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Premier League: The Players Whose Stats Have Improved Most This Season

Kevin De Bruyne, Adama Traoré, Matteo Guendouzi, Riyad Mahrez, Scott McTominay and Joël Matip. Composite: Getty Images, Shutterstock
Kevin De Bruyne, Adama Traoré, Matteo Guendouzi, Riyad Mahrez, Scott McTominay and Joël Matip. Composite: Getty Images, Shutterstock
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Premier League: The Players Whose Stats Have Improved Most This Season

Kevin De Bruyne, Adama Traoré, Matteo Guendouzi, Riyad Mahrez, Scott McTominay and Joël Matip. Composite: Getty Images, Shutterstock
Kevin De Bruyne, Adama Traoré, Matteo Guendouzi, Riyad Mahrez, Scott McTominay and Joël Matip. Composite: Getty Images, Shutterstock

With more than a fifth of the Premier League season now behind us, the table is taking shape and players have had time to get back up to speed. Some have done so significantly faster than others and really kicked on compared to their performances last season. Here are six players who have made big improvements on their showings last season.

6) Joël Matip, Liverpool

Joël Matip has enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign, stepping out from the looming shadow of Virgil van Dijk to become our highest rated centre-back in the Premier League this season. The 28-year-old found the net in the victory over Arsenal in August, but it’s his dominance in the air at the opposite end that has improved so dramatically. The defender has won six aerial duels per 90 minutes – up from 3.9 last season – at an overall success rate of 87.8% - up from 70.2% Liverpool have only conceded six goals in their eight games so far, giving them the tightest defence in the league. Rating: 7.62, up 0.51 on last season

5) Matteo Guendouzi, Arsenal

Most Arsenal fans were encouraged by Matteo Guendouzi’s first season at the club and they will be delighted with the progress he has made so far this time around. He is now a mainstay in the side, starting every league match so far even though he only turned 20 in April. His figures for shots, key passes, dribbles, tackles and interceptions are all up from last season and that form has been noted by Didier Deschamps, who rewarded Guendouzi his first call-up to the France squad last month. Rating: 7.14, up 0.58 on last season

4) Adama Traoré, Wolves

Adama Traoré has seen a few false dawns in the past, but the 23-year old has shown signs that he is making significant strides this season – and not just in his match-winning display in Wolves’ 2-0 victory at Manchester City. End product has always been the issue for a player whose pace and power is unrivalled in the Premier League. Traoré has made 83 appearances in the Premier League for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Wolves, but has only scored three goals in those games – and two of them came in that game at the Etihad. Although the Spaniard looks set to be a real asset to Nuno this season whether playing as part of a front three or as a rampaging wing-back. Rating: 7.21, up 0.62 on last season

3) Scott McTominay, Manchester United

This time last year it was difficult to see what Scott McTominay offered to Manchester United’s midfield. This season it’s difficult to imagine that midfield playing without him. The Scotland international has emerged as an unlikely leader from a squad dangerously lacking in strong characters on the pitch. The 22-year-old has started every league game for United this season, scoring a screamer the 1-1 draw with Arsenal and picking up his first assist for the club at Southampton in another 1-1 draw. His number of tackles he is making per 90 minutes has doubled this season, and whereas last season he created just one chance and completed just one dribble in 16 appearances, this term those figures are already at six and 11, respectively. Rating: 7.13, up 0.65 on last season

2) Riyad Mahrez, Manchester City

Having played second fiddle in much of his debut campaign at Manchester City, Riyad Mahrez has profited from Leroy Sané’s injury to become a key figure for the team this season. He has had a direct hand in five goals (two goals, three assists) in 458 minutes of league action and his use of the ball in advanced areas has improved dramatically. He is completing more dribbles and shooting less as he tries to show Pep Guardiola that he can be an effective team player rather than someone who looks to force spectacular individual moments. As such, the number of key passes (the final pass before a teammate has a shot at goal) he is providing for his team has more than doubled from 1.6 to 3.9 per 90 minutes. Rating 7.74, up 0.78 on last season

1. Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City
On the subject of City players who endured a difficult 2018-19 campaign, Kevin de Bruyne is one of their treble-winning squad who would have been pleased to see the back of last season. De Bruyne injured his knee in the first week of the season and, just as he had recovered from that problem, he injured his other knee in a League Cup match. He was not back in the team until around Christmas and, even when he did return, a number of niggling problems held him back from producing his best form.

