In fact, there has only been one player from outside of the ‘big six’ clubs to be included in the last two Premier League teams of the season (Romelu Lukaku formerly of Everton).
With this in mind, let’s look at this season’s best Premier League XI. Using players not currently with one of the six major clubs.
GK – Nick Pope
The Burnley keeper has more clean sheets (11) than any other Premier League keeper outside of the big six clubs.
Not only are his clean sheets impressive, Pope has only allowed 28 goals in his 32 league matches this season.
The 28 goals conceded is better than Chelsea’s Thibault Courtois and Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris. Pope also ranks high in saves (6th), high claims (1st), and sweeper clearances (6th).
RB – Matthew Lowton
Keeping with the Burnley theme, Lowton would probably just edge out Southampton’s Cedric Soares and Bournemouth’s Adam Smith.
Lowton only managed 23 Premier League starts at right back. With limited playing time his numbers are impressive with 107 clearances, 46 tackles, and 28 blocks (all ranked inside the top 10 at his position).
