The 2022/23 Premier League season has already been packed with action and goals. Manchester City may be showing the form of a runaway champion, but Arsenal have been strong too.
In addition to the good team play, there have been some sensational individual displays. Erling Haaland turned the Premier League into his personal playpen. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesús looks like the complete striker who led Palmeiras to the Brazilian title.
It’s always difficult to rank players in the Premier League, especially due to the intense fandom involved. However, after around eight games we can start to see patterns emerging.
Who are the top 5 players in the Premier League so far?
#1 Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland is the top scorer in the Premier League. He has scored hat-tricks in three successive home games for Manchester City and could well break the all-time record for goals in a single season in the Premier League.
Hailand is amazing. You do not need to participate in the preparation game. Many worried about this once he joined Manchester City. Through eight games, it doesn’t seem to be a problem.
Manchester City needed a goalscorer, and he is the best of all. You can’t stop it. His movement is so decisive that he can stand still and like a shark is in the penalty area ready to attack. The ball is in the back of the net before the defense realizes what is happening.
His haul of 14 league goals in eight games is staggeringly good. Also, there are no signs of an imminent pause any time soon.
#2 James Maddison (Leicester City)
It’s hard to stand out on a team that continually suffers dismal results. Leicester City’s season has been abject, but James Maddison makes a mark on games nonetheless.
In seven games he has five goals and two assists. He has sought to make things happen for Leicester when those around him have gone into hiding.
An England call-up is on the line before the World Cup. Based on the form, it’s hard to take your attention away from Maddison. He is one of the most creative players in the league.
Gabriel Jesús was good at Manchester City. However, the intricate nature of the work hampered his production and contribution. There, he needed to pass the ball within seconds of receiving it.
He’s a much better player than that. Jesus is the archetypal Brazilian. He plays with style, confidence and likes to dribble with the ball.
His move to the Gunners allowed fans to see this complete striker. The same player who led Palmeiras to the Brazilian championship as a teenager.
Arsenal needed a player like Jesus since Thierry Henry left the club. He’s having that kind of early impact. He has scored five goals and has three assists.
#4 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Arsenal deserve to have two representatives among the top five players in the Premier League this young season.
Bukayo Saka started the 2022/23 Premier League season tremendously well. After emerging as a useful option at full-back in recent years, Saka is now an elite playmaking option in attack.
In eight EPL games this term he has contributed four assists and scored a solo goal. His work rate is exceptional and he is only going to get better.
You may not get the applause you deserve. His style is simple but makes a difference. Mikel Arteta would not be able to enjoy the early season success he has had without the winger’s contributions.
#5 Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Ivan Toney will not finish the season in Brentford. He is too good. This is a centre-forward who should be kicking down the door to Gareth Southgate’s office to be on the plane to Qatar.
Harry Kane finds himself in trouble when tournament matches go all the way. He can become a passenger. Ivan Toney is the perfect option to come off the bench.
He has five Premier League goals and two assists so far this term, putting him among the best performing players.
Brentford trusts him to hold the ball, make brilliant runs forward and finish the chances that come his way.
His chipped goal against Leeds United was a beauty. He showed that his technical level is far beyond what many believed last season.
If he doesn’t finish the Premier League season with twenty goals, it will be a surprise.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PRIME Media Images
