Premier League stats

Sam Maguire is on hand to piece together an alternative Premier League Team of 2022, using data to select players from across the calendar year.

Toney has been in incredible form for Brentford over the last 12 months and has 19 goals to his name in 2022. The 22-year-old is also in the 90th percentile for ball recoveries. He is in the 94th percentile across the year for goal-creating actions. His 2022 hasn’t been the greatest in terms of output and that is why he doesn’t make the cut. Any attacker would be happy with his return of 0.35 goals and a non-penalty xG of 0.30 across the year. His contributions in the final third have helped the Gunners to top spot in the league this term, much to the surprise of, well, everyone. Not only does he help set the tempo with his 77 passes per 90, he also chips in with goals and assists (four and six since the switch, respectively) while also contributing defensively, showing up well on FBref for tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerial duels won. Despite the team’s struggles, Ward-Prowse is one of the most potent midfielders in Europe with an average of 0.22 goals per 90 over the last 12 months. He seems to cover every blade of grass and is often coming out on top in his individual duels - ranking highly on FBref for tackles, interceptions, blocks and aerial duels. Over the last 12 months, he’s in the 80th percentile above on FBref for clearances, shots blocked, errors and dribbled past. He was a revelation between the sticks for Burnely and he’s been instrumental for Newcastle United following his summer move to St James’ Park. He isn’t a final phase player, so doesn’t show up that well when looking at shot-creating actions or expected assists, but he does show up well in a number of other areas.