Arsenal midfield prodigy pipped to post by African enforcer so far this season…
5) Jose Fonte – Southampton – 181 forward passes
Fonte is the only defender on this list – which tells us a lot about the passing brand of football Mauricio Pochettino demands from his Southampton side. Fonte plays short passes into midfield when he receives the ball at centre, instead of playing longer balls up to the strikers.
4) Ahmed Elmohamady – Hull City – 183 forward passes
Hull City are currently in 16th place in the table after four games, and manager Steven Bruce would be over the moon if they finished the season there. Elmohamady has looked lively for the Tigers so far, proved by the 183 forward passes made by the Egyptian winger.
3) Michael Carrick – Manchester United – 194 forward passes
United’s midfield metronome is often accused of playing too many backwards or sideways passes, but only two Premier League midfielders have passed it forward more times than the England man this season. He will be vital to United’s title hopes this season.
2) Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal – 197 forward passes
Cementing Ramsey’s brilliant start to the season, he’s also made more tackles than any other player in the Premier League, and bagged himself two goals, too – totally outshining the much hyped Jack Wilshere in the process.
1) Yaya Toure – Manchester City – 243 forward passes
City’s Ivorian powerhouse has actually played more forward passes, and more backward passes than any other player in the league this season. Instead of being utilised as a midfield dynamo, Manuel Pellegrini has encouraged Toure to dictate play from a deeper position instead.
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