Unexpected stars of the first rounds of the PL: Southampton’s discovery, Brighton’s Messi and Mr. Championship

Six rounds have been played in the English Premier League, with Arsenal surprisingly topping the table, closely followed by Manchester City and Tottenham. Mohamed Salah, Jamie Vardy and Mason Mount are struggling, while several players have surprisingly shot up. Who to watch in the next rounds?

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Anyone who follows Southampton knows. Bella-Kotchap is clearly the biggest surprise of the start of the season, showing his speed and fearlessness to go out on a limb at stopper. Against both Manchester United and Chelsea he prevented a goal with his intervention in the penalty area, in all games Ralph Hasenhüttl could also rely on his decent crossing. If he continues his show, he won’t be kept at Southampton for long.

Alexis Mac Allister

He already drew attention to himself a few times last year, and not just with his facial resemblance to Lionel Messi, but this year Allister is the star of Brighton’s strike attack anyway. The Seagulls are fourth, which the diminutive Argentine has helped to achieve with four hits. He struck twice on Sunday, from a penalty and beautifully from a direct kick. And he was also disallowed for offside for a superb volley into the post. Allister is also important in the midfield, his 174 centimetres suggests he has great movement and works hard for the ball.

William Saliba

Two excellent seasons in Ligue 1 prompted Saliba to finally get a chance in the Premier League. He got it, and he’s been excellent alongside Gabriel. Leaving aside his goal and assist, the stopper is judged on other aspects. The French international can handle aerial and personal duels, and there is nothing to fault him for speed-wise. There is a great calmness about him, but he is still only 21 years old.

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Perhaps a surprising name for some, but it’s important to remember that Mitrovic was considered a second league goal scorer until this year. He hasn’t made his mark in the Premier League so far, and now has six goals after six rounds, with the rest of Fulham scoring three goals. Only against Wolverhampton did the Serbian hitman come out empty-handed, while he gifted Liverpool two pieces, Spurs and Arsenal one each. The Cottagers need to stay among the elite after years, thanks to Mitrovic they are well on their way.

Wilfried Zaha

Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Brentford, Newcastle. Crystal Palace were not shaken by a tough draw and the London side have a respectable six points. Mainly thanks to the four hits of Zaha, who never ceases to surprise. He fired a point from Anfield, played against Brentford (1: 1) despite a minor injury and sent the Eagles into the lead with a beautiful shot. He only missed the contest at the Etihad Stadium. Now he has to prove himself against Manchester United, Brighton and Chelsea, the rest of the autumn will be quite doable for Palace’s opponents.

Source: Premier League