Man Utd and Everton men among Premier League’s worst team of the season so far

Mid-October, and we’re already ploughing headfirst into our second international break of the season. Love it or loathe it, you have to admit that feels a touch excessive.

Nevertheless, a small interval in the frantic drama of the domestic campaign allows us all to take stock and reflect on what has come to pass thus far. For some, that will be a more pleasant experience than for others.

With that in mind, we’ve taken to Whoscored to have a look at who the lowest-rated Premier League XI of the season so far actually are. As always, there’s no belittling here, just a reflection of some underwhelming starts in the world’s most difficult division - and it is also worth pointing out that a player must have played 360 minutes (give or take) to qualify for a spot in the line-up.

Bart Verbruggen - 6.22

Verbruggen is still finding his feet in the Premier League, and despite his lowly average match rating, has already shown flashes of the natural ability that convinced Brighton to snap him up during the summer transfer window. There is very little doubt that he will get better and better from here on out.

Connor Roberts - 6.12

Roberts has hardly enjoyed the most auspicious start to the new Premier League campaign, and last time we scoured the depths of Whoscored to put together one of these XIs, just prior to the first international break of the season, he snuck his way in at right-back then too. Of course, Burnley’s sluggish start has been a collective issue, rather than the fault of any individual, but the Wales defender will be demanding more from himself in the coming weeks and months.

Ameen Al Dakhil - 5.93

Another Burnley defender who has struggled immensely in the early knockings of the season, Al Dakhil has the dubious honour of being the lowest-rated player on this list. Like Brighton keeper Verbruggen, he is still very young, and deserves a measure of patience, but his performances need to improve sooner rather than later.

John Egan - 6.16

By no means the lowest-rated player in Sheffield United’s squad, but the only who qualifies for this team by virtue of how many minutes he has played. The Blades’ defensive woes have been clear for all to see this term, and that must change if they are to avoid a swift return to the Championship.

Lisandro Martinez - 6.17

Perhaps the most high profile name on this list, Martinez has failed to show his best form for Manchester United this season. The Argentine is currently sidelined through injury, but was present for large parts of the Red Devils’ disastrous start to the new Premier League season. Players of his ilk don’t stay in the doldrums for long, but right now, the South American could use an upturn in fortunes.

Tahith Chong - 6.08

From a current United player to a former one, Chong hasn’t adapted to life in the Premier League with Luton Town quite as quickly or seamlessly as he or his new employers would have liked or envisaged. There is still plenty of time for the midfielder to find his groove, but right now, he has levels left to reach.

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu - 6.09

The fact that Mpanzu is a Premier League player at all is worthy of celebration, given the journey he has been on with Luton Town, but adjustment to life in the top flight is proving to be a slow process for the midfielder. The 29-year-old hasn’t met an obstacle yet that he hasn’t been able to overcome, and in time he should adapt, but it’s been an underwhelming start to life in the big time.

Joao Gomes - 6.28

It is no enviable task being asked to replace both Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes, and Gomes is proving why. The Brazilian has featured in all eight of Wolves’ Premier League fixtures so far this term, but is yet to properly stamp his authority on the centre of the park. Gary O’Neil’s side look to be improving a decent pace, however, and hopefully Gomes can do so too.

Arnaut Danjuma - 6.27

Considering the rigmarole Everton had to go through to eventually snag Danjuma, the wide man is yet to properly justify their protracted pursuit. There have been flashes of his pedigree, granted, and as Everton slowly gather momentum you would imagine that he will become more effective still, but right now, he is not quite at his best.

Raul Jimenez - 6.40

Jimenez hasn’t ever really looked like the same lethal cutting force that he once did since he returned from a horrific head injury, but on his day he can still be a bother for just about any defence in the league. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been his day all that often this season, but there is still time for that to change.

Rasmus Hojlund - 6.18

We’re as shocked as you are. The young Dane has been a rare bright spark for Manchester United this season, but evidently not bright enough. In fairness, his best showing thus far came in the Champions League, but even then, this feels a touch harsh.