With all Premier League teams having completed their first ten games of the season, there have been many surprises across the board.

As is the case with all teams, certain individuals have gone above and beyond with their performances. The likes of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have unsurprisingly picked up where they left off every year. However, there are one or two faces that might surprise you with just how influential they have been this year.

The experts and WhoScored have compiled an average rating for each player based on their stats and performances from the opening fixtures. Here, we will list the top 10 who lead the way in what is arguably the most competitive league in the world.

10. Solly March (Brighton) – 7.43

Solly March has consistently been one of Brighton’s unsung heroes in recent years. While former teammates such as Alexis MacAllister and Moises Caicedo have moved on for big money, March has become a favorite of manager Roberto De Zerbi.

His performances this season have seen him break into the top 10 with a 7.43 rating. No doubt, his four goal contributions have played a significant part in this. Additionally, don’t overlook other stats, such as the fact that only Haaland has had more shots inside the penalty area on average than March in the entire top 10.

9. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) – 7.46

The arrival of Unai Emery at Villa Park seemed to rejuvenate the former Brentford striker, and this season, he’s continuing in the same vein.

Having recently signed a new contract until 2028, the Englishman has sustained his impressive form with 10 goal contributions in as many games. Despite his extended deal, it’s only a matter of time before some of Europe’s most elite teams come knocking for his services.

Watkins is unfortunate not to hold a spot higher on this list, as he shares the same rating with the player ranked eighth. He falls behind only because he has played just four more minutes this campaign than his English compatriot below

8. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) – 7.46

Newcastle’s skipper is viewed as the face of the revolution at St James’ Park, having become the first new signing in the post-Mike Ashley era. He has responded to this by emerging as one of the most consistent performers in the league since his return after a short stint in Spain.

Contributing with 1.5 tackles per game at one end and providing six assists for the season at the other, Trippier epitomizes what the modern-day full back should be.

7. Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) – 7.48

Although he has only managed one goal so far this season, his impact on the Eagles is undeniable. He is a creative force for his side, managing 3.9 shots per game (joint with Haaland), 2.6 key passes per game (fourth highest on this list), and 3.9 dribbles per game (more than double the next highest on this list).

6. Son Heung-Min (Tottenham) – 7.50

Pressure was on the South Korean star when he was handed the captaincy at the New White Hart Lane following Harry Kane’s departure. This came after Son had a stuttering 2022-2023 season, where he wasn’t at his best.

As they say, form is temporary, class is permanent, and the number seven has demonstrated this with his dazzling displays this season. With eight goals in ten matches and an additional assist to boot, he has forged a lethal partnership with new signing James Maddison. Could he become the first captain to take Spurs to Premier League glory?

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 7.58

There’s not much that hasn’t already been said about how brilliant Mo Salah has been since he arrived at Merseyside. Unsurprisingly, he’s at it again this season.

While it may no longer be Firmino and Mane leading the line with the Egyptian, his 12 goal contributions in 10 games are certainly easing the pressure on the likes of Nunez, Gakpo, and Jota to fill the void left by these modern-day greats at Anfield. His form will be crucial in Liverpool’s efforts to secure a return to Champions League football next season.

4. Rodri (Manchester City) – 7.59

Into the proverbial Champions League spots we go, and it’s a winner from last season’s tournament who comes in at number four. Rodri has brilliantly picked up the pieces that few thought would be possible when the Brazilian stalwart Fernandinho left the club.

However, the Spaniard’s excellence has managed to propel Manchester City to even greater heights. His 94.3% pass accuracy and 2.3 tackles per game sum up exactly what his role in Guardiola’s system is. And he executes it perfectly.

When someone who isn’t in the spotlight for scoring goals manages to reach this high on a list, you realise just how special they are.

3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 7.62

Three things are certain in life: death, taxes, and Erling Haaland scoring goals. After breaking the record for the most goals in a Premier League season during his debut campaign, the Norwegian shows no signs of slowing down this year.

With eleven goals in ten games, averaging 3.9 shots per game, it would be foolish to attempt to predict how many goals this man will have after 38 games. The scariest part is, he doesn’t even seem to be in top gear yet.

2. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 7.67

His team currently sits second in the Premier League, just behind Tottenham, and Bukayo Saka finds himself in second place on this list, right behind a Tottenham player too. Not many people would have predicted just how influential this diminutive winger would become when he first broke into the Arsenal side as a plucky young player covering at full back.

The quality of his performances means that Saka is arguably the first name on the team sheet whenever he is fit. If it weren’t for one man, we would be applauding him as the best Premier League player so far this season.

1. James Maddison (Tottenham) – 7.72

Maddison’s quality is undeniable, and there was never any doubt that once Leicester had been relegated, a top club would seek the services of such a fantastic player.

Three goals. Five assists. An 85.1% pass accuracy (which is remarkable for a creative midfielder). 3.1 key passes. He has fully embraced his new manager’s vision and stands as the shining example of just how much Tottenham has improved under Ange Postecoglou. By the end of the season, we could very well be discussing a man who went from being relegated to the Championship, to becoming the driving force behind unexpected new Premier League champions.