The Top 10 Best-Performing Premier League Players In 2021 According To New Algorithm

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is the best-performing player in the Premier League in 2021, going off a new algorithm.

The algorithm from CIES Football Observatory focuses on different areas of "technical play" - shooting, take on, recovery, rigour, distribution, chance creation.

This unique methodology does not take players' positions into account and has thrown up plenty of surprises when it comes to the English top flight.

Image: PA

Jorginho, who has played 799 minutes of league football this calendar year, leads the way with an index value of 89.5.

Manchester City's imperious defender Ruben Dias (89.4), Wilfred Ndidi (85.3), Luke Shaw (83.4) and Harry Kane (83.1) feature in the top five, while Thiago Alcantara and Granit Xhaka's inclusions are particularly interesting given many feel they have been disappointing this term.

Leeds United winger Raphinha (79.3) completes the top ten after a slew of impressive performances in his debut season.

Image: PA

In terms of the top five leagues, it's a usual suspect who tops the charts. Lionel Messi has been irresistible in 2021 for Barcelona and has been given a staggering 92.5 out of 100 for his displays.

Robert Lewandowski is second overall on 89.5 after banging in the goals again, with Cristiano Ronaldo in fifth with a score of 89.3.

Here is the list of top 20 in full:

1. Jorginho - Chelsea - 89.5

2. Ruben Dias - Manchester City - 89.4

3. Wilfred Ndidi - Leicester City - 85.3

4. Luke Shaw - Manchester United - 83.4

5. Harry Kane - Spurs - 83.1

6. Thiago Alcantara - Liverpool - 81.7

7. Granit Xhaka - Arsenal - 80.9

8. Pascal Gross - Brighton - 80.8

9. Ruben Neves - Wolves - 80.7

10. Raphinha - Leeds - 79.3

11. Ademola Lookman - Fulham - 77.9

12. Michael Keane - Everton - 76.0

13. Declan Rice - West Ham - 75.9

14. Stuart Armstrong - 75.6

15. Eberechi Eze - Crystal Palace - 73.4

16. Miguel Almiron - Newcastle United - 70.3

17. David McGoldrick - Sheffield United - 70.3

18. Dwight McNeil - Burnley - 70.0

19. Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa - 69.4

20. Matheus Pereira - West Brom - 69.3

Topics: Football, Premier League, Harry Kane

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_