Next up in our season review to date for the Premier League is a look at three midfielders that may not immediately spring to mind as readily as the likes of say, De Bruyne, David Silva or perhaps Sadio Mane, but these following midfielders have made major contributions to their respective teams so far this term…
First, we take a look at Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City) who has been almost ever-present for The Canaries this season, missing just 1 game in what has been a frustrating and disappointing campaign for Norwich City, but personally, Buendia continues to pull the strings in midfield for the East Anglian outfit.
Although Buendia has yet to hit the back of the net, the Argentinian midfielder has chipped in with 7 assists, 4 of which were supplied to striker, Teemu Pukki.
Along with a successful pass percentage of 81.1% and collecting no fewer than 6 Man of the Match awards (just 1 shy of Kevin De Bruyne), it looks like Norwich will have a fight on their hands to retain the services of Buendia if The Canaries fail to beat the drop.
Secondly, is the progress that Joao Moutinho (Wolves) has made at the west midlands club since his arrival from French Ligue 1 side, Monaco, as the often unsung hero in Wolves’ midfield continues to produce consistent displays from the middle of the park.
Moutinho has provided 6 assists to date and possesses a successful pass percentage of 84.6% as he rarely wastes possession for Wolves who are again pushing for qualification for European football.
There’s more to Moutinho’s game though than meets the eye as the Portuguese midfielder has also made 2.7 tackles per game for Wolves as well so far this season.
Last but not least, is Jack Grealish (Aston Villa) who has almost single-handedly kept Villa in the frame for Premier League survival even though his side currently sit second from bottom in the top flight, they’re just 2 points adrift of safety as we await for the resumption of the Premier League season.
As well as providing 6 assists, Grealish is also Aston Villa’s leading goalscorer with 7 goals under his belt so far in what has been a dismal campaign for the west midlands club, but his pass percentage of 84.4% has also contributed to Grealish picking up 3 Man of the Match awards too.