The best Premier League players in the first half of the season

As Premier League action comes to a halt for the 2022 World Cup, players in England’s top flight that aren’t jetting off to Qatar will have a few weeks to recharge their batteries. In unfamiliar circumstances, this will be the first-ever winter break in Premier League history, with fixtures set to return on Boxing Day, as is tradition.

Games have been coming thick and fast since the season kicked off in August, as football fans get set for another tension-packed five months when things return. From Arsenal’s bid for the title to Julen Lopetegui’s first game at Wolves, there is plenty to get excited about when checking the football betting odds, but now a period to reflect on the season so far throughout the World Cup.

The first half of this season brought about fresh faces, redemption arcs and plenty of goals, so with that in mind, read on as we take a look at the standout players so far in this Premier League campaign.

Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle United

Newcastle fans — pinch yourselves, you aren’t dreaming! The Magpies will spend Christmas in the top four of the Premier League for the first time this century, and it is testament to the great work Eddie Howe has done in his first year in the North East. Newcastle’s takeover means the squad has been overhauled, and a mean back four that is the best in the league has been assisted by the genius of star player Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian, who turned heads when he rejected the likes of Arsenal to go to St. James’ Park this time last year, has rediscovered the feel-good factor for Geordies since his arrival. Technically gifted, the versatile midfielder has added that extra class to a hard-working side that should be enough to earn Newcastle European football in some capacity if they remain consistent next year.

Erling Haaland – Manchester City

A lot of us knew what Erling Haaland had to offer when Manchester City paid £51 million to bring the Norwegian striker in from Borussia Dortmund, but few would have predicted just how meteoric his rise would be. Haaland has taken the champions from strength-to-strength, with 18 goals by mid-November putting him well on course to beat Mohamed Salah’s record for goals in a season.

The Egyptian scored 32 in his return to the Premier League, but at the rate City and Haaland are scoring, the Norwegian will take some serious stopping. With five weeks to recharge the batteries, expect the brute to come back and rampage defenders throughout the second half of the season, most likely picking up a Premier League title, Golden Boot and Player of the Year award for his troubles.

William Saliba – Arsenal

Defenders often go overlooked in these lists, but the return of William Saliba at Arsenal has felt like a new signing. The Frenchman, who earnt a call-up for the World Cup after a string of good performances, has been an anchor at the back for Mikel Arteta’s side as they embark on an unlikely title race.

Having been sent out on loan multiple times in Ligue 1, Arteta’s patience with Saliba has definitely paid off, with the centre-back maturing during last season’s stint with Marseille in which he won Young Player of the Year. Cool, calm and calculated in possession, Saliba’s tall stature helps him win aerial duels with ease and having formed a solid partnership with Gabriel, the Gunners look on track to finally secure Champions League football.