Every Premier League club’s most improved player in 2023-24 according to Whoscored

Using Whoscored match ratings, we have identified each Premier League club’s most improved player this season and some of these entries might surprise you.

The algorithm uses a number of underlying statistics to work out a player’s average match rating and then gives them a score out of 10.

We’ve gone through each Premier League side and have found their most improved player according to Whoscored average match ratings. We have also detailed how much their average match rating has increased this season.

Arsenal – Bukayo Saka (+0.31)

Impressively, Saka has improved his match rating by more than any other Arsenal player this season, despite the fact he was one of their top performers last season too.

Recently, there’s been plenty of discourse debating whether or not the 22-year-old falls into the world class category. Given the elite numbers that he continues to produce, it’s tough to make an argument against him.

The numbers speak for themselves.

READ: 7 outstanding stats which prove that Bukayo Saka is undeniably world class

Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins (+0.45)

Watkins was Aston Villa’s highest-rated player last season and he’s got even better this time around. With 26 goal contributions already, he’s already surpassed his overall tally from the last campaign.

You won’t find many forwards across Europe who are in better form than the Aston Villa frontman right now.

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo (+0.59)

The 24-year-old was mostly used as an impact substitute last season, but Andoni Iraola has handed him a more prominent role this time around.

He’s taken his average match rating from 6.17 to 6.76 which is an overall increase of 0.59. With two goals in his last three matches, Semenyo is in fine form right now.

Brentford – Keane Lewis-Potter (+0.16)

While the majority of Brentford players have seen a small decrease in their average match rating, Lewis-Potter is among the few players who buck that trend.

The 23-year-old has been eased into life at Brentford following his move from Hull City in 2022. He’s played a more prominent role this season and has improved his rating by 0.16.

Brighton – Jan Paul van Hecke (+0.53)

Loan spells with SC Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers have greatly aided Van Hecke’s development. He only featured in eight league matches last season but has been a much more prominent figure in the starting XI this time around.

In fact, only Lewis Dunk and Pascal Gross have played more minutes for Brighton this season in the Premier League.

Burnley – Lyle Foster (+0.24)

The majority of the Burnley squad have seen their average match ratings plummet this season compared to last time around in the Championship.

However, Foster is among the few players who have seen an increase in rating. The South African forward has scored four goals this season and has been among the club’s top performers.

Chelsea – Conor Gallagher (+0.5)

In a largely underwhelming season for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Gallagher has undoubtedly been among the club’s most consistent performers.

Unlike last season, the 24-year-old has been a regular in the starting XI and his underlying stats have greatly improved as a result.

QUIZ: Can you name all 44 players that Thomas Tuchel used at Chelsea?

Crystal Palace – Michael Olise (+0.55)

Despite missing a large chunk of the season through injury, Olise still ranks as Crystal Palace’s most improved player. He’s taken his average match rating from 6.99 to 7.54 which is hugely impressive.

In just 755 minutes of football, he’s produced six goals and three assists. That’s an average of a goal contribution every 83.8 minutes. No wonder so many of the big sides are sniffing around.

Everton – James Garner (+0.5)

Following his switch from Old Trafford last season, it feels like Garner has properly got his feet under the table at Goodison Park now.

James Tarkowski is Everton’s only outfield player who has played more minutes than Garner this season. Still only 22 years old, there’s plenty of time for Garner to continue his improvement.

Fulham – Tom Cairney (+0.31)

While the majority of this list is made up of youngsters, Cairney bucks that trend. The 33-year-old continues to be an important player for Marco Silva and the underlying stats highlight his improvement this year.

Liverpool – Diogo Jota (+0.36)

Losing Jota to a knee injury last month was a devastating blow to Jurgen Klopp’s side. The Portuguese forward was looking sharper than ever before his injury setback with nine goals and three assists in 19 games.

He’s also overperformed his xG by a whopping 4.6 goals which is the third-largest overperformance of any Premier League forward.

Luton Town – Gabriel Osho (+0.09)

Most Luton players have seen their average match rating drop compared to last season in the Championship, but Osho is among the players who have actually improved.

The 25-year-old defender has chipped in with a couple of goals and has been among the club’s most consistent performers this time around.

Manchester City – Julian Alvarez (+0.47)

The Argentine forward has firmly established himself in the starting XI this season. Whether he’s played as a striker, midfielder or winger, Alvarez is usually amongst the goals.

In the Premier League this season, Alvarez has 16 goal contributions which is already seven more than he managed last time around. No wonder his average match rating has jumped up by 0.47.

Manchester United – Alejandro Garnacho (+0.42)

Despite United’s struggles of late, Garnacho himself has kicked on this year and has undoubtedly been one of the club’s most consistent performers.

He’s managed to nail down a starting spot on the right-hand side and has produced several match-winning moments. That goal against Everton especially will live long in the memory.

Newcastle – Anthony Gordon (+0.89)

Plenty of people raised their eyebrows at Newcastle splashing £45million on Gordon, but the former Everton man has certainly proved his worth this season.

With an overall improvement of 0.89 on his average match rating, he’s improved more than any other Premier League player this season. That’s some going.

Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood (+0.36)

Having struggled to hit a barn door for Forest last season, Wood now finds himself as the club’s top scorer with eight goals. Newcastle still don’t know what hit them after Wood rocked up to St. James’ Park in December and bagged a hat-trick.

If Forest are going to survive, Wood’s goals could prove to be vital.

Sheffield United – Andre Brooks (+0.22)

It won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that the vast majority of Sheffield United players have seen their average match rating plummet.

However, there are a few exceptions to this. Statistically, Brooks has been their most improved player by taking his average match rating from 6.00 to 6.22. Albeit, he barely featured for the Blades last season.

Tottenham – Yves Bissouma (+0.55)

Plenty of people were quick to label Bissouma as a flop, following a subpar debut season with Spurs. However, the 27-year-old has proved his worth with several top performances this time around.

Along with Bissouma, Richarlison has also seen a drastic improvement in his match rating from last season. That’s the Ange Postecoglou effect.

West Ham – Alphonse Areola (+0.61)

The French goalkeeper only played 307 minutes of Premier League football last season, but he’s since established himself as the club’s outright first choice.

His latest game against Everton was arguably his best performance of the season so far. By making 10 saves and denying Beto from the penalty spot, he ensured the Hammers picked up all three points.

Wolves – Pedro Neto (+0.68)

The Wolves winger is attracting plenty of interest right now and it’s no surprise to see why. Following an injury-hit campaign last time around, he’s been one of the best wingers in the league this year.

With two goals and nine assists so far, his average match rating has increased by a whopping 0.68. That’s some effort from the Portuguese winger.

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