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The Premier League has been witness to some classy double acts over the years. In recent years it was the deadly combination of Mahrez and Vardy which shook the top flight, and we can't forget the dominant pair of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the heart of Manchester United's defense.
With the new season well underway, some interesting and unexpected partnerships have emerged in England. Well, it is obvious to think about attacking players when talking about duos, but defensive partnerships are just as important in today's fast paced world of football.
Whether attacking or defensive, a solid partnership can be the trump card for any team. Based on their performances so far, and overall contribution to their teams, here's a list of 4 Premier League duos who have been absolutely dominant in the league so far.
#4 Joshua King and Callum Wilson
Josh King and Callum Wilson have hit the ground running at Bournemouth this season, having scored 4 and 3 goals respectively. And together they have set up 5 more.
The Cherries' strikers have formed the unlikeliest of all bonds in the Premier League this season. While they have been key players for the club in the past, never have they performed so well simultaneously.
In their recent league match, Bournemouth defeated Watford 0-4. This was their biggest ever away win in the Premier League. And they have this deadly duo to thank for that. King scored two goals in the first half, while Wilson delivered the conclusive blow just two minutes into the second half.
Between them they have scored or assisted 75 percent of all The Cherries' goals. If they continue their red hot form, they could be the next deadly duo to watch-out for in the league.
All stats via transfermarkt
#3 Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
On paper the prospect of Lacazette and Aubameyang playing together always looked like a match made in heaven. Arsenal had signed one of the best striker of Ligue 1 in July 2017, and signed Bundesliga sharp shooter Aubameyang just six months later.
But Wenger was too afraid to let these two clinical finishers play together, and the combination which could've been a real nightmare for opposition defenders never materialised.
New manager Unai Emery realised the double whammy these players can deliver, and has started them together in some league matches. And his decision has paid off.
Well, it doesn't matter whether these players start together or not, but if they are on the pitch together, you better watch out. As seen in their recent fixture, when Auba was substituted in the second half, he linked up beautifully with Lacazette, and both of them managed to score a brace against Fulham.
Clearly, this season is finally going to be the one where Arsenal will once again have a deadly duo of their own after the Henry and Bergkamp era.
#2 David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger
Much praise has been heaped on the rejuvenated David Luiz this season due to his performances at the back for Chelsea. But Antonio Rudiger has been an unfailing partner for the Brazilian in all the matches so far.
Both players are central to The Blues' defense that has only let in 5 goals in 8 matches. David Luiz has been a constant source of accurate long balls, while Rudiger has been a rock in the defense, making crucial interceptions, including the goal-line clearance against Liverpool.
If they keep up their performances, we might be able to witness the emergence of a new defensive partnership in the Premier League.
#1 Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling
In a team full of world class players, it becomes really difficult to single out players who have been outstanding on the pitch, but in case of Manchester City this season, there is a deadly duo in the making.
The Sky Blues have been cruising in the Premier League so far, having scored the most goals (21), and having conceded the least goals (3). They have Aguero and Sterling to thank for their exploits in front of goal.
Together they have scored 9 goals and assisted 4 more. Guardiola's 4-3-3 formation allows Sterling and Aguero to interlink regularly, and with players like Sane, Mahrez, De Bruyne, and Silva yet to hit top gear, it will be this unlikely duo of winger and striker which will torment the opposition defense for the foreseeable future.
