Obviously it’s ridiculously early to be talking about a Premier League team of the season so far, but it’s also bloody good fun.
We’re basing the XI on WhoScored ratings, which essentially means Opta statistics and algorithms that generally reward ‘doing stuff’, so aerially dominant centre-halves are far more likely to be included than calm passers.
Anyway, here we go. At this stage, all candidates must have played in all three Premier League games.
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham)
Along with David Raya, Dean Henderson and Robert Sanchez, the Italian has only conceded one goal in three matches. But he has been tested far more than the other three goalkeepers; PSxG statistics suggest he should have conceded at least three goals.
Right-back: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
There was no right-back in the PFA Team of the Year for 2024/25 season but Timber might be impossible to ignore this season if he adds to the two goals and an assist he has already notched in three appearances.
Centre-back: Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)
An odd exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, the Chelsea man was exemplary in the 2-0 win over Fulham after scoring in the battering of West Ham the week before.
Centre-back: Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
Dominant in the air, Lacroix is also an excellent passer of the ball whose rating has been boosted by an early Premier League assist.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
On the ball an awful lot at Chelsea, the Spaniard has started the season brilliantly, claiming a goal and an assist in the early weeks of the season as the unbeaten Blues have settled in behind Liverpool in the Premier League table.
Central midfield: Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)
Quietly excellent last season, the Colombian has begun this season in similar vein, and is perhaps the most important player in Enzo Maresca’s system. There has been a goal but, more importantly, there has been tremendous discipline.
Central midfield: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
It always looked like the most eye-catching of Sunderland’s 427 signings and the early signs are excellent; he has played a pivotal role in two vital victories.
Right wing: Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham)
Already a Spurs hero, Kudus has hit every mark for his new club so far this season: He has worked hard in defence, only one player in the Premier League has dribbled past more players, and there have already been two assists.
Attacking midfield: Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
Whether playing as an out-and-out striker or behind Liam Delap, the Brazilian has been sensational for Chelsea, claiming two Premier League goals and two assists in just three games. What a player.
Left wing: Jack Grealish (Everton)
Four Premier League assists, is it? It’s a long time since Everton had a bona fide hero but Grealish certainly fits the bill.
Striker: Richarlison (Tottenham)
Remarkably, he has more Premier League goals than yellow cards this Premier League season in which he has been unexpectedly thrust into a starting striker position. So far he has not disappointed, with goals v Burnley on the opening day and endeavour in the victory over Manchester City.
