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Today we are looking at some of the best English wingers of the current Premier League season. In recent times, wingers have had to adapt to different playstyles and tactics. Along with making bombarding runs down the flank, they are also expected to contribute in midfield and occasionally in defense.
The Premier League has an abundance of home-grown talent
The Premier League is renowned for its incredible home-grown talent. Academies of various top clubs have nurtured some of the best young talent across the world. The Premier League is arguably the most competitive in the world and this has resulted in the budding of several top-class talents all over the pitch across the league.
Wide forwards are an integral part of any team and have the responsibility of making things work in the attacking third. This season has seen some standout players, and let’s now take a look at the five best English wingers this campaign. The players have been ranked based on ratings by whoscored.com.
#5 Dwight McNeil
Wingers aren't known for their defensive prowess, but Burnley’s Dwight McNeil has been working tirelessly to support his backline. Apart from his work off the ball, McNeil also has incredible passing and vision. The gifted Englishman’s wand of a left foot has often provided Burnley's frontmen with inviting crosses in the box.
Even though McNeil has just one assist in 18 league appearances, his insane work-rate and quality from set-pieces earns him a rating of 7.02. Sean Dyche rates the 22-year-old highly, and Burnley have put a £40 million price tag on McNeil. The likes of Crystal Palace, Everton and Aston Villa are reportedly after his signature.
The 22-year-old is already in his fifth season as a regular starter for Burnley and has made 114 appearances for the Clarets. Burnley are in dire trouble, having won just one game in 18. Although they have a few games in hand, it is difficult to see them getting out of the drop zone without a miracle.
#4 Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has always managed to be amongst the goals even in difficult times. The winger has proven to be a reliable and key figure for Manchester City. City may be without a prolific striker, but they still have an incredible amount of goals.
Sterling has seven goals and one assist in the league as of now and his whoscored rating is 7.07. The Englishman was not a guaranteed starter for Pep Guardiola at the start of the season but has now become an integral part of the first team. Sterling was also named the Premier League Player of the Month for December.
Sterling was phenomenal in the final weeks of 2021, scoring five goals and providing one assist in six appearances. The 27-year-old is sure to play a part in City’s quest for the title, which would be Sterling’s fourth victorious Premier League campaign. City are currently first in the league, closely followed by Liverpool.
#3 Jack Grealish
After eye-catching performances at Aston Villa, Jack Grealish arrived at Manchester City for a record £100 million transfer fee. With this transfer, Grealish became the most expensive player in Premier League history. The 26-year-old had also made his national boss Gareth Southgate take notice and he soon featured for England in the Euros.
During the first few months at Man City, he seemed to be weighed down by the hype and expectation that always comes with such a hefty price tag. He has two goals and two assists for City in the Premier League so far. However, it's still too early to judge his stint at City.
Grealish is often overly criticized due to his extravagant transfer fee. Although he may not have a tremendous amount of goals, Grealish has created a lot of chances from open play. His ability to drag defenders and win fouls, combined with an ability to contribute to the build-up play earns him a rating of 7.24.
#2 Phil Foden
Phil Foden is one of the best young talents in the world of football. At just 21, Foden has already won three Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, and four League Cups. Foden was impressive in England’s successful U-17 World Cup in 2017 and was soon promoted to City’s senior squad.
Foden has recently played in a wider position, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva controlling the midfield. Foden has scored five goals and provided three assists in 15 Premier League appearances this season. These goal contributions, combined with his intelligent off-the-ball movement, earned him a rating of 7.26.
The Premier League has been blessed with immensely talented youngsters, and Phil Foden is part of the next generation of superstars of the league. Given the current crop of outstanding English youngsters, the Three Lions fans have a lot to look forward to.
#1 Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen claims top spot on this list. Bowen joined West Ham in 2020 from Hull City for a fee close to £22 million. The Englishman was subject to a lot of scrutiny at the start of his Premier League career, but he has proven all his doubters wrong. He has also been shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Month award for January.
The 25-year-old has six goals and nine assists in 23 Premier League appearances and has a rating of 7.27. The winger has contributed to more than a third of the Hammers’ goals. Bowen is West Ham’s leading assist provider, only behind Michail Antonio in the goalscoring charts.
West Ham have been impressive under David Moyes and are currently fifth in the league. The top-four race is heating up and the Hammers will have to maintain their rhythm and consistency if they are looking to secure a European spot.
