Is Phil Foden Currently the Premier League’s Best Performer?
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been receiving high praise from fans and pundits alike, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola declaring him as the “best player in the Premier League right now.” Foden’s recent performances have certainly justified this claim, as he has scored six goals and provided an assist in his last seven league games. In this article, we will take a closer look at Foden’s form and analyze whether he truly is the best performer in the Premier League at the moment.
Phil Foden: A Rising Star
Foden’s standout performance came in Sunday’s Manchester derby, where he scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United. These goals were crucial in keeping City firmly in the hunt for the title. With a total of 11 Premier League goals and seven assists this season, Foden ranks joint-eighth in terms of goal contributions. Guardiola has been effusive in his praise for the young midfielder, describing him as “the best player in the Premier League right now for the amount of things he does.”
Erling Haaland: The Leading Goalscorer
While Foden has been making waves with his performances, Erling Haaland cannot be ignored when discussing the best performers in the Premier League. The Manchester City striker currently tops the goalscoring charts with 18 goals, two ahead of anyone else. Despite missing five matches due to injury, Haaland has managed to score four goals and provide one assist in his last seven league appearances. His incredible goal-scoring prowess was on full display in a recent FA Cup match against Luton Town, where he netted five goals.
Kevin de Bruyne: The Midfield Maestro
Another Manchester City player who deserves recognition is Kevin de Bruyne. Since returning from a hamstring injury that kept him out for the first five months of the season, De Bruyne has been in superb form. In his last seven league games, he has scored once and provided four assists, despite only starting four of them. De Bruyne’s impact was also felt in the FA Cup win against Luton, where he registered four assists. Guardiola has hailed him as a “special player” and a “legend.”
Rodri: The Complete Midfielder
Rodri has been a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield this season. Known primarily as a defensive midfielder, he has showcased his attacking abilities in recent matches, contributing three goals and three assists in his last 10 league games. Guardiola has praised Rodri as the “best midfield player in the world currently by far because he is able to do everything.” His performances have left a lasting impression on opponents, with Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer describing it as a “joy to share a football pitch with him.”
Virgil van Dijk: A Defensive Colossus
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been a mainstay in the team’s title challenge this season, despite numerous injury setbacks for the squad. In the past 10 league games, Van Dijk has not only scored a goal but has also helped keep three clean sheets, showcasing his defensive prowess. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has labeled him as “absolutely outstanding,” while BBC Sport journalist Luke Reddy referred to him as a “colossus” in recent weeks.
The Contenders: Nunez, Rice, Saka, Watkins, Palmer, Bowen, and Areola
While Foden, Haaland, De Bruyne, Rodri, and Van Dijk have stood out in recent weeks, there are several other players who deserve honorable mentions. Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez has been in fine form, scoring six goals and providing an assist in his last 10 league games. Arsenal’s Declan Rice has been a key figure in their title challenge, contributing a goal and four assists. Bukayo Saka has been in scintillating form for Arsenal, scoring eight goals and providing an assist in his last 10 league outings. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa has been a consistent performer, with seven goals and four assists in his past 10 league games. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been a bright spark for the team, contributing four goals and four assists. West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has netted five goals and provided two assists in his last 10 league matches. Finally, Alphonse Areola of West Ham has been a standout goalkeeper, recording three clean sheets and making numerous saves.
The Verdict
While it is difficult to definitively crown the Premier League’s best performer, Phil Foden certainly has a strong case. His recent performances have been exceptional, with his goals and assists playing a crucial role in Manchester City’s success. However, players like Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Virgil van Dijk, and several others have also made significant contributions to their respective teams. Ultimately, the title of the Premier League’s best performer is subjective and can vary depending on individual opinions.