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Scoring goals and providing assists in the Premier League is a dream for many. Superstars from all over the world try their luck at it, but only a handful manage to make it into the history books.
Not being the top goalscorer or assist provider in the Premier League is hardly the end of the world, though. Players can impact the game in several more ways.
Being able to draw a foul may not seem like much, but that particular skill can have a massive impact on the outcome. It can take the pressure off during a tense situation or even lead to a decisive penalty - the possibilities are endless.
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Having a player who gets fouled often can come in surprisingly handy, and today, we’ll tell you which players have mastered that particular art.
Here are five players who have been fouled the most in the Premier League this season:
#5 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) - 42
Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka is one of the most electrifying players in the Premier League right now. The Englishman is exceptional with the ball, has plenty of pace and loves to use neat skills and tricks to get around defenders.
Unable to track his quick feet, opposition players often bring him down. This season alone, Saka has been fouled 42 times in the Premier League, proving how tough it is to contain him.
Saka, who has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, has featured in 19 Premier League games for the Gunners. The 20-year-old has scored five goals and provided four assists, but numbers alone cannot define the contribution he makes.
Saka is the best ball carrier in the Arsenal squad right now and his game is only expected to improve as the years go by.
#4 Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United) - 43
Newcastle United left-winger Allain Saint-Maximin may not be one of the hottest names in the Premier League, but he’s certainly worth keeping an eye on. The 24-year-old winger has a knack for producing the goods against the toughest opponents and often proves to be a handful for defenders.
Saint-Maximin has drawn 43 fouls in the Premier League this season - the highest by a Newcastle United player.
The former OGC Nice player loves to cut in from the right when an opportunity presents itself and is also an excellent crosser. The Frenchman is also never shy of tracking back and regularly helps out with defensive duties.
Saint-Maximin has scored four goals and provided three assists in the Premier League this season. The goal against Manchester United on matchday 19 has been his most memorable goal of the season so far.
#3 John McGinn (Aston Villa) - 44
The Premier League is home to some of the best central midfielders in the world. Aston Villa's John McGinn may not be at the top of the pile, but he can hardly be considered a slouch. The Scotland international is an agile midfielder who is not necessarily a master of any trade, but a jack of all.
McGinn is not only great at holding the ball, but also excellent at carrying it. He runs, defends, puts in tackles, and is a legitimate goal threat. The left-footed midfielder has always been tough to deal with and has already been fouled 44 times in the Premier League this season.
McGinn has featured in 16 games for Aston Villa in the current campaign, pitching in with three goals and two assists.
The 27-year-old has already become one of Steven Gerrard’s favorites and is set to play a key role for Villa in the coming months.
#2 Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace) - 47
Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew is arguably the most versatile player at the club. Although a natural centre-forward, Ayew can play on either wing and take the game to his opposition. He is quick, great with the ball at his feet, and can pop up with decisive goals.
Despite having the necessary skill set to become a big name in the Premier League, Ayew has not managed to make the desired impact. He has only scored once in the Premier League this season and provided two assists, which is unimpressive for a player of his caliber.
Thanks to his knack for moving into dangerous positions, Ayew has taken quite a beating this term. He has been fouled 47 times in the Premier League, the highest by a player over 30.
#1 Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) - 62
Crystal Palace's golden boy Wilfried Zaha is at the top of our list, with 62 fouls drawn after 19 rounds of fixtures. Under new manager Patrick Vieira, Zaha looks faster, sharper, and hungrier than ever.
The former Arsenal player is fully aware of Zaha’s talents and has taken it upon himself to unlock the 29-year-old’s full potential.
Zaha’s tricks, flicks, and mazy runs have always been tough to deal with for attackers and this season’s been no different. To top it off, the 29-year-old now positively contributes to Palace’s build-up play, which has turned him into a complete package.
The Ivory Coast international has already scored five goals in the Premier League this season and will be determined to hit double-figures before the campaign concludes.
