The Premier League is home to many of the quickest and trickiest players in world football. As a result, certain players draw more fouls than others.
With half of the 2021-22 season already behind us, now feels like a good time to look at the most fouled players in the Premier League.
Some of the names in the top five won’t shock you, but there are one or two surprise inclusions among the most fouled Premier League players this season.
Wilfried Zaha is officially the most fouled player in the Premier League this term. In fact, the Crystal Palace winger is miles ahead of the other names on the leaderboard.
90+7 ⏱The late late show back in 2017 ⚡️#CPFC | #CRYWHU pic.twitter.com/vxmGlw6GL8— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 1, 2022
90+7 ⏱The late late show back in 2017 ⚡️#CPFC | #CRYWHU pic.twitter.com/vxmGlw6GL8
Zaha has featured in 17 of the Eagles’ 20 league games this season, racking up 1,393 minutes of action. That means he has been fouled once every 23 minutes, drawing an average of 3.6 fouls per game.
Coincidentally, another Crystal Palace player is the second-most fouled Premier League players this season. Jordan Ayew has drawn 52 fouls so far, having played in all but one of Palace’s matches.
Unlike Zaha, Ayew isn’t known for his blistering pace or dazzling skills. Still, the 30-year-old has been kept busy by opposition defenders since Patrick Vieira arrived at Selhurst Park.
John McGinn has been fouled 46 times in the Premier League this season. That makes him the third-most fouled player in England’s top tier.
The hardworking midfielder had made 17 league appearances for Aston Villa this term, meaning he draws roughly 2.7 fouls per game. Not bad for a player who generally operates in the middle of the park, right?
Although Ivan Toney has struggled to replicate his Championship form in the Premier League, the Brentford striker has still managed to put himself about and annoy opposition defences.
With four goals and two assists to his name, Toney is the Bees’ most productive player this term. Having drawn 45 fouls, he is also the most fouled player at the club.
Bukayo Saka has been immense this season. Not only has he registered six goals and four assists in 20 Premier League games, but he has also drawn 44 fouls.
The speedy Arsenal winger wreaks havoc whenever he takes to the field, frustrating opponents with his pace and trickery. It's hardly surprising that he is one of the most fouled players in the Premier League.