REVEALED: The Premier League players to have the best impact on win rate
Following on from our earlier look into the players that have had the worst impact on their side’s win rate in the Premier League this season, we turn the tables to those that have had a far more positive influence on results.
Once more we’ve taken a look at the biggest impact on win rates - this time from a positive sense - of players to have missed more than five matches in the Premier League so far.
5) Yan Valery (Southampton): +33.8% win rate
When Ralph Hasenhuttl named Yan Valery for the first time it’s fair to say few would have thought the teenager would retain his place in the side at the expense of Cedric Soares. However, the Frenchman did just that, with his performances convincing the new manager that the club could afford to sell the Portugal international in January. Four wins in Valery’s ten league starts compared to just one in the 16 league matches that he hasn’t been included go some way to justifying that decision.
4) Fabian Schär (Newcastle): +34.5% win rate
It seemed somewhat odd that a player of Schär’s pedigree and experience couldn’t force his way into the Newcastle team early in the season, but the Switzerland international has proven to be an important player of late. Whether or not he merely took time to adapt to English football, the 27-year-old is certainly up to speed now and has performed admirably whether in a back four or on the left of a three. Five of The Magpies six league wins this season have come in the 12 matches Schär has started.
3) Pedro (Chelsea): +37% win rate
The Spaniard’s appearance may surprise some but much of Chelsea’s strong early season form came with Pedro’s inclusion in the team. The former Barcelona winger has been in and out of the team since, though it’s safe to say his influence has waned of late. Even still, the Blues’ have won just four of the 11 league matches that the 31-year-old hasn’t started this season, compared to 11 of the 15 that he has.
2) Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff): +43.8% win rate
He may not be the prettiest of players to watch but Gunnarsson has added a bite to the Cardiff midfield that has really boosted their survival hopes since his return from injury. He’s club captain of the Bluebirds for a reason, and clearly helps to get the best out of those around him. All seven of Neil Warnock’s side’s seven league wins this season have come when the Iceland international has started, failing to pick up three points in any of the ten matches he has not. For context, Cardiff’s 43.8% win rate with Gunnarsson is stronger than that of Wolves this season, who sit seventh.
1) Diogo Jota (Wolves): +47.7% win rate
Speaking of Wolves, the player with the greatest positive influence in terms of win rate in the Premier League this season is Jota. Nuno’s side, who have taken to the top-flight with the ease many predicted, have looked a very strong team thus far, though the winger’s inclusion has been pivotal. The promoted side have won an impressive 11 of 26 matches this season, ten of which have come in the 17 games Jota has started (58.8%). Their win rate without the 22-year-old is a lowly 11.1% in turn, and while the likes of Neves and Moutinho have been key to Wolves’ success no player has had a more decisive impact than fellow Portuguese Jota.
