Premier League: Unexpected Stars with Unexpected Stats

As we prepare for yet another round of games in this week’s Premier League, WhoScored turn our attentions to some of the unsung heroes in England’s top-flight. While others hog the headlines with goals and match-winning displays, there are others who produce a consistency of performance that perhaps goes unnoticed amidst the ensuing drama. Up until now, that is:

Younes Kaboul, Tottenham

While the likes of Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor terrorise defences the length and breadth of England, the Frenchman has been a rock at the back for Harry Redknapp’s side.  Kaboul has won more aerial duels per game than any other defender in Europe, with an incredible 4.3 per game helping Spurs concede just 19 goals, the fourth-tightest defence in the Premier League. Considering Ledley King, Spurs’ other main centre-half, makes just 1.8 in comparison, Kaboul’s aerial ability is obvious.

In terms of clearances, Kaboul’s 9.9 is the ninth best in Europe, further highlighting just how integral his defensive shift is to the London outfit, with King back on 6.6. Kaboul also produces 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game and his threat at the other end of the pitch is shown in an average 0.9 goal attempts, with 1 of those finding the net. So far, he’s averaged 6.9 in the WhoScored ratings over 15 appearances.

Alejandro Faurlin, QPR

While Neil Warnock’s last-minute summer signing spree grabbed most of the headlines, Faurlin has quietly went about his business and proven to be QPR’s most consistent performer of the season so far. The Argentine is second only to Lucas in the Premier League when it comes to tackles, with his ball-winning ability proving an essential part of his team’s play. Faurlin makes 4.7 tackles per game, with right-back Luke Young the next best for QPR with 3.5. The Argentine’s ability to read the game and break up play is shown by an impressive 2.3 interceptions, again the most of Warnock’s side.

Stationed in central midfield, Faurlin sees the ball more than any QPR player, making 59.1 passes with an 82% accuracy. He’s third when it comes to creating goalscoring opportunities for the London club, averaging 1.5 key passes, though has surprisingly failed to pick up an assist so far. The only player to take part in every game for Warnock’s side, Faurlin’s all-round contribution has proved essential, and with 2 man of the match awards, he’s averaged 7.14 per game in the WhoScored rankings.

Leon Britton, Swansea

Almost halfway through the season and the Swansea midfielder is the holder of quite an astonishing record. Right now, he is number one in all of Europe for pass accuracy, with an incredible 94.1% of his distribution finding a teammate. Britton beats off the likes of Xavi and Sergio Busquets, with Barcelona players holding five of the top six places - such is the exalted company he keeps at the top of the WhoScored ratings.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are third in the Premier League for possession, with 56.2%, and Britton’s accurate passing is fundamental to their style of play. He makes 57.9 passes per game, the most in the Welsh side’s midfield, though his safety-first approach is shown by the fact he has averaged just 0.2 key passes over his 17 appearances. Stationed in front of the back-four, his defensive duties have impressed, too; 2 tackles is the third-most impressive at the club and is supplemented by 1.6 interceptions. Britton has averaged 6.7 so far in the WhoScored ratings.

Danny Murphy, Fulham

The Fulham skipper has created more goalscoring opportunities than any player outside of the top four teams in the Premier League. Murphy’s average of 2.6 key passes per game is only just eclipsed by David Silva and Nani, both on 2.7, and sums up his ability when in possession. Over his 17 appearances, the midfielder has provided 3 assists for the Cottagers, with some woeful finishing from others letting him down.

Most of Fulham’s play flows through Murphy; he makes 64.6 passes per game, with Steve Sidwell next best on 49.7 - an indication of just how much more of the ball he sees than any other teammate. Murphy also has a decent goal threat, with 0.8 shots per game returning a single goal to date. Defensively, he also produces an impressive shift, with 2.2 tackles - the fourth best for Martin Jol’s side - aided by 1.2 interceptions. Murphy has averaged 6.91 so far in the WhoScored ratings, the third best outfield player at the club.

Victor Moses, Wigan

No player produces more successful dribbles in the Premier League than Wigan’s flying winger. In his first season as a regular in Roberto Martinez’s side, Moses has averaged 3 per game - a tally only matched by Blackburn’s David Hoilett. The twenty-one year old has started every one of his side’s games - the only outfield player to do so - and has been fielded on either flank, as well as up front for the Latics.

Moses makes just 27.7 passes per game but when in possession, his pace and directness on the ball has tormented many an opponent. His eye for goal is apparent, too; he has averaged 3.1 shots but despite a total of 56 shots, some wayward finishing has meant he has found the net on only one occasion - clearly, he possesses the raw talent but is still a work in progress. Moses has also proved a crucial creator for Wigan, too, with 1.1 key passes the third best at the club, though he’s yet to provide an assist. He has picked up 1 man of the match award and an average rating of 6.74 from WhoScored thus far.