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STAT Review: Premier League Team of the Season So Far

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We’re 12 games into Premier League season, and the table is starting to take shape. It looks like the title race will be contested between Man City, Man United and Arsenal, while a couple other sides have been quietly impressive. To see which players have stood out so far, real-time Fantasy Football game Ultimate Fan Live have come up with a best XI this season based on the stats.

Using the UFL Index, where thousands of data points are compared to come up with a total average performance score (Using data from Opta), we can see which 11 players have excelled this season.

Unlike traditional fantasy football, all actions count towards points on UFL (Ultimate Fan Live), making every tackle, pass and header invaluable. The scores refer to points earned on UFL, on average, for every 10 minutes they’re on the field.

GK: Tim Howard - UFL Index: 6.21 (Everton):

We start with Everton’s Tim Howard, who makes the team just ahead of Jack Butland, thanks to the sheer number of saves he’s made. He averages 4.2 saves per game (worth 9 points each time on UFL), and despite some recent criticism, he undoubtedly deserves his spot in Everton’s starting eleven.

RB: Simon Francis - UFL Index: 7.60 (Bournemouth):

Another unexpected name in this side, but Francis has had a solid opening 12 games for Premier League new boys, Bournemouth. He is most impressive going forward, averaging 1.3 key passes a game and contributing with 2 assists so far, worth 18 points each time on UFL.

CB: Nicolas Otamendi - UFL Index: 10.21 (Man City):

Otamendi has been a towering figure for City since arriving from Valencia this summer and rates as our number one defender in the league. He has stood out for his distribution from the back, completing 87% of his passes. He has arguably surpassed Kompany as City’s best defender too, averaging 2.7 interceptions per game, worth 3 points each time on UFL.

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CB: Laurent Koscielny - UFL Index: 9.55 (Arsenal):

Arsenal’s defence seems to get better each year, and Koscielny is a key part of that. He boasts an impressive 4.3 interceptions and 4.9 clearances per game, both actions scoring highly on UFL. If Arsenal are to lift the title this season, Koscielny maintaining his early season form will be crucial.

LB: Aleksandar Kolarov - UFL Index: 7.79 (Man City):

Kolarov has become the best attacking full-back in the league, and is the highest rated on UFL. He averages 1.7 key passes a game, worth 4 points each time on UFL, which shows his quality in the final third in creating chances. He has also been solid defensively, averaging 1.4 interceptions a game.

CM: Yaya Toure - UFL Index: 11.37 (Man City):

Despite not being at his absolute peak, Toure still earns a place in our team for his early season form. He regularly picks up points for his passing, completing 87% of his passes so far. But he is still most effective when he drives forward, averaging 2.3 great dribbles per game. He’s also chipped in with 4 assists and 2 goals, and looks to be a key player again for City.

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CM: Santi Cazorla - UFL Index: 12.26 (Arsenal):

Cazorla has adapted to his deep-lying role at Arsenal perfectly this season. No player in the league has made more passes than him (818), which always makes him a popular choice in the UFL drafts! He also makes an impact in the final third, making 2.6 key passes per game and picking up 3 assists so far.

AMR: Riyad Mahrez - UFL Index: 11.44 (Leicester):

Leicester have definitely been the surprise package this season, and Mahrez has arguably been their best player, with 7 goals and 5 assists in his first 12 games. He’s recorded the most great dribbles in the league, worth 4 points each time on UFL, and he’s been unlucky with 2 shots that have hit the woodwork. Can he keep it up?

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AMC: David Silva - UFL Index: 13.11 (Man City):

It’s easy to forget just how good David Silva was before picking up his injury - the Spaniard was easily the best player in the division. In his 6 games he recorded 6 assists, scored one goal and averaged 1 through ball each game. City fans will be looking forward to his return, and he’ll immediately be a favourite on UFL again.

AML: Alexis Sanchez - UFL Index: 12.27 (Arsenal):

There were some fears that Sanchez could be fatigued after starring for Chile at the Copa America, but he’s started off in terrific form again. Unsurprisingly, he’s always one of the first players to be picked on UFL with 6 goals so far this season and an average of 3.3 great dribbles each game, worth 4 points each time. Sanchez will definitely be a contender for the Player of Season come May.

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ST: Sergio Aguero - UFL Index: 9.98 (Man City):

Like David Silva, Aguero’s injuries have resulted in the limelight being shifted to other players like Vardy or Lukaku. But Aguero has netted 7 goals in 8 games (including an incredible 5 goals against Newcastle), and he averages 4.25 shots per game. When he returns to fitness, he will undoubtedly be a popular draft pick on UFL and will challenge Vardy for the Golden Boot.

Did any players miss the cut that deserved to be in? Tell us in the comments below…

Play UFL Next Weekend!

Join in on the action next weekend on UltimateFanLive for La Liga, Champions League and Premier League matches. Draft pick two players and watch them score points for all the actions they make on the pitch in real-time, available on the App Store and the Google Play Store.