Rodri, Foden and Fernandes received the highest average score for each position on Sofascore in the 2023-2024 Premier League season.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola (West Ham, average score 7.36). Arsenal’s David Raya won the Premier League Golden Glove, but Areola is the goalkeeper with the highest average score of the season. The French star has four clean sheets and many excellent saves. He contributed greatly to bringing West Ham to ninth place, five places higher than the 2022-2023 season.

Center back James Tarkowski (Everton, 7.32 points). Last season, due to two violations of financial regulations, Everton was deducted eight points. But they still convincingly survived relegation with 40 points. Everton even finished 15th, two places higher than the 2022-2023 season. To escape, coach Sean Dyche focused on defense with the soul of midfielder James Tarkowski. They only conceded 51 goals in 38 matches. Only the top three teams Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool have lost less.

Center-back Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool, 7.38 points). Van Dijk is the only bright spot in a season where Liverpool lost steam against Man City and Arsenal. The Dutch midfielder brings certainty, interventions at the right time, in the right place and leadership qualities. The Anfield home team only conceded 41 goals and lost four matches. Van Dijk’s contract will expire in June 2025. But Liverpool will likely convince the captain to extend for at least another two years.

Center-back Josko Gvardiol (Man City, 7.4 points). One can divide Gvardiol’s first season playing for Man City into two halves. The first half saw him having difficulty getting used to the role of left-sided centre-back and the Premier League atmosphere. But in the second half, the 22-year-old transformed into one of the best stoppers in the world. Gvardiol even scored four goals in the last seven matches to help Man City defend the championship.

Central midfielder Martin Odegaard (Arsenal, 7.67 points). The Norwegian captain is the soul of Arsenal’s playing style. He always glides across the field, setting up teammates and putting pressure on the opponent’s penalty area. Last season, Odegaard scored eight goals and assisted 10 times in 35 Premier League matches.

Central midfielder Rodri (Man City, 8.01 points). The Spanish star is an expert in adjusting the pace of the match, stretching and creating holes in the opponent’s defense. He plays in the “anchor” position of midfield, but still contributed eight goals in 34 Premier League matches. It was Rodri who sealed the 3-1 victory over West Ham in the match that helped Man City win their fourth consecutive championship.

Attacking midfielder Phil Foden (Man City, 7.79 points). Foden scored 19 goals and assisted eight times in 35 matches, winning two Best Player awards from the Football Journalists Association and the Premier League Organizing Committee. That became even more meaningful when he scored two goals in the decisive 3-1 win over West Ham. With what he has done, Foden has truly reached the level of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.

Attacking midfielder Cole Palmer (Chelsea, 7.7 points). Man City fans may still regret losing Palmer to Chelsea for only $50 million. Last season, the 22-year-old midfielder was the player who directly contributed to the most goals. He scored 22 goals and assisted 11 times, one more than Erling Haaland and Ollie Watkins. Palmer also placed second in the top scorer race.

Right wing striker Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, 7.72 points). Blessed with the ability to dribble and run, Saka became a classy winger for Arsenal. Last season, he played 35 Premier League matches, scored 16 goals and assisted nine times. The 22-year-old player has made significant progress compared to his scores of 14 and 11 goals two seasons ago. If Saka continues to improve, Arsenal can absolutely win the championship next season.

Left wing striker Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace, 7.58 points). Since coach Oliver Glasner arrived at Crystal Palace earlier this year, Eze’s playing has become more and more sublime. He terrorizes defenders and haunts goalkeepers with his skillful dribbles. The 25-year-old scored 11 goals and assisted four times in just 27 matches. On May 21, Eze was included in the preliminary list of the England squad preparing for Euro 2024.

Virtual striker Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd, 7.75 points). Haaland successfully defended his title as top scorer, but Fernandes impressed in his new position. The Portuguese player created the most opportunities of the season with 114 opportunities. He also scored 10 goals and assisted eight times in 35 matches. Without Fernandes, Man Utd might have fallen below eighth.