We are 7 games into the 2021/22 Premier League season and it is already shaping up to be another exciting, tight battle between the heavyweights at the top end of the table.
Chelsea, after their 3-1 win over Southampton at Stamford Bridge over the weekend, are at the summit having skipped past Liverpool and Manchester City—with the duo playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield. Manchester United occupy the fourth spot with 14 points, level on points with Everton and surprise-package Brighton.
Meanwhile, Norwich City, Newcastle United and Burnley remain in the relegation zone after the completion of Matchday 7.
Without much delay, let’s take a look at the best players so far in the Premier League after the first seven games of the new season.
PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE SEASON TILL MATCHDAY 7 (4-3-3)
MANAGER- GRAHAM POTTER
While we have not included any player from Brighton & Hove Albion, the way the manager has got his whole team playing fantastic football is commendable. This has been a long time coming and is not a flash in the pan. Built on a miserly budget, the team has been set-up to attack, regardless of the opposition and with the goals begining to come as well, this season could be a special one for the Seagulls.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea
While many would go with the likes of Edouard Mendy, Alisson Becker, Ederson or perhaps Brentford’s David Raya, we’ve opted for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.
David De Gea, 30, hasn’t been the same since returning from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, showing lapses in concentrations, making errors and gifting goals to the opposition. This season, however, we have seen a very different De Gea, much like his old self—positive, determined, exceptional at shot-stopping and really good with some of his distributions skills.
The Spanish shot-stopper may have just managed one clean sheet in seven games but he seems very much back to his best from what we have seen so far.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold missed out on Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City after picking up an injury. Yet, while he’s played five league games so far, the 22-year-old has further demonstrated why he is considered as one of the best right-backs in Europe.
Attacking, aggressive and creative with two assists already in the bag, Alexander-Arnold gets the nod ahead of Kyle Walker at right-back.
Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea have the joint-best defensive record in the division and Antonio Rudiger has been a key component in Thomas Tuchel’s back-three system.
Rudiger, 28, arguably in the best form of his life, continues to shine for the Blues after appearing in all seven of their Premier League games so far and scoring in the 3-0 win over London rivals Tottenham last month.
Ruben Dias
Manchester City boasts of having the joint-best defensive record, conceding just 3 goals in 7 games to date—two of which came against Liverpool on Sunday.
One of the chief reasons for City’s dominance at the back is Ruben Dias, who is good with the ball, strong in the air and a leader and top organiser of the backline.
The Portuguese international, 24, has had an incredible impact in the blue half of Manchester since arriving from Benfica and is an easy pick to partner Rudiger at the back in this side.
Marcos Alonso
Thomas Tuchel’s back-three with wing-backs system has certainly helped Marcos Alonso revive his career at Chelsea.
The Spaniard, 30, is ahead of Ben Chilwell in the defensive pecking order, impressing with his work rate, crossing ability and energy. He is one of Chelsea’s main creative forces, and while the wing-back was dropped in favour of Chilwell in the 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday, Alonso has done enough to get picked at left-back in this side.
Midfield
Fabinho
After performing at centre-back for much of last season, Fabinho is back in his natural no.6 role and flourishing for the Reds this term.
As the anchor-man, the Brazilian breaks opposition attacks, controls the tempo of the game and sparks many a counter-attack for Klopp’s side. He is an easy pick in this team.
Jorginho
Jorginho has been one of the first names on Tuchel’s team sheet, and even though he was rested for the Southampton clash on Saturday, the qualities of the central midfielder help this Chelsea team tick over.
The Italy international, 29, who won the Champions League with the Blues in May before triumphing at Euro 2020 this summer, is a superb passer of the ball and never hesitates to stick his leg out to stop the opposition from advancing.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Jorginho makes it into this team.
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva was one of the stars in Manchester City’s assured displays over Chelsea and Liverpool in back-to-back Premier League games.
Comfortable in midfield or anywhere across the front line, the Portuguese international, 27, is back to his best and demonstrating why he is such a vital cog in Pep Guardiola’s side. Indeed, the diminutive, nimble-footed midfielder has been a treat to watch this season, standing out for Man City.
Attack
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus has already become one of Manchester City’s key players in attack. The win over Chelsea and the draw with Liverpool proved the Sky Blues’ fluid forward line is no match for any team in Europe on their day, with Jesus impressing with his work rate, creativity and versatility.
The Brazilian international has two goals and four assists in seven games, surprisingly flourishing in a role on the wings. Pep will hope the confidence earned from this early season success will come in handy if the attacker has to be played in a more conventional no. 9 role later in the season.
Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend has landed a spot in this team following a brilliant start to his career at Everton.
Snapped on a free transfer after being released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season, Townsend, 30, has hit the ground running for Everton with three goals and two assists. The English winger scored the equalising goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday before copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siii!’ celebration.
It is the early season success of Townsend that arguably makes him the cleverest piece of summer transfer business.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is the most in-form player in the world right now and that is not a stretch in any imagination.
The Egyptian, unplayable, irresistible and just deadly in front of goal this season, netted an early contender for Premier League Goal of the Season during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City at Anfield.
Salah has looked a man possessed at times, and with six goals and three assists in just seven league games, he continues to prove his doubters wrong.
