The 2021-22 Premier League campaign has seen some brilliant football unfold. Players in the league across clubs have upped their game in the current season.
However, what has been most interesting over the last couple of years is the surge of talent coming from English footballers.
The Premier League has seen an influx of English talent in recent seasons
English footballers are becoming more and more prominent in the top-flight. Since Brexit, there has been a focus around honing domestic talent and promoting players from the academy. Alternatively, some clubs have tried to buy the best domestic players from Championship clubs. Either way, this season, in particular, has seen English players take their game to the next level.
On that note, let's take a look at the five best English players in the Premier League this season. (2021-22)
#5 Ben White (Arsenal)
Ben White has proven so far this season that he is the signing Arsenal have needed all along. The centre-back came from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of £50 million last summer and few were pleased about it. After all, Manchester United had just sealed a cheaper move (£41 million) for four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane.
But six months into the season, and White has proved to be a safer investment. His match temperament, composure on and off the ball, and ability to build play from the back has been priceless for the Gunners.
For far too long, the 13-time English champions missed a defender that was calm, cool and collected but also a fast and physical presence on the pitch. The 24-year-old ticks all the boxes and has helped his side keep 10 clean sheets in the 19 games he has featured for them.
Arsenal have a leader at the back now and certainly someone they can depend upon defensively for the rest of the campaign.
#4 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka has been tremendous for Arsenal this season. While White has taken care of things at the back, the 20-year-old ace has taken the responsibility of attack on his shoulders. Promoted to the first-team setup a couple of years ago, the winger is now coming into his own this season.
Trickery, flair and being direct are just some of the elements of the Englishman's game. On top of this, Saka has proven to be a hard-worker off the ball and is often the last man in defense to stop the opposing full-back from progressing.
However, his attacking prowess remains his primary strength, which has led to him scoring six goals and providing four assists in 21 league games. His numbers could have been higher if the strikeforce had been a little more prolific going forward.
Saka is already deemed to be a generational talent by most supporters of the club and he is walking the walk into proving the same this term.
#3 Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
Jarrod Bowen has always had the potential to become a sensational attacker and he has been fulfilling the same this season. Often plagued with injuries before this season, the Englishman returned fully fit at the start of the campaign to make a difference.
Alongside Michail Antonio, Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini, Bowen has been the driving force on the West Ham United frontline. His ability to be lethal in transitional play has benefitted West Ham hugely this term.
Acting as a false nine or right winger, Bowen often cuts in to take a shot from outside the box or create something for a player in the box. It also bodes well for the 25-year-old ace that he has a wand of a left foot. All of this has led to him scoring six goals and making seven assists in 23 league games.
The Hammers remain in contention to finish in the Top 4 this season and Bowen could be the reason the East London club achieve that goal.
#2 Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Mason Mount has been the heart and soul of everything good that has come out of Chelsea this season. The Cobham academy graduate is already a leader at the club and gives his 100% in every single outing.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has used him a little more conservatively in the Premier League but that has not led to a dip in the Englishman's numbers. He has also played in multiple positions this term, with the German manager using him as a winger, false nine, wing-back and as a central midfielder.
The Blues are blessed to have a player as versatile as him, especially when it does not take a toll on his efficiency. His effective nature has led to him scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in 21 league appearances this season.
Mount is arguably the most important player at Chelsea and his performances could lead to the West London club winning some silverware this season.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had yet another scintallating Premier League season with Liverpool this term. Since being part of the senior setup in 2018, the Englishman has been one of the best full-backs in world football.
The 23-year-old ace has been competing for the Premier League playmaker award for the past two years. However, this season he might end up winning it, as he is currently leading the chart and is in scintillating form.
Although he is a right-back, Alexander-Arnold is often found far up the right wing swinging in balls for the frontline to score. The speed and weight of his delivery makes all the difference, since it beats defenders and only requires a touch from his teammates to score.
His knack for attempting long-range goals is an added bonus. His complete skillset has led to him providing 10 assists and scoring two goals in 20 league games this term.
Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best English player in the Premier League this season and his numbers do the talking.