The 2022/23 Premier League season has thrown a lot of tasty thrills and devastating lows so far, and a number of top players have successfully managed to showcase their skill-set.
While Arsenal have surprised many by topping the table, Leicester City are rock bottom without a single win in their bank. As we are in the middle of the international break with players heading off to their respective nations, the time would be ideal to reflect on what has happened in the season.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the players that walk into the Premier League campaign’s best XI to date.
Best Premier League XI until matchweek 7 (4-3-3)
Aaron Ramsdale (GK)
It was a close call between Aaron Ramsdale and Ederson but we are going with the former.
Ramsdale has been solid between the sticks for Arsenal. He has produced key saves in games, dominated the box and distributed the ball very well to start many of the Gunners’ attacks. The England international’s displays are a big part as to why Arsenal are at the summit of the Premier League.
Aaron Hickey (RB)
Moving on to the defence and it does throw up a few surprises.
Starting with the right-back position, Aaron Hickey has made a strong start to life at Brentford after sealing a summer move from Bologna. The Scotsman has started all seven games for the Bees so far this term, putting in some notable performances including the 4-0 drubbing of Man United.
William Saliba (CB)
William Saliba takes one of the two centre-back’s positions, as his introduction to this Arsenal side has been transformative. After three years out on loan in France, Saliba has adapted to the Premier League like a duck to water and slotted in perfectly next to Gabriel in the Arsenal backline.
The Frenchman, who has been called up to the national team for the upcoming games, has shown great composure and maturity on and off the ball whilst adding a couple of goals under his banner.
Raphael Varane (CB)
Partnering Saliba at the back will be his compatriot Raphael Varane, who has tightened things at the back for Manchester United since replacing Harry Maguire in the team.
With Varane in the starting XI, Man United have won four consecutive games in the Premier League after an ignominious start to life under Erik ten Hag. His partnership with Lisandro Martinez has added strength and security to the Reds’ defence, helping the Ten Hag-managed side to recover and climb up to fifth on the table.
Joao Cancelo (LB)
Joao Cancelo has made the left-back position his own at Manchester City in the last 15-18 months. His ability to feature on either side of the defence, coupled with his pace, creativity and passing range, make him crucial to how Man City operate under Pep Guardiola.
One of the best full-backs in world football, Cancelo starts at left-back in this team.
Rodri (CDM)
One of Pep Guardiola’s mainstays, Rodri holds the glue between the midfield and attack for Manchester City.
The Spaniard operates as a single pivot in front of the back four and controls play for Man City, adding both balance and calmness to the side. An almost guaranteed starter in Guardiola’s ever-rotating starting XI, Rodri will reprise his midfield role in this team.
Kevin de Bruyne (RCM)
One of the world’s best midfielders, Kevin de Bruyne has started the new campaign in some form with a goal and six assists in just seven games.
The Belgian is the main man that makes Guardiola’s side tick, and his form and fitness will determine whether Man City will be able to defend the title or not.
Christian Eriksen (LCM)
Snapped on a free transfer in the summer, Christian Eriksen has quickly become untouchable in Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side.
Operating from a deeper midfield role in Ten Hag’s system, the Dane has constantly shown that he has the weapons in his arsenal to hurt any opposition from anywhere on the pitch. He is returning to being at his best this season following a heart attack and collapse during the Euro 2020.
It was a tough call between Eriksen and Granit Xhaka, who looks a player reborn at Arsenal, but we have decided to go with the Man United midfielder.
Bernardo Silva (RW)
It will not be a stretch to claim that Bernardo Silva is one of the best players in the Premier League. Operating mainly in a three-man midfield for City, the fleet-footed Portuguese consistently helps to dictate matches with his body control, vision and range of passing.
Two goals and three assists in seven games are enough to earn Silva a place in the XI, but in a wider attacking role.
Gabriel Jesus (LW)
Acquiring Gabriel Jesus from Man City could turn out to be one of the best bits of business Arsenal have done in recent years.
With four goals and three assists in seven games, the Brazilian has quickly become the Gunners’ main man in attack. He has been instrumental in Arsenal’s rise to the summit of the Premier League, thereby, instantly proving his worth.
Certainly, Jesus deserves a place in the XI.
Erling Haaland (ST)
Erling Haaland has slayed any debate around the Premier League’s signing of the season.
Since the opening weekend of the season, Haaland has grabbed the back pages with a series of impressive displays for Manchester City. The free-scoring Norwegian has already reached double figures in just seven games, and continues to be one of the driving forces for Man City this term. What a player!
