Bukayo Saka Stats: Why the Arsenal star is the Premier League's Best Rated Player

 

Seven games into the Premier League season and the table is starting to take shape. The main title contenders – Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool – occupy the top three spots, the Reds currently ahead of their rivals in the race for domestic glory by a solitary point. While there is still a long way to go, the general consensus is that the trio will be battling for the title this season. 

 

For the individual accolades, it’s a similar story. Bukayo Saka is the best rated player in the Premier League this season with a WhoScored rating of 8.25, following by Erling Haaland (8.11) and Cole Palmer (7.96). The trio of course feature in the Premier League Team of the Season so far. Saka ended last season as the top rated performer in England’s top tier, and he is good value atop the leaderboard this time around. 

 

Bukayo Saka Stats: Why the Arsenal star is the Premier League's Best Rated Player

 

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Saka won his fourth WhoScored Player of the Match award of the season in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Southampton having been directly involved in all three goals. The 23-year-old scored just his second league goal of the campaign but took his assist tally to seven, more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues this season. 

 

While some attackers may be judged by the number of goals they have scored, fact is Saka deserves his spot as the best rated player in the division at this early stage of the season. Indeed, he is the only Premier League player with more than 10: successful dribbles (14), shots (25), key passes (27), big chances created (12) and tackles (12). He is top for the two creative metrics. 

 

 

Yes, Haaland will routinely earn the plaudits for his record breaking goal returns, the same rings true for Palmer with his big match winning moments for Chelsea, but in terms of a versatile attacking outlet; none can hold a candle to Saka. Mikel Arteta has provided the youngster with the perfect foundation to showcase his immense talent, and he works in a system that allows him to perform to the very best of his abilities. 

 

Yet Saka could well shirk the immense work off the ball to ensure he is the primary main attacker in this system. Rather, he takes it upon himself to aid his side when it comes to robbing opponents of the ball. 12 tackles, after all, is a fine return for a player in his position, while only three have win possession in the attacking third more times than the Gunners star (9) in England’s top tier this term. 

 

 

The burden is also routinely on Saka to provide the attacking impetus down his side of the pitch. 45% of Arsenal’s attacks come down Saka’s right flank, the highest proportion in the Premier League this season. By contrast, just 31% of their attacks go down the left, the lowest in the division. Many would struggle with the pressure that comes with being so key to the way a team attacks. Saka, though, thrives. He shoulders the responsibility with absolute ease, very much belying his tender years. 

 

What is scary is that Saka is still in the infancy of his career; he will only continue to develop. Already a World Class talent to some – are there really any arguments to the contrary? – Saka’s WhoScored rating is deservedly the best in the Premier League. If Arsenal do go all the way and land a first Premier League title in over 20 years, then their Starboy will have been a key reason behind the success.

Bukayo Saka Stats: Why the Arsenal star is the Premier League's Best Rated Player