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The 10 Most Improved Players in the Premier League this Season

Chelsea's Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a goal. (Getty Images)
Chelsea's Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a goal. (Getty Images)
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The 10 Most Improved Players in the Premier League this Season

Chelsea's Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a goal. (Getty Images)
Chelsea's Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a goal. (Getty Images)

Eden Hazard, Gylfi Sigurdsson, James Milner and Callum Wilson have stepped it up this season.

10) Étienne Capoue, Watford
Étienne Capoue can be a frustrating player at times. He has real quality, which he showed occasionally in his unsuccessful spell at Tottenham, but this is his longest run of consistently strong performances in the Premier League. He has forged a solid midfield partnership with Abdoulaye Doucouré at Watford and has even overshadowed his fellow Frenchman, the club’s player of last season. Capoue’s total of 53 tackles and interceptions is second only to Idrissa Gueye (54) in the league this season and, having fallen out of favor under Marco Silva, he is now among the first names on Javi Gracia’s teamsheet. Rating: 7.13, up 0.38 on last season.

9) Glenn Murray, Brighton
Glenn Murray turned 35 last month but his form is not deteriorating in the twilight years of a career spent predominantly outside of the top flight. In fact, the Brighton striker has re-acclimatized to the Premier League since the turn of the year. He finished last season with 12 goals and has already scored five in eight appearances this season. The veteran is the top-scoring player aged 33 and over in Europe’s top five leagues – a group that contains Cristiano Ronaldo (who has scored five goals for Juventus) – and he remains Chris Hughton’s go-to guy up front for good reason. Rating: 6.98, up 0.39 on last season.

8) James Milner, Liverpool
On the subject of players who seem to be defying their age, James Milner has proven indispensable to Jürgen Klopp this season. Summer signing Fabinho hasn’t had a look in and even Naby Keïta has fallen by the wayside in recent weeks as the versatile 32-year-old refuses to give up on a regular starting place at Liverpool. Milner has started eight of Liverpool’s nine league matches this season, all in his preferred central midfield position, and his fitness levels continue to put many younger players to shame. Rating: 7.17, up 0.39 on last season.

7) José Holebas, Watford
Yet another experienced player, José Holebas has fought off competition from new arrival Adam Masina to remain an ever present for Watford. The 34-year-old is getting forward to support attacks more now than ever. His tally of four assists this season already matches his total from each of the previous two campaigns and is as many as any other player in the league. Rating: 7.19, up 0.43 on last season.

6) Bernardo Silva, Manchester City
If his debut season at City was one of patient integration, this already looks like being Silva’s breakthrough campaign in England. The natural successor to club legend and namesake David, who certainly isn’t ready to relinquish a place in the side yet, the Portuguese playmaker has undoubtedly profited from injury to Kevin De Bruyne so it will be interesting to see what role the 24-year-old plays when De Bruyne returns. Rating: 7.25, up .46 on last season.

5) Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Without question the star performer so far this season, Eden Hazard became the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to reach double figures for goals (seven) and assists (three) combined – despite making his first two appearances of the season as a substitute following his late return from an outstanding World Cup as Belgium captain. The top scorer in the Premier League this season, finding the net every 82 minutes on average, Hazard also leads the way for dribbles once more (22). Rating: 8.15, up 0.46 on last season.

4) Ryan Fraser, Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s fine start to the season began with Ryan Fraser’s goal on the opening day against Cardiff and the young Scot hasn’t let his form slip since, starting all eight games and having a direct hand in six goals. That’s just two shy of his tally of eight from last season (when he scored five and set up three). The winger has created more clear-cut chances (eight) than any other player in the league. Rating 7.21, up 0.50 on last season.

3) Troy Deeney, Watford
Much like Capoue, Watford captain Troy Deeney did not always see eye to eye with former coach Marco Silva but Javi Gracia has made a point of making the fan favorite a regular once more. Deeney has played all but one minute of the league campaign so far and, while tallies of two goals and one assist may be modest, he plays a pivotal role in bringing those around him into the game. He has won 6.1 aerial duels per game, which puts him among the top five players in the league, and none of his teammates has created more chances from open play (10). Rating 7.19, up 0.57 on last season.

2) Gylfi Sigurdsson, Everton
Gylfi Sigurdsson had an underwhelming debut campaign at Everton last season, in admittedly difficult circumstances, but the club are getting their money’s worth this time around. Forced to play out of position on the left all too often under Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce, the Iceland international is now flourishing in his favored role behind the striker following the arrivals of Marco Silva and, pertinently, Richarlison. The playmaker’s figures for key passes per game have more than doubled (from 1.4 to 2.9) and he has already scored some trademark stunners this season, with four goals in eight games enough to match last season’s total from 27 matches. Rating: 7.52, up 0.62 on last season.

