There’s nothing quite like the art of dribbling, with an enterprising run past opposition defenders one of the few things to guarantee supporters move to the edge of their seats.
The Premier League is home to some fine dribblers right now, from fleet-footed wingers to evasive number tens, each capable of skipping past challenges to open up the game.
Here are the five Premier League players with the most successful dribbles this season.
Said Benrahma – West Ham (31)
Said Benrahma ranks fifth in the Premier League for successful dribbles this season, despite starting just ten league fixtures at West Ham
Benrahma has proven to be somewhat of a maverick since signing for the Hammers from Brentford, a footballer capable of delighting and frustrating the fans in equal measure.
Saïd's got five-star skills ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/FuVl3CKAJD
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 1, 2022
However, this season the Algerian has been a bright spark in a side lacking creativity and goal threat. David Moyes’ side are struggling near the bottom of the division and could use some more moments of magic from Benrahma to aid their climb away from trouble.
Marcus Tavernier – Bournemouth (31)
Bournemouth strengthened their squad last summer with the arrival of Marcus Tavernier from Middlesbrough.
Tavernier impressed on debut for the Cherries and has had a strong first season at Premier League level, with just three players having completed more dribbles than the 23-year-old.
Confident when carrying the ball in possession, his creative output needs to improve to reach the next level but Tavernier has shown this season he has the attributes to be an effective presence in the top division.
A man on form ????
How good has Marcus Tavernier been in recent weeks? ???? pic.twitter.com/1t0Anl3N6O
— AFC Bournemouth ???? (@afcbournemouth) November 18, 2022
He has two goals and four assists from 15 league appearances for Bournemouth, who will hope the winger can return swiftly from the hamstring issue that has sidelined him since the Premier League’s restart.
Wilfried Zaha – Crystal Palace (33)
Wilfried Zaha regularly features in these rankings and is the most fouled footballer in the Premier League so far this season (57).
Zaha’s fast footwork and speed are an outlet for Crystal Palace, who often look to utilise the Ivorian on the break as his purposeful dribbling carries the side up the pitch.
Another magical strike.@wilfriedzaha ⚡️#CPFC | #CRYBRE pic.twitter.com/I6ws54UFbE
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 30, 2022
Step-overs and drops of the shoulder are all part of Zaha’s repertoire when it comes to beating opponents, while sides who double-up on the 30-year-old often find their plans fail. More often than not, he’ll go past both of them.
Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace (33)
Crystal Palace’s reliance on Zaha has been somewhat lessened by smart signings in recent windows, with the Eagles having built a formidable street-footballer frontline of Zaha, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.
Eze honed his skills in the cages of South London, a foundation which has helped produce some outrageously gifted footballers. There’s a distinct style to his game, as he glides past challenges and performs in the Premier League as if it were a playground.
The skill and pass by Eze ????
The finish by Zaha ⚡️Another class Palace counter-attack.#CPFC | #LIVCRY pic.twitter.com/UOensJpRqH
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 15, 2022
Not afraid to try something out of the ordinary, Eze’s footwork has won admirers in the England set-up and the challenge now will be to turn his innovation into consistent end product.
Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal (34)
Gabriel Martinelli leads the league for successful dribbles during the current campaign, having been a key part of Arsenal’s climb to the top of the division.
Arsenal have exceeded all expectations to lead the title race from Manchester City, emerging as the division’s best side so far.
Martinelli has had a real coming-of-age campaign for the Gunners, evolving from promising prospect to one of the most exciting wide talents in the Premier League.
???? And he plays for The Arsenal ????
Gabi Martinelli. Baller. pic.twitter.com/WGQAeyOjE5
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 27, 2022
His mix of explosive pace, work-ethic and dangerous dribbling has been a nightmare for Premier League full-backs this season, with the Brazilian and Bukayo Saka providing consistent threat from wide areas.
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