We’re basing this Premier League 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 started eight of 12 Premier League games.
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
David Raya is sitting on his hands as he earns the Golden Glove and Dean Henderson has prevented the most goals, but the algorithms make Roefs the leading goalkeeper in the Premier League this season. He has the best save percentage in the Premier League ahead of Henderson and Nick Pope.
Right-back: Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)
There was no right-back in the PFA Team of the Year for 2024/25 season but Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber might be impossible to ignore this season. But for now Daniel Munoz edges him out in the algorithms despite both having two goals and two assists. The major differences? Timber loses possession a little more often, while Munoz does more pure defensive work.
Centre-back: Gabriel (Arsenal)
At this stage of the season, there is a bias in favour of defenders with goal contributions, and Gabriel has one goal and two assists. But he is also the best centre-half in the Premier League bar none.
Centre-back: Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland)
It is no coincidence that Mukiele’s rise into the XI came after his goal in a win over Wolves but he really has been an exceptional signing for Sunderland regardless.
Left-back: Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)
Slim pickings at left-back – unlike at right-back – with O’Reilly emerging from the pack with a goal and two assists from left-back. It’s also booked him a place to the World Cup with England.
Central midfield: Declan Rice (Arsenal)
We had been waiting for the algorithm to align with our eyes on Rice, who has been freed as a creative influence by the signing of Martin Zubimendi. He added his second goal of the Premier League season v Burnley and then his third assist against Tottenham.
Central midfield: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
The Premier League signing of the season? We’re not sure it’s even close; he’s now added his first goal to his three Premier League assists this season but its his leadership and discipline that has really impressed. Moises Caicedo is breathing down his neck, mind.
Right wing: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Another excellent game for Saka v Tottenham in which he really showed Mohammed Kudus how to be a Premier League right winger. He is defensively diligent as well as insanely productive. After a slow start to the season, Saka is fly once again.
Attacking midfield: Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Oh hello Eberechi Eze. Welcome to Arsenal with your hat-trick in the north London derby. Has Martin Odegaard been permanently usurped in that Arsenal line-up?
Left wing: Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
Absolutely phenomenal against Liverpool, he scored a goal, won a penalty, dribbled past seven players and created three chances. He then created four chances against Newcastle United but was overshadowed by Harvey Barnes.
Striker: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Just casually strolling towards the Golden Boot with 14 Premier League goals in his first 12 games. He looks sharp and he looks absolutely brilliant, clearly taking the summer spend on outrageously expensive strikers as a personal affront. Still the best? Absolutely.