1) Callum Wilson, Bournemouth
England didn’t need more firepower against Spain on Monday night, but Callum Wilson is one player who could consider himself unlucky to be overlooked for Gareth Southgate’s latest squad. The Bournemouth striker looks sharper than ever after a number of serious injuries and, while his return of three goals may be modest, his hold-up play and ability to pick out teammates has been key to Bournemouth’s fast start. The 26-year-old’s understanding with Josh King up front is crucial to Bournemouth, and Wilson is one of six players tied on four assists in the Premier League this season, with only Hazard (10) having had a direct hand in more goals so far. Rating: 7.27, up .73 on last season.

… and the 10 biggest decreases this season
Lewis Dunk, Brighton: 6.27, down 0.74 on last season
Christopher Schindler, Huddersfield: 6.50, down 0.61
Jordan Pickford, Everton: 6.12, down 0.51
Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace: 6.90, down 0.48
Florent Hadergjonaj, Huddersfield: 6.06, down 0.45
Mousa Dembélé, Tottenham: 6.48, down 0.42
Paul Pogba, Manchester United: 7.07, down 0.41
Ayoze Pérez, Newcastle: 6.39, down 0.34
Abdoulaye Doucouré, Watford: 6.68, down 0.32
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool: 7.37, down 0.32

The Guardian Sport

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Sports

Piastri on Similar Trajectory to F1 Champion Norris, Brown Says

May 25, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix alongside third placed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown. (Reuters)
May 25, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix alongside third placed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown. (Reuters)
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Piastri on Similar Trajectory to F1 Champion Norris, Brown Says

May 25, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix alongside third placed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown. (Reuters)
May 25, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix alongside third placed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown. (Reuters)

Oscar Piastri is on a similar career trajectory to Formula One world champion teammate Lando Norris and should have a shot at the title this season, McLaren boss Zak Brown said on Monday as they prepared to test in Bahrain.

The American told reporters on a video call that his drivers were raring to get going.

"He (Piastri) is now going into his fourth year. Lando has a lot more grands prix than he does so if you look at the development of Lando over that time, Oscar's on a similar trajectory," Brown said.

"So he's in a good place, physically very fit, excited, ready to ‌go."

LAST AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION ‌WAS IN 1980

Piastri, who debuted with McLaren in Bahrain ‌in ⁠2023, can become ‌Australia's first champion since Alan Jones in 1980.

While Piastri took his first win in his second season, Norris had to wait until his sixth. Both won seven times last year.

Brown said he had spoken a lot with the Australian over the European winter break and expected the 24-year-old, championship leader for much of 2025, to pick up where he left off.

He said the discussion had been all about creating the best environment for him and what ⁠McLaren needed to do to support him.

Brown said Piastri had spent time in the simulator and, in response to ‌a question about lingering sentiment in Australia that McLaren ‍favored Norris, "he knows he's getting a ‍fair shake at it".

"You win some, you lose some. Things fall your way, things ‍don't fall your way," added the chief executive.

PRE-SEASON FAVOURITE

Brown said Norris' confidence level was also very high.

"He's highly motivated and it's our job to give him and Oscar the equipment again to be able to let them fight it out for the championship," he said.

"If we can do that, I think Oscar and Lando will both be in with a shot."

Mercedes' George Russell is the current pre-season favorite after an initial shakedown ⁠test in Barcelona last month.

Norris can become only the second Briton to take back-to-back titles after seven times champion Lewis Hamilton, who won four titles in a row with Mercedes from 2017-20 as well as two together in 2014 and 2015.

The only other multiple British world champions are Jim Clark (1963, 1965), Graham Hill (1962, 1968) and Jackie Stewart (1969, 1971, 1973).

"I think there are some drivers that say 'I've done it. Now I'm done'," said Brown. "And then you have drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher who go 'I've done it once, now I want to do it twice and three or four times'."

He reiterated that both remained free to race and said decisions would be taken strategically as and ‌when they arose.

"We feel like we'll be competitive. The top four teams all seem very competitive. Very early days but indications that we will be strong," he added.

Sports

‘Don’t Jump in Them’: Olympic Athletes’ Medals Break During Celebrations

Gold medalists team USA celebrate during the medal ceremony after the Team Event Free Skating of the Figure Skating competitions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, in Milan, Italy, 08 February 2026. (EPA)
Gold medalists team USA celebrate during the medal ceremony after the Team Event Free Skating of the Figure Skating competitions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, in Milan, Italy, 08 February 2026. (EPA)
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‘Don’t Jump in Them’: Olympic Athletes’ Medals Break During Celebrations

Gold medalists team USA celebrate during the medal ceremony after the Team Event Free Skating of the Figure Skating competitions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, in Milan, Italy, 08 February 2026. (EPA)
Gold medalists team USA celebrate during the medal ceremony after the Team Event Free Skating of the Figure Skating competitions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, in Milan, Italy, 08 February 2026. (EPA)

Handle with care. That's the message from gold medalist Breezy Johnson at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics after she and other athletes found their medals broke within hours.