Ultimately, De Bruyne provided just two goals and two assists for Manchester City in the league last season. The injuries played their part, although De Bruyne did feature in half of City’s league games. He has begun the season perfectly. He has already matched his goal return from season, scoring in victories over Brighton and Watford, and his tally of assists has quadrupled to eight in just seven appearances in the league so far this season. Tellingly, the only two games City have lost this season were the two in which De Bruyne did not start. Rating: 8.05, up 1.00 on last season

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'Let's be Realistic': Haaland Cools Norway's World Cup Expectations

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I - Norway v Senegal - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US - June 22, 2026 Norway coach Stale Solbakken, Erling Haaland and teammates perform the traditional Viking rowing celebration for their fans after the match REUTERS/Mike Segar
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I - Norway v Senegal - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US - June 22, 2026 Norway coach Stale Solbakken, Erling Haaland and teammates perform the traditional Viking rowing celebration for their fans after the match REUTERS/Mike Segar
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'Let's be Realistic': Haaland Cools Norway's World Cup Expectations

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I - Norway v Senegal - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US - June 22, 2026 Norway coach Stale Solbakken, Erling Haaland and teammates perform the traditional Viking rowing celebration for their fans after the match REUTERS/Mike Segar
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I - Norway v Senegal - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US - June 22, 2026 Norway coach Stale Solbakken, Erling Haaland and teammates perform the traditional Viking rowing celebration for their fans after the match REUTERS/Mike Segar

Erling Haaland said Norway must be realistic about what they can achieve at the World Cup after qualifying for the last 32 on Monday with a 3-2 win over Senegal.

Haaland followed up his brace in the opening 4-1 victory over Iran with two more goals as Norway won consecutive games at the World Cup for the first time.

Norway have lost just one of their past 18 matches and will take on 2022 runners-up France in Boston on Friday to determine the winners of Group I.

However, Haaland cautioned against getting carried away after the team's strong start to their first World Cup since 1998.

"To qualify for the first time in 28 years and going through the group stage I would say, yes. To win the World Cup, absolutely not," said Haaland.

"We've won 12 competitive games in a row now. I'm part of something special, making history, and I'm extremely proud to be Norwegian."

Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match between Senegal and Norway, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, 22 June 2026. EPA/OLGA FEDOROVA

In this tournament, the Manchester City striker is level with Kylian Mbappe on four goals and one behind Lionel Messi, who has netted all five of Argentina's goals at the tournament so far and in the process has become the World Cup's highest scorer in history with 18 goals.

Haaland meanwhile took his international tally to a remarkable 59 goals in 52 games.

"I think it's my specialty, to score goals," said Haaland.

"It's like many others things, I'm just really good at scoring goals and I'm quite lucky. I don't know what I'm doing. It's just how it is."

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw must hold out hope his team can beat Iraq in their final game to have a chance of reaching the knockout phase.

"A tough match against a team that caused us problems; they were very clinical and scored two goals at the worst possible times," said Thiaw.

"After the first goal we regrouped, but we conceded a second. We have to encourage the players because it's not easy.

"We need to focus on this last match and give everything to get the three points and keep hoping. It's difficult, but we're not dead yet."

Sports

Algeria’s Win Lifts Kansas Town That Adopted Their World Cup Dream

A pennant of Algeria, whose home base for the 2026 World Cup tournament is at the nearby University of Kansas, is displayed in a shop window before the game against Argentina, in Lawrence, Kansas, US, June 16, 2026. (Reuters)
A pennant of Algeria, whose home base for the 2026 World Cup tournament is at the nearby University of Kansas, is displayed in a shop window before the game against Argentina, in Lawrence, Kansas, US, June 16, 2026. (Reuters)
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Algeria’s Win Lifts Kansas Town That Adopted Their World Cup Dream

A pennant of Algeria, whose home base for the 2026 World Cup tournament is at the nearby University of Kansas, is displayed in a shop window before the game against Argentina, in Lawrence, Kansas, US, June 16, 2026. (Reuters)
A pennant of Algeria, whose home base for the 2026 World Cup tournament is at the nearby University of Kansas, is displayed in a shop window before the game against Argentina, in Lawrence, Kansas, US, June 16, 2026. (Reuters)

Algeria's ‌win over Jordan on Monday was a boost to the North African side's World Cup hopes and a shared triumph for the small US college city that has embraced the team as its own.

In Lawrence, a city of about 96,000 people and home to the University of Kansas, fans gathered for a watch party that turned downtown into a sea of green, white and red as the team secured their first group match victory.

The city has served as Algeria's base camp during the tournament, with the African team attracting huge attention even as global heavyweights Argentina, England and the Netherlands set up around 40 miles (64.4 km) away in Kansas City.

Locals have gone viral online in recent weeks for their enthusiastic welcome of the team, a reception that coach Vladimir Petkovic said had ‌given his players ‌a lift.

Despite a 3-0 opening loss to reigning champions Argentina in ‌Kansas ⁠City, Lawrence has ⁠doubled down on its support.

Fans will have another chance to see the team up close when Algeria face Austria in a decisive Group J match in Kansas City on Saturday, with many planning to attend.

The city's embrace has extended beyond matches, with streets and storefronts carrying Algerian decoration and even trees illuminated in the nation's colors.

The surge in enthusiasm has also provided a boost to local commerce. Restaurants have expanded halal offerings, while Algeria-themed merchandise has flown off the shelves.

Morgan Fellers, who has ⁠been selling Algeria T-shirts, said demand has far exceeded expectations.

A woman wearing an Algeria flag attends a street party showing Argentina's match against Algeria’s team, whose home base for the 2026 World Cup tournament is at the nearby University of Kansas, in Lawrence, Kansas, US, June 16, 2026. (Reuters)

"Sales have been ‌great," she said. "It has been honestly just magical, kind ‌of bringing the team and Lawrence together and making them feel at home."

