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As the first events of the year approach, various international teams are preparing for their debut. WhoScored has put together a list of their top-rated English players for the season, including some unexpected choices.
The designated player to protect the goal is Nick Pope, representing Newcastle.
Nick Pope, who is 31 years old, has been absent from playing since the start of December. Despite this, he has been the top performing English goalkeeper of the season. His continued absence has had a devastating impact on Eddie Howe’s team. Ever since Pope’s injury during a match against Manchester United, the team’s defensive performance has significantly declined. They have gone from being one of the best in the league to now being one of the worst. When Pope has been in goal for the team, they have only conceded three or more goals in one out of 14 league matches this season. However, in the 14 games without him, they have allowed this to happen eight times. Pope’s overall rating is 6.72.
Right defender: Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool
Many fans of the England team were eager to see Trent Alexander-Arnold play in the midfield during the team’s upcoming friendly matches, but an injury to the Liverpool player has delayed those plans until at least June. However, despite this setback, the 25-year-old will still be starting as the right-back in this lineup. His impressive rating of 7.18 in the Premier League this season is matched only by Kieran Trippier for full-backs.
Kieran Trippier, a left-back player, currently plays for Newcastle.
Kieran Trippier, who plays at right-back in this XI, has had a tumultuous campaign. He has made 63 important passes, the most out of any defender in the league and the fifth most out of all players. Among all players in the division, no one has assisted in more goals (10) than this seasoned Newcastle full-back. Rating: 7.18
: James Tarkowski
The centre-back for Everton is James Tarkowski.
Although they are ranked low on the table, Everton has an impressive defensive performance in the Premier League. They have let in fewer goals than Aston Villa and Tottenham. Tarkowski, a key player, ranks high in clearances (127), aerial duels won (107), and interceptions (50) in the league. Rating: 7.07.
Defensive center: Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
Branthwaite has been an exceptional player for Tarkowski’s team, serving as his defensive partner. Along with Sean Dyche, Branthwaite has been having a phenomenal season, leading to his selection for Gareth Southgate’s team this month. As a young player, he has shown great understanding of the game and has already made 41 interceptions, a remarkable feat that only a few players in Europe’s top leagues have surpassed. He has been rated a 6.88 for his performances.
Central midfield: James Maddison, Tottenham
James Maddison, one of the top recruits this season, has been crucial to Ange Postecoglou’s impressive beginning as manager of Tottenham. In the Premier League, Maddison has contributed four goals and assisted on seven more for the team. He holds the seventh spot in the league for making an average of 2.7 key passes per 90 minutes. His current rating stands at 7.38.
Declan Rice at the central midfield position for Arsenal.
Declan Rice, a transfer during the summer, has been excelling for Arsenal. He has been involved in 11 league goals (6 scored and 5 assists) this season and has also added defensive strength to the team under Mikel Arteta. As a result, Arsenal currently holds the top spot in the Premier League and Rice’s performance has been a significant factor in their success. He has been given a rating of 7.40.
Central midfield: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham has quickly adapted to life at Real Madrid and has the potential to be a standout player for England during the Euros. Despite being just 20 years old, he has already scored 16 goals in La Liga this season, contributing to 11 extra points for Carlo Ancelotti’s team. One of his strengths is his ability to perform under pressure, which will be crucial when he returns to Germany this summer. Overall rating: 7.78.
Bukayo Saka, the right winger for Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has been the top-performing player in England’s Premier League this season and is expected to be a key player for England in the upcoming summer tournaments. With 13 goals and eight assists, Saka is having the best season of his career and has played a crucial role in Arsenal’s successful season so far. He currently has a rating of 7.69.
The player up front: Harry Kane, representing England.
Among all players in Europe’s top five leagues this season, Harry Kane stands out as the highest-rated. The reason for this is clear – he has scored 31 goals in the league, far surpassing his closest competitor, Kylian Mbappé, who has only scored 24. Even the top scorer in the Premier League, Erling Haaland, falls far behind with only 18 goals. In addition to his impressive scoring record, Kane has also provided seven assists for his team, Bayern. While he may have to miss out on upcoming friendly matches due to an ankle injury, his goal is to lead England to success this summer. His overall rating stands at an impressive 7.87.
On the left side of the field, the player representing England is Phil Foden.
Phil Foden completes an impressive front three. He has appeared in all 28 of Manchester City’s league games this season, scoring 11 goals and setting up seven more. Foden was dubbed England’s great hope at Euro 2020, but his league form suggests he will live up to the billing at Euro 2024. Rating: 7.42
for the UEFA Nations League
The complete roster of 23 players for the UEFA Nations League.
Pope, Trafford, and Pickford are the goalkeepers on the team.
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben White, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Harry Maguire, Dan Burn.
Some of the midfield players include Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Declan Rice, Ross Barkley, James Ward-Prowse, and Conor Gallagher.
The following players have been selected for the forward positions: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon.
Source: theguardian.com