Olympic organizers are investigating with "maximum attention" after a spate of medals have fallen off their ribbons during celebrations on the opening weekend of the Games.

"Don’t jump in them. I was jumping in excitement, and it broke," women's downhill ski gold medalist Johnson said after her win Sunday. "I’m sure somebody will fix it. It’s not crazy broken, but a little broken."

TV footage broadcast in Germany captured the moment biathlete Justus Strelow realized the mixed relay bronze he'd won Sunday had fallen off the ribbon around his neck and clattered to the floor as he danced along to a song with teammates.

His German teammates cheered as Strelow tried without success to reattach the medal before realizing a smaller piece, seemingly the clasp, had broken off and was still on the floor.

US figure skater Alysa Liu posted a clip on social media of her team event gold medal, detached from its official ribbon.

"My medal don’t need the ribbon," Liu wrote early Monday.

Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for the Milan Cortina organizing committee, said it was working on a solution.

"We are aware of the situation, we have seen the images. Obviously we are trying to understand in detail if there is a problem," Francisi said Monday.

"But obviously we are paying maximum attention to this matter, as the medal is the dream of the athletes, so we want that obviously in the moment they are given it that everything is absolutely perfect, because we really consider it to be the most important moment. So we are working on it."

It isn't the first time the quality of Olympic medals has come under scrutiny.

Following the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, some medals had to be replaced after athletes complained they were starting to tarnish or corrode, giving them a mottled look likened to crocodile skin.

Sports

African Players in Europe: Ouattara Fires Another Winner for Bees

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Brentford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - February 7, 2026 Brentford's Dango Ouattara celebrates scoring their third goal with Brentford's Rico Henry. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Brentford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - February 7, 2026 Brentford's Dango Ouattara celebrates scoring their third goal with Brentford's Rico Henry. (Reuters)
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African Players in Europe: Ouattara Fires Another Winner for Bees

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Brentford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - February 7, 2026 Brentford's Dango Ouattara celebrates scoring their third goal with Brentford's Rico Henry. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Brentford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - February 7, 2026 Brentford's Dango Ouattara celebrates scoring their third goal with Brentford's Rico Henry. (Reuters)

Burkina Faso striker Dango Ouattara was the Brentford match-winner for the second straight weekend when they triumphed 3-2 at Newcastle United.

The 23-year-old struck in the 85th minute of a seesaw Premier League struggle in northeast England. The Bees trailed and led before securing three points to go seventh in the table.

Last weekend, Ouattara dented the title hopes of third-placed Aston Villa by scoring the only goal at Villa Park.

AFP Sport highlights African headline-makers in the major European leagues:

ENGLAND

DANGO OUATTARA (Brentford)

With the match at Newcastle locked at 2-2, the Burkinabe sealed victory for the visitors at St James' Park by driving a left-footed shot past Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope to give the Bees a first win on Tyneside since 1934. Ouattara also provided the cross that led to Vitaly Janelt's headed equalizer after Brentford had fallen 1-0 behind.

BRYAN MBEUMO (Manchester Utd)

The Cameroon forward helped the Red Devils extend their perfect record under caretaker manager Michael Carrick to four games by scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Tottenham after Spurs had been reduced to 10 men by captain Cristian Romero's red card.

ISMAILA SARR (Crystal Palace)

The Eagles ended their 12-match winless run with a 1-0 victory at bitter rivals Brighton thanks to Senegal international Sarr's 61st-minute goal when played in by substitute Evann Guessand, the Ivory Coast forward making an immediate impact on his Palace debut after joining on loan from Aston Villa during the January transfer window.

ITALY

LAMECK BANDA (Lecce)

Banda scored direct from a 90th-minute free-kick outside the area to give lowly Leece a precious 2-1 Serie A victory at home against mid-table Udinese. It was the third league goal this season for the 25-year-old Zambia winger. Leece lie 17th, one place and three points above the relegation zone.

GERMANY

SERHOU GUIRASSY (Borussia Dortmund)

Guirassy produced a moment of quality just when Dortmund needed it against Wolfsburg. Felix Nmecha's silky exchange with Fabio Silva allowed the Guinean to sweep in an 87th-minute winner for his ninth Bundesliga goal of the season. The 29-year-old has scored or assisted in four of his last five games.

RANSFORD KOENIGSDOERFFER (Hamburg)

A first-half thunderbolt from Ghana striker Koenigsdoerffer put Hamburg on track for a 2-0 victory at Heidenheim. It was their first away win of the season. Nigerian winger Philip Otele, making his Hamburg debut, split the defense with a clever pass to Koenigsdoerffer, who hit a shot low and hard to open the scoring in first-half stoppage time.

FRANCE

ISSA SOUMARE (Le Havre)

An opportunist goal by Soumare on 54 minutes gave Le Havre a 2-1 home win over Strasbourg in Ligue 1. The Senegalese received the ball just inside the area and stroked it into the far corner of the net as he fell.