Everton and Chelsea players are the most fouled in the Premier League so far this season, but who makes up the rest of the top ten? fanatix takes a look.
10. Leighton Baines (Everton)
Fouled 21 times in 990 minutes.
Typically the most fouled players are attackers or midfielders, but in tenth place on this list is a defender.
It is testament to Leighton Baines’ contribution in forward positions that he is fouled so often, as he is evidently considered a threat by opposition players.
The trouble for Everton’s adversaries, however, is that Baines possesses a mean delivery from a set piece, and so a professional foul to avert danger might merely delay it.
9. Stephane Sessegnon (West Bromwich Albion)
Fouled 22 times in 715 minutes.
Stephane Sessegnon has been a quietly impressive signing for West Bromwich Albion, after former Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio allowed him to depart the Stadium of Light in the summer.
Sessegnon has proved an impressive dribbler, completing 21 attempted take-ons this season, and it is little wonder he is fouled so often when opponents fail to win the ball from him.
8. Sone Aluko (Hull City)
Fouled 23 times in 627 minutes.
Sone Aluko has been quite the handful in the centre forward position for Hull City, with his comfort in drifting out wide causing plenty of problems for opposition defenders.
Aluko may be just 5’8″ tall, but his low centre of gravity helps him keep possession until rival players have to resort to illegal measures to stop him.
7. Jonathan Walters (Stoke City)
Fouled 25 times in 904 minutes.
Jonathan Walters began his account on Twitter in excellent style.
Before I start Yes penalty record isn't the best,Yes I scored 2 own goals missed a pen and managed to kick the ball in my own face…
— Jonathan Walters (@Jon_Walters_) October 24, 2013
…all in the same game and Yes I have a large amount of grey hair so don't bore me telling me all this.
— Jonathan Walters (@Jon_Walters_) October 24, 2013
He may have had that disaster of a game against Chelsea, but has proven himself a useful and versatile Premier League player who can play both on the wing and up front.
As one of Stoke’s main goal threats, it is little surprise to see him fouled often.
6. Pajtim Kasami (Fulham)
Fouled 26 times in 894 minutes.
Pajtim Kasami is best known for scoring an absurd wonder goal against Crystal Palace this season, but has been quietly impressive in his attacking midfield role for the Cottagers.
The Kasami wins the ball back high up the pitch for Fulham, and it is likely in these intense duels that he ends up the victim of opposition foul play.
5. Robert Snodgrass (Norwich City)
Fouled 26 times in 755 minutes.
Norwich winger Robert Snodgrass is always a danger on the right wing for the Canaries, beating men with pace or skill and firing in crosses.
It is little surprise to see him in this list as a result.
4. Adam Lallana (Southampton)
Fouled 27 times in 872 minutes.
Adam Lallana plays a central attacking role for Southampton, interchanging with Jay Rodriguez on the left and breaking past Rickie Lambert to run through at goal.
The new England squad member gets past opponents with quick darting movements, and as a result frequently draws fouls from his markers.
3. Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)
Fouled 28 times in 810 minutes.
Fabian Delph has been a revelation for Aston Villa this season, emerging as a real box-to-box midfield general many pundits have tipped for an England call-up.
His all action game means he is frequently involved in 50/50 challenges, and wins plenty of them, but in getting to the ball first he is often on the receiving end of mistimed challenges.
2. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Fouled 29 times in 881 minutes.
Eden Hazard is a tricky player, capable of turning on either foot in attacking positions.
This bamboozles defenders, and results in plenty of free kicks and penalties for Chelsea in dangerous areas.
1. Ross Barkley (Everton)
Fouled 29 times in 828 minutes.
Ross Barkley of Everton is the surprise name at the top of the most fouled list in the Barclays Premier League so far this season, having received more fouls per minute than Hazard.
The Toffees youngster has proven an enterprising presence in attacking midfield, and his strength on the ball and comfort in possession allows him to protect the ball well – and the natural consequence is a foul.