DraftKings: England's 2018 World Cup stars among best Premier League performers

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In association with DraftKings we reveal the top performers from the last gameweek. Here, we will note players from different positions, highlighting players that might be in form heading into the next round of games.

We’re excited for the contests this weekend, but an FYI: we receive a commission from DraftKings, but are not employees and don’t have access to non-public info. These are just our personal thoughts and expertise on the upcoming matches!

Goalkeepers

Paulo Gazzaniga (Tottenham) – 8.06 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $5,900)

With Michel Vorm and Hugo Lloris ruled out, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino handed Paulo Gazzaniga his second Premier League start of the season in their 2-0 win away to Huddersfield last weekend. Despite a comfortable scoreline, the 26-year-old was busier than he would have liked, making five saves. He finished gameweek seven as the highest WhoScored rated goalkeeper in the Premier League.

Rui Patricio (Wolves) – 7.75 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $4,700)

Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio turned in another impressive performance for the newly-promoted Premier League outfit last weekend, this time keeping a clean sheet against Southampton. The Portugal international made six saves to help garner the second highest WhoScored rating of all goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Alisson (Liverpool) – 7.12 rating

The Brazil international is already showing his worth for Liverpool, just eight games into his Anfield career. Many crumble under the weight of expectation of a huge transfer fee, but that hasn’t been the case for Alisson after his then-world record fee. Liverpool dropped their first Premier League points of the season against Chelsea last weekend, but Alisson helped preserve their unbeaten start to the season by keeping three saves and winning one aerial duel.

Defenders

Harry Maguire (Leicester) – 9.04 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $4,300)

Leicester secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 win away to Newcastle last weekend, with Harry Maguire netting his second goal of the campaign. The England international impressed at both ends of the pitch, even attempting at least two more shots than any other player on display at St. James’ Park (4). The 25-year-old won six aerial duels and completed four tackles and interceptions combined.

Kieran Trippier (Tottenham) – 8.06 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $7,400)

Kieran Trippier has now has played a direct hand in three goals in six league appearances this season after assisting Harry Kane for their opener against Huddersfield last weekend. Trippier has developed into one of the best right-backs in Europe over the last year and should be considered for your DraftKings XIs ahead of the upcoming action, when Spurs host Cardiff on Saturday.

Jonny (Wolves) – 8.04 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $5,200)

Many were surprised Wolves felt the need to replace Barry Douglas over the summer following his breathtaking campaign last term, but Jonny, his successor, has made a thoroughly impressive start to the new season. The 24-year-old netted his first Wolves goal in a 2-0 win at home to Southampton last weekend and completed four tackles and interceptions combined. Wolves face Crystal Palace this weekend and the Spaniard should be considered for your DraftKings XI.

Honourable Mentions

David Luiz (Chelsea) – 8.00 rating

Matt Doherty (Wolves) – 7.92 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $5,300)

Sean Morrison (Cardiff) – 7.77 rating

DraftKings Salary: $2,800

Midfielders

Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton) – 9.27 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $8,900)

Gylfi Sigurdsson has now set a standard for how he must perform for Everton after dazzling in a 3-0 win over Fulham last weekend, where he scored twice to finish as the highest WhoScored rated player in GW7 of the Premier League. The 29-year-old created five goalscoring opportunities and missed out on the chance to score a hat-trick from the penalty spot. Up next for Everton is a difficult encounter with Leicester, so it will be interesting to see how he fares this weekend.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson (Burnley) – 8.48 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $9,100)

Burnley have endured a torrid start to the season but have shown in recent weeks that they are close to turning things around. The Clarets have won successive Premier League matches and Johann Berg Gudmundsson was key to their latest victory, a 2-1 win away to Cardiff. The 27-year-old played a direct hand in both goals, scoring the first before setting up Sam Vokes for the winner. Burnley host Huddersfield in a big relegation six-pointer on Saturday and Sean Dyche will hope for another big performance from the Icelandic winger.

Josh Murphy (Cardiff) – 8.38 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $5,800)

Cardiff are still searching for their first win of the season and will view their 2-1 defeat at home to Burnley as a huge opportunity missed. Neil Warnock’s side had 20 shots to Burnley’s three but still lost. Josh Murphy did find the back of the net for Cardiff, netting his first goal for the club. The 23-year-old was also denied by the woodwork and completed five dribbles. With a trip to Tottenham to come, however, Murphy should not be considered for your DraftKings XI.

Honourable Mentions:

Idrissa Gueye (Everton) – 8.30 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $3,900)

James Maddison (Leicester) – 8.30 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $8.500)

Callum Paterson (Cardiff) – 8.10 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $4,000)

Forwards

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) – 9.07 rating

After a disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign, Raheem Sterling has returned to his best for City this season. The England international has played a direct hand in six goals in as many league appearances after scoring and assisting both of City’s goals in a 2-0 win over Brighton last weekend. Sterling finished GW7 in the Premier League as the highest rated forward, completing three dribbles and winning two tackles against the Seagulls.

Harry Kane (Tottenham) – 8.72 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $11,100)

Harry Kane finished the 2018 World Cup as the Golden Boot winner but the Tottenham striker appears to be feeling the after effects of a draining summer in Russia. Kane hasn’t looked at his best for Tottenham this season but still has five goals in seven league goals after netting a brace against Huddersfield last weekend. The 25-year-old hit the target with all three of his attempts and even completed two dribbles, two tackles and won two aerial duels.

Felipe Anderson (West Ham) – 8.49 rating

West Ham put Manchester United to the sword last weekend, triumphing 3-1 at home to Jose Mourinho’s side. Felipe Anderson was key to their victory, scoring his first goal for the Hammers with an audacious flick through his legs. The Brazilian was a constant threat for West Ham, with and without the ball. The 25-year-old, staggeringly, completed seven tackles against United, only two shy than United managed as a team.

Honourable Mentions:

Eden Hazard (Chelsea) – 8.47 rating

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) – 7.66 rating

Sam Vokes (Burnley) – 7.81 rating

(DraftKings Salary: $5,100)

Whoscored promotes DraftKings but we are also avid fans and users, and may sometimes play on our personal account in the games that we offer advice on WhoScored.com.  Although we have expressed our personal views on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and we may also deploy different players and strategies than what we recommend above. We are not employees of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.

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