The Most Fouled Premier League Player Of 2017-18 Is Sure To Surprise

After some of Manchester City's players were on the end of nasty challenges recently Pep Guardiola asked for his team to get more protection. But it isn't one of his players, or any in the top six, who is the Premier League's most fouled player.

Fouling is just an accepted part of football and sometimes we're happy to see our own players getting involved. If it's to stop a counter attack or make sure an opposition player doesn't stroll through the whole team.

But when does it get too far? Pep Guardiola has recently seen his team on the end of some rough justice, part of the reason he felt unable to field seven substitutes on Saturday afternoon.

McClean sliding in on De Bruyne annoyed Guardiola. Image: PA Images.

Alexis Sanchez was on the end of seven fouls on his own during Manchester United's tie with Huddersfield at the weekend with the Yorkshire giving away 19 fouls, including a penalty.

However neither Sanchez or any of Guardiola's attacking hordes are top of the most fouled chart, according to the Mirror's list of most fouled players in the Premier League this season:

Richarlison- 76

Dele Alli- 66

This has been a recurring theme for Richarlison. Image: PA Images.

Jordan Ayew- 62

Alexis Sanchez- 56

Wilfried Zaha- 55

Eden Hazard- 52

It's no surprise to see Hazard on the list. Image: PA Images.

Ashley Barnes- 45

Raheem Sterling- 44

Javier Hernandez- 42

Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 41

Loftus-Cheek is another surprising name on the list. Image: PA Images.

After Leroy Sane was recently injured in a match against Cardiff City in the Premier League Guardiola said, "Sané will be out for a while - minimum two or three weeks, one month.

"We will see what exactly tomorrow. It's his ankle. I have said many times - the only thing they [the officials] have to do is protect the players. I can accept the disallowed goal. I don't know why it was disallowed but I will accept it.

"But please protect the players. Not the Manchester City players, [all] the players. The only thing they can do is that: protect the players. Or it will happen again. The players are the artists and you have to take care of them. That's why you are here and why I'm here. For them, the players."

Whether or not those players get the protection they need or not is yet to be seen.

Topics: Football News, Richarlison, Premier League

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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