The on-going international break has given us the opportunity to review the action that has transpired in the first four Premier League matchdays. The non-stop footballing action has helped us to judge some of the best performers so far this season.
Note: Regardless of reputation, all the players in this list have been considered right from the beginning of the season, mostly with the help of statistics and all of them have played at least three games. Thus, we were not able to include Eden Hazard (only two appearances) despite his impressive start to the season.
#3 Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
Manchester City would have had the best start to the season had it not been for their hiccup against Wolves. While their performances may not have been steady, one player who has remained consistent this season is Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine international scored the first hat-trick of the season in a 6-1 riot of Huddersfield Town. And although he has failed to find the back of the net since, most of it should attribute to his lack of fortune, having hit the post on numerous occasions in the last couple of matches.
It has been Aguero’s work-ethic which has impressed the onlookers of the Premier League. Following a disastrous World Cup campaign with Argentina in the summer, the former Atletico Madrid striker has looked like his former self, often playing a key role in his team’s build-up in the final third.
Aguero has dropped back on numerous occasions to help out his teammates and to almost feature as a number ten, at times. His lack of fortune is also backed up by statistics, with the striker averaging five shots per game – more than anyone else in the league.
He also averaged three dribbles per game, which belongs to the higher strata when it comes to strikers. It would be interesting to see if he can manage to find his scoring boots once the Premier League action returns next weekend.
#2 Sadio Mane – Liverpool
When it comes to goal scoring, Sadio Mane has been right on the money this season, scoring four goals in four games and leading the goalscoring charts for the 2018/19 season.
Indeed, the Senegalese international got off to a flying start, scoring a brace in an emphatic 4-0 win over West Ham United. He also scored the winner against Crystal Palace as well as the opener in the win over Leicester City.
Mane’s excellent form has somewhat minimised the pressure on star performer Mohamed Salah whilst giving Liverpool the edge in the final third, thanks to his immense pace and dynamism. 2.5 shots and 1.5 key passes are indeed great numbers for a winger, and given the fact that he has also found his scoring boot this season, Mane definitely deserves a place on this list.
#1 Marcos Alonso – Chelsea
Chelsea are looking like the number one candidates for the title this season, thanks to their emphatic start to the campaign. The Blues have registered four wins in four matches and much of it should be attributed to Marcos Alonso, who has been one of the most impressive players under new coach Maurizio Sarri.
Following a mixed season, the Spaniard has emerged as a key figure in the Chelsea side, often playing a pivotal role as a wingback.
Alonso’s ability to cover both ends of the field, thanks to his remarkable work-ethic, is something that syncs quite well with Sarri’s tactical philosophy. But, it’s mainly his offensive traits which have impressed the fans and pundits alike.
The former Fiorentina star has already notched a goal and two assists in just four games, which is a stunning record for a wingback. While he statistically may not lead the league in any department, he has taken up more shots than top scorer Sadio Mane, which is indeed a quite a remarkable feat.
Defensively, he has also made worthy contributions, having made 1.8 tackles per game. But, it’s his offensive partnership with Eden Hazard which has made Chelsea such a dangerous team this season and with time, it will only get better.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored