tottenham’s big-money striker took his time to get going, firing a blank in his opening three appearances but Dominic Solanke has still caught the eye on the frontline. The former Bournemouth forward has scored twice and provided one assist for Ange Postcoelgou’s side in the Premier League, though the latter did come in Sunday’s disappointing 3-2 defeat by Brighton. Nevertheless, Solanke is starting to look the part for the north London side as he aims to justify the decision to spend big to secure his services.
1) Jadon Sancho (Chelsea) – 7.32 rating
In just four appearances, Jadon Sancho has matched his best assist haul in a Premier League season having set up three league goals for Chelsea following his arrival from Manchester United. Whether the Blues needed another winger is a discussion for another day; fact is Sancho has started life at Stamford Bridge very well indeed. Only West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus (3.3) has completed more dribbles per 90 than the 24-year-old (3) in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign as Sancho looks to prove United were wrong to show him the Old Trafford exit.
Source: theguardian.com
