Best Premier League XI Outside 'Top 6'
- Louis
- Sep 25, 2019
- 4 min read
When the discussion regarding the best current Premier League eleven takes place, inevitably it's heavily populated with players from the so-called 'Top 6'.
Manchester City and Liverpool arguably take up most spots, with the few remaining topped with either players from Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal.
But take those teams out of the equation and what are we left with?
Here we take a look at some of the stand-out performers from the rest Premier League who have started this season in such a fashion they could one day find themselves on the radars of some of the top clubs.
Lucasz Fabianski (GK)
The 34 year old Polish shot stopper is enjoying somewhat of a resurgence this season.
His impressive form has helped take West Ham to 5th after six games, losing just once on the opening day to current champions Manchester City.
Since that 5-0 defeat, The Hammers have conceded only two goals with Fabianski keeping three clean sheets in the league.
Ricardo Pereira (RB)
After an impressive debut season in the Premier League last year, the energetic 25 year old has carried on where he left off.
His performances from right back are key to what Brendan Rodgers wants for his team to try and break back into the top six.
His pace and stamina help turn defence into attack quickly and his intelligence of when to go forward was highlighted as he scored in the win against Tottenham at the weekend.
Jannik Vestergaard (CB)
Southampton have had a mixed start so far this season but things could have been looking a lot worse for them if Vestergaard wasn't at the heart of the defence.
The 27 year old Danish centre back has helped The Saints to two clean sheets so far as well as scoring the equaliser to save a point against Manchester United.
But with both of their league wins (and coincidentally clean sheets) coming away from home, Vestergaard and co need to try turning around their home form quickly.
Issa Diop (CB)
The 22 year old Frenchman was linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer and after his performances so far this season it's no surprise top clubs are lurking.
Having played a key part in helping West Ham to three clean sheets in the league from the last five games, Hammers fans will be hoping he can remain at the club for a few years yet and try to help them achieve a spot in Europe.
Enda Stevens (LB)
The newly promoted Blades have made a solid start for a team many predicted to be cut adrift at the bottom and favourites for relegation at the start of the season.
Of their many stand-out performers so far, Stevens has shown he is capable of making the transition from Championship to Premier League with ease.
His energy up and down the left side is a massive part of the way Sheffield United play and he recently grabbed an assist as United fought back from two down at Chelsea to claim a point.
John McGinn (CM)
The signing of John McGinn was seen last season as a bargain for a Villa team then playing in the Championship.
McGinn was instrumental in helping Villa win promotion and has so far shown he has what it takes to mix it in the Premier League.
His return of two goals and an assist from six games is impressive considering Villa have only one league win to their name and currently sit in the bottom three.
Youri Tielemans (CM)
The 22 year old's success last season on loan persuaded Leicester to make him a top priority in the summer and after beating off competition for the Belgian's signature, they'll be glad they did.
His engine in midfield has been key to Leicester's season so far as they currently occupy a spot in the top 3.
He has chipped in with one goal and an assist and his box to box ability makes him a key player for Brendan Rodgers.
Richarlison (RW)
Richarlison has continued his impressive form at Goodison Park and picked up where he left off from last season. The 22 year old Brazilian has two goals and an assist after six games, however with Everton in the bottom half of the table, some fans are already frustrated with what they see as an under performing side which suffers with inconsistency far too much considering how much money has been spent.
If the likes of Bernard, Kean and Sigurdsson can step up and contribute to the goals, Richarlison (without the burden of been the main/only goal threat) would be able to relax and could easily improve on last season's league tally of 13 goals.
James Maddison (CAM)
James Maddison continues to shine in a youthful, energetic Leicester City side that really seem to suit his style of play.
Tottenham were one of the clubs rumoured to be sniffing around in the summer for his signature and you get the impression he will only attract further attention next summer if he continues his upward rise in form.
With one goal and two assists so far, this season could be his most productive yet and could help bring European football back to Leicester.
Todd Cantwell (LW)
Cantwell made 24 appearances in his debut season in the Norwich first team as The Canaries went on to win the Championship.
This season the 21 year old has kicked on and already become a key member of the first team. His goal in the win over Manchester City and impressive performance in the win over Newcastle have been personal highlights so far.
He has two goals and two assists to his name and if he keeps his form up, Gareth Southgate could soon look to introduce him to the national team.
Callum Wilson (ST)
Wilson and Bournemouth and have both enjoyed impressive starts to the season.
The Cherries sit 6th after six games with Wilson scoring four goals so far including a brace in their last game, a 3-1 win at Southampton.
This could be a big season for the front man who will hope to keep up his form and stay clear of injuries with the Euros coming up next summer.
Last year was his best return in the Premier League, finishing with 14 goals, a number he will hope to beat this season as Bournemouth aim for a top half finish.
As is the case with football, everyone has their own opinion and debates will always be had with subjects such as these. There are numerous players that you could argue deserve to be mentioned and as the season goes on, it remains to be seen whether the ones mentioned above can remain consistent and go on to have a successful year.
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