Fellers said she had to reprint ‌her initial order of 100 shirts multiple times.

"We print them here locally in town. I ‌think all in all, we sold around 400, 450 shirts. My printer is having panic attacks every time I text him," she said.

For many, the connection is personal. Djamila Iadadeni, an Algerian who has lived in the US for 18 years, said she plans to attend the Austria match.

"I am so excited to ‌see our team here... I am so happy with what they did in Lawrence for our team," she said. "Every two years or three ⁠years we go to ⁠visit our country, but this time they come here to us, visit us here in Kansas."

Artists and community leaders have also played a role in welcoming the team. Kansas earthwork artist Stan Herd created a large Algerian flag display near the Lied Center, part of what he described as a broader effort to bring cultures together.

"We want the world to know that most of the people in this country right now totally embrace everything about them. We want to know about their culture," he said.

Fans were on tenterhooks when Nizar Al-Rashdan opened the scoring for Jordan in the first half on Monday, but exploded in joy as Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri's second-half goals secured Algeria the win.

As Algeria head into their decisive clash with Austria, Lawrence will be watching.

"They're the home team, so we're going out and we're supporting them," said fan Matt Munoz, who will be at the Kansas City stadium on Saturday. "Very excited. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing."

Sports

Algeria Rally to Eliminate World Cup Debutants Jordan in 2-1 Win

Algeria's Nadhir Benbouali (12) celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Algeria in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP)
Algeria's Nadhir Benbouali (12) celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Algeria in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP)
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Algeria Rally to Eliminate World Cup Debutants Jordan in 2-1 Win

Algeria's Nadhir Benbouali (12) celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Algeria in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP)
Algeria's Nadhir Benbouali (12) celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Algeria in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP)

Algeria stormed back to beat Jordan 2-1 and eliminate the World Cup debutants with a match to spare on Monday thanks to second-half goals from substitute Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri.

Benbouali's header cancelled out Nizar Al-Rashdan's first-half opener and Gouiri poked home in a goalmouth scramble eight minutes from time to revive Algeria's campaign after their opening 3-0 loss to Argentina.

"I don't know if we showed our true face, but we played a better game than against Argentina," forward Gouiri said.

"We conceded a goal, but we had the mental resilience and we're gradually gaining strength, and this match will do us a lot of good."

The victory put Algeria level with Austria on three points in Group ‌J, while ensuring ‌defending champions Argentina will go through to the next round as ‌group ⁠winners following their ⁠2-0 win over the Austrians earlier on Monday.

Tearful Jordan keeper Yazeed Abu Laila said his team were unlucky.

"The goals we conceded weren't really down to tactics or anything like that. We had the game under control, but we missed our chances," he said. "As players, we have to look at the details and take responsibility.

"We blame ourselves and apologize to our fans."

Jordan's Nizar Alrashdan (21), right, and Saleem Obaid (17), left, react after their loss in the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Algeria in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP)

MAHREZ RETURNS

Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic put veteran attacker Riyad Mahrez into his starting 11 after benching him against Argentina, and he proved influential in breaking down a ⁠Jordan team that defended in numbers and were quick on the counter.

The ‌former Manchester City player delivered the corner for Benbouali's header ‌and was unlucky not to score in the first half.

He blew an early chance when he ran onto ‌a sublime lofted pass from Hicham Boudaoui, but lost the ball under his feet. He then ‌latched onto another long ball from Boudaoui to be one-on-one with Abu Laila, but the Jordan goalkeeper got a hand to his chipped shot.

Jordan, who lost their opener 3-1 to Austria, went ahead in the 36th minute following clever link-up play and a touch of fortune when Algeria midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki turned the ball over ‌in defense.

Mousa Al-Tamari's shot went sideways to Al-Rashdan, who drilled the ball home first-time into the bottom right corner.

Petkovic brought on Nabil Bentaleb ⁠and Benbouali at the ⁠break, and Algeria lifted their intensity.

Surrounded by Jordan defenders, Benbouali rose highest to meet a Mahrez corner and sent a glancing header bouncing into the corner of the net in the 69th minute, with the goal confirmed after a protracted Video Assistant Referee check.

Thirteen minutes later, Algeria took the lead from another set piece.

Spectators cheer for their teams during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Algeria in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP)

Substitute Anis Hadj Moussa curled in a corner kick and a deflection off Jordan goalscorer Al-Rashdan allowed a gleeful Gouiri to poke in the winner.

For Algeria, it sets the stage for a grudge match against Austria, 44 years after the "Disgrace of Gijon".

At the 1982 World Cup, Austria and West Germany played an infamous group match in which both advanced at the expense of Algeria and fanned allegations of collusion.

West Germany and Austria denied wrongdoing and FIFA cleared them.

Algeria can take a measure of revenge against Austria when they face them in Kansas City on Saturday, while Jordan take on Argentina and superstar Lionel Messi, who has scored all five of their goals at the World Cup so far.