Erik ten Hag prioritized strengthening the right-back position over the summer, and Noussair Mazraoui has solidified his place as Manchester United's starting right-back. The Morocco international ranks seventh in the Premier League for tackles (21) this season. Despite United's struggles with their summer signings, Mazraoui has seamlessly integrated into Ten Hag's system at Old Trafford. His absence will be felt during his time on the sidelines.
Defensive reinforcements were crucial for Nottingham Forest, who conceded 67 league goals last season, the fifth-highest total in the division. Nikola Milenkovic was signed from Fiorentina for £12m, and with each passing week, he appears to be a bargain. Only Liverpool (2) have conceded fewer goals than Forest (6) in the Premier League this term, with Milenkovic, who ranks seventh for aerial duels won per game (3.3), playing a pivotal role in their defensive solidity.
Savinho, having joined from Troyes after a successful loan spell at Girona, has adapted effortlessly to the rigors of Premier League football. The Brazil international has two assists from four league starts for Manchester City, and only Jérémy Doku (16) has completed more dribbles than the 20-year-old (9). Savinho is another attacking option that Pep Guardiola is pleased to utilize.
Riccardo Calafiori faced a challenging debut in the Premier League, starting and scoring in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City. The Italy international joined Arsenal after a standout Serie A season that culminated in a starting spot for the Azzurri at Euro 2024. Although he hasn't been a guaranteed starter—only three of his five appearances have been from the outset—Calafiori has delivered a series of confident performances when called upon by Mikel Arteta.
Leicester City have scored nine league goals this season, more than Newcastle (8) and Manchester United (5), and Facundo Buonanotte has been a key contributor. The young Argentinian joined on loan from Brighton in August and has directly contributed to four goals, scoring twice. The 19-year-old is also diligent off the ball, averaging 2.9 tackles per 90 minutes.
Crystal Palace remain winless in the Premier League this season but have been relatively solid defensively, conceding the same number of goals as sixth-placed Brighton (10). Maxence Lacroix has been a consistent performer, with 3.8 tackles per game ranking him 23rd in the division. It's early days for Lacroix in south London, but initial signs suggest he'll form a strong partnership with his teammates in Palace's three-man defense.
Everton's season got off to a slow start, but a three-game unbeaten run—including their first win of the campaign against Crystal Palace—indicates a turnaround. Sean Dyche's decision to move Dwight McNeil infield has benefited the team and summer signing Iliman Ndiaye. The 24-year-old provides additional defensive cover down the left, averaging 2.2 tackles per 90 minutes, and is not afraid to take on his marker, evidenced by 2.8 successful dribbles per 90.
Despite Ipswich's heavy 4-1 loss to West Ham before the international break, Dara O'Shea has proven to be a shrewd acquisition. The 25-year-old is winning more aerial duels per game (4.8) than any other defender in the Premier League. Although he is yet to be on the winning side for Ipswich since joining from Burnley, it's only a matter of time before they secure their first victory upon their return to the top flight.
Tottenham's big-money striker, Dominic Solanke, took a while to find his feet but has since made an impact. The former Bournemouth forward has scored twice and provided one assist for Ange Postecoglou's side in the Premier League, though the latter came in a disappointing 3-2 defeat by Brighton. Solanke is starting to look the part for the north London side as he aims to justify the significant investment in his services.
In just four appearances, Jadon Sancho has matched his best assist tally in a Premier League season, setting up three league goals for Chelsea following his move from Manchester United. Whether the Blues needed another winger is debatable, but Sancho has made a strong start at Stamford Bridge. Only West Ham's Mohammed Kudus (3.3) has completed more dribbles per 90 than the 24-year-old (3) in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, as Sancho seeks to prove United wrong in letting him go.
