Top three midfielders who impressed in the Premier League so far
Stability and cohesion are absolutely vital in the midfield for any team. Midfielders are essential to anything that goes on in the team. They are often the focal point and the main source of supply.
Some are deployed in deep-lying defensive roles while others are played right behind the striker. Attacking midfielders require vast creativity and vision to thrive in the middle of the park. Holding midfielders need to be diligent and aggressive in their approach to ensure security in midfield.
A number of midfielders have impressed in the opening four weeks of the Premier League. Here we take a look at three stars who have stamped their authority so far.
Naby Keita (Liverpool)
Liverpool always lacked a lock and loaded, high-intensity midfielder in their side. But since Keita’s arrival this summer, those issues seem to have gone with the wind. The former RB Leipzig man possesses similar qualities to N’Golo Kante, who is currently one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe.
Keita has been brilliant at picking up the ball deep in Liverpool’s half and surging forward to support the attack. He possesses impressive control, immense passing range and the agility to cover defensively.
The Guinean has seamlessly transitioned himself into Klopp’s philosophy and the Reds felt his absence against Leicester City.
Jean Michael Seri (Fulham)
Another newcomer to the Premier League, the acquisition of Seri was a statement of intent from Fulham. An acquisition that has so far paid dividends for Slavisa Jokanovic’s side. Seri has been in scintillating form for the Cottagers in the opening few weeks.
Seri now averages a pass success rate of 90.9% in the Premier League. Not only is he a talented passer of the ball, Seri is a little adventurous too. The midfielder scored superb long-range goal last week and has picked up 1 assist so far. (Stats Courtesy – Whoscored)
He brings a completely new dimension for the Cottagers and will definitely play a key role for them this season.
James Maddison (Leicester City)
Leicester City‘s new £22m signing has already picked up 1 goal and 1 assist in 4 games under Claude Puel. The Foxes were initially sweating over the departure of Riyad Mahrez but with James Maddison around, the Algerian’s absence is not being felt.
Everything good that Leicester produce on the field goes through the former Norwich City midfielder. He possesses a certain style and aura in his play. Maddison is calm and composed on the ball, using his impressive close control to wiggle his way past the defenders.
Read more: Opinion: Despite early struggles, Leicester should hold onto their key figure this season
The midfielder is not at all shot-shy and often keeps the goalkeepers on their toes. Maddison won the ball from Alisson Becker last weekend before teeing in Rachid Ghezzal for his first Leicester goal.
Maddison averages a pass success rate of 84.2% and averages 2 shots per game. He will definitely play a key role for the Foxes as the plot thickens. (Stats Courtesy – Whoscored)