With the 2021-22 campaign set to reach its halfway mark on Sunday, GOAL selects the players who have caught the eye most so far
Getty ImagesGK: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Most onlookers need to apologise to Aaron Ramsdale, who after conceding 130 goals across two seasons at Bournemouth and Sheffield United seemed over-priced at £24 million ($32.6m).
The 23-year-old has, however, been magnificent for Mikel Arteta this season, laying the foundation for Arsenal's improved performances with his exceptional distribution and all-action playing style.
The Gunners have lacked leadership in recent seasons, but Ramsdale’s heart-on-the-sleeve demeanour has certainly given them a lift.
He is a very good shot-stopper, too, pulling off several remarkable saves, most notably keeping out a James Maddison free-kick against Leicester City with an effort that looks destined to win save of the season.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
It is impossible to ignore Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose eight Premier League assists this season is only bettered by team-mate Mohamed Salah.
The Liverpool full-back somehow keeps finding new levels and new ways to impress, with his thunderous goal against Newcastle in mid-December highlighting yet another string to his bow.
Jurgen Klopp increasingly lets Alexander-Arnold play in central areas, and the 23-year-old is just as often found in the right half-space as on the wing.
He defines the modern full-back: a playmaker as intelligent and creative as any number 10.
Getty ImagesCB: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Ruben Dias, last year’s Premier League Player of the Season, has picked up where he left off, putting in immaculate performances for Manchester City and contributing signficantly to thier goals against tally of just nine.
Although Dias does not score highly on defensive metrics, that is simply a reflection of how much possession City hold – and indeed his on-the-ball contribution is just as important as his effortless defending when called upon.
Perhaps the biggest compliment of all is that Dias has started 16 of City’s 18 Premier League games. Pep Guardiola tends to anxiously rotate centre-backs, but not Dias.
Getty ImagesCB: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s defensive record has improved markedly this season, and Antonio Rudiger is undoubtedly the leader of Thomas Tuchel’s three-man back line.
The 28-year-old has grown in stature over the last 12 months to become one of the most commanding figures in the division, making heroic blocks and last-ditch challenges to get his team-mates out of trouble.
But the main reason he makes the list is his unique ability to dribble the ball out of defence, breaking the opposition lines and joining up with the Chelsea attack.
Rudiger ranks fourth in the entire division for carries (939) and ranks first among centre-backs for carries into the final third (36).