Here are the 12 Scottish Premiership players that had the most stunning performances in the first five weeks of the season
The Scottish Premiership has had a promising start, hasn’t it? While Celtic’s present position at the top may not come as a surprise, the type of football and flair they are demonstrating under Brendan Rodgers this season just highlights how far ahead they are.
Here are the 12 Scottish Premiership players with the most impressive performances in the first five weeks of the season.
Isn’t the Scottish Premiership off to a great start? While Celtic’s present position at the top may not be surprising, the style of football and flair they are demonstrating under Brendan Rodgers this season just highlights how far ahead of the competition they are.
Philippe Clement’s Ibrox team is suffering the price for an opening-day stalemate at Hearts and a 3-0 loss to Celtic in the first Old Firm game, while two of last season’s top four are at the other end of the table. Hearts and Kilmarnock are both winless.
But which individual players have shone brightest for their teams this season? Who has helped catapult their team to the top tier of the league, and which players have started the season like men possessed?
There have been a number of stand-out players in the first throws of the season, so to select out those who have impressed the most: The Scotsman’s football writers
Calum McGregor (Celtic)
The Celtic captain has been just terrific in the first few weeks of the season, even bringing his shooting boots with him! McGregor’s performances have improved significantly since retiring from international football on the eve of the season, and he is by far the best midfielder in the Premier League, with all the metrics to back it up. He is consistently involved in everything the Hoops do, with 98% more touches than any other midfielder in the division. But, most importantly, he finds a green and white shirt 93.2% of the time. He’s the league’s most accurate passer. He has won numerous trophies with Celtic, and his impact and experience, both on and off
Will Ferry (Dundee United)
Dundee United have put on some strong performances since their return to the top league, but left-back Ferry has stood out. Ferry, who joined from demoted Cheltenham Town in the summer, has settled in nicely with Jim Goodwin’s style, system, and shape. The 23-year-old, who plays exclusively as a left-wing back at Tannadice, has already recorded two assists this season and has proven to be a valuable attacking danger down the left, creating seven chances for his teammates in the opening five games. He’s also a great defensive player, having won 36 duels and recovered 34.
Dimitar Mitov (Aberdeen)
While he hasn’t maintained as many clean sheets as Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel, the Bulgarian has been a key factor in Aberdeen’s undefeated start to the season. Ronan Hale’s spectacular penalty save against Ross County was his highlight, and he’s been a man mountain in goal for the Dons, surrendering only three league goals and saved 83.3% of the shots he’s faced. His remarkable stop late in Aberdeen’s victory over Motherwell demonstrates how essential he has been to his team’s early success.
Alistair Johnston (Celtic) is a rising star player. The Canadian has continued his Copa America success into the new season, comfortably outperforming Rangers captain James Tavernier, who was previously regarded as the league’s top right-back. He is also having a significant impact on Celtic’s attack this season, with the 25-year-old forming an excellent partnership with Nicolas Kuhn on the right side. Johnston has two goals in five games but has been strong defensively, winning 87.5 percent of his aerial duels and 70% of his tackles. He is actively involved in general play, receiving 99 percent more touches than other fullbacks in the league.
Gavin Molloy (aberdeen)
Choosing between the Dons’ two centre-backs is difficult; both Molloy and Slobodan Rubezic have put in outstanding performances. The 22-year-old joined from Shelbourne in the summer and has quickly built a good connection with his Montenegrin teammate, winning 85.7% of his tackles and scoring 85.9% passing accuracy, allowing the Dons to create from the back. On his league debut for the club, he scored an own goal, however he had little control over the situation. Regardless, his reaction to that, paired with his ability to adjust to a totally new league as swiftly and impressively as he has done, is a true monument to his
Connor Barron (Rangers)
Rangers haven’t had a fantastic start to the season, but Barron has been a bright spot for Philippe Clement. He’s one of the league’s most accurate passers, with 91% of his passes going to a blue shirt, second only to Celtic’s Callum McGregor. He’s also at the top of the stats for ball recoveries (19) and interceptions. He still has opportunity to grow and improve, but the 21-year-old has shown potential in a Rangers team that has struggled with form and consistency.
Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic)
The German winger has been like a fresh signing for the Hoops, with his impressive pre-season showing proving to be no fluke. He presently creates more chances than 91% of all players in his position, and he has contributed to a goal every 78 minutes for Celtic domestically. Linking up with Johnston on the right flank, the duo have evolved into a true creative force for manager Brendan Rodgers, contributing significantly to Celtic’s highly promising start.
Papé Guèye (Aberdeen)
What a redemption arc this has proven to be! Signed from KV Kortrijk last summer, the 24-year-old appeared out of place and was loaned out to Kristiansund BK by Neil Warnock just months after arriving. However, his metamorphosis under new Dons head coach Thelin has been truly outstanding. He is one of the greatest performers in the Scottish Premiership this season, scoring five goals in as many games despite having an xG of 3.21. He wins more aerial duels than any other striker in the league and averages one goal every 66 minutes.
Lennon Miller (motherwell)
The 17-year-old offensive midfielder from Wishaw has started the season well for the Fir Park team. He’s produced 15 chances thus far this season, two of which have resulted in assists for his teammates. If he continues on this path, the youthful phenom appears to be on the verge of joining Scotland’s senior team, with some analysts and fans already referring to Miller as a wonderkid.
Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen)
The Scottish Premiership’s joint-top assister, 27-year-old Irish midfielder McGrath, has had a significant impact on Aberdeen’s perfect start to the season, with a goal every 77 minutes. He’s also been an impressive defensive player for Aberdeen, winning 87.5% of his tackles and making 30 recoveries. Statistically, his metrics have improved significantly after Thelin’s arrival, with particularly notable increases in chance generation per game.
Luke McCowan (Dundee, Celtic)
You do not get targeted by two of Scotland’s major clubs unless you are doing something properly. The former Dundee talisman was involved in a tug-of-war between Celtic and Hibs on deadline day, but the champions won the battle for his signature, and he hasn’t looked intimidated by the challenge, coming off the bench in a 3-0 Old Firm win before scoring the clinching second goal in a 2-0 win over Hearts. In fact, McCowan had a direct goal involvement every 73 minutes in his Dundee and Celtic outings, scoring three and assisting on another. Always looking to be involved in the play, the midfielder takes an average of 69 touches per 90 minutes .
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