Top four performing Portuguese Players in the English Premier League 2018/19

The Premier League has just passed the halfway mark and the football writers of the English press are already starting to turn their thoughts to whom should be crowned the Premier League footballer of the year. Of course, there is still a long way to go but the performances put in during the first half of the season are a good indicator of what’s to come in the second half.

In this article, we share with you the four best performing Portuguese players in the Premier League thus far. Note that you can also have your say by simply visiting the following best-betting sites for football

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

In his first season at Manchester City, it looked as if Bernardo Silva might not make the grade at the club. The 24-year-old appeared to struggle with the physicality of the Premier League – and the fact his namesake David Silva was in outstanding form – and was in and out of the team. That all changed in his second campaign. Despite his diminutive size, Silva has been a beast this season.

Restricted to the bench for the better part of last season, Bernardo has already featured 29 times for Manchester City this time round, 22 of those appearances coming in the League, 5 in the Champions League and solitary appearances in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. To date, Bernardo has repaid the faith shown in him by Pep Guardiola with 8 goals and 6 assists in all competitions for the Citizens.

Ricardo (Leicester City)

A lot was expected from the former FC Porto right-back after his €30 million switch from Portugal to England in the summer, and he has not disappointed. After a lukewarm start, Ricardo has shone brightly for a team that has often struggled, and if Leicester fans were asked for their player of the season thus far, the 25-year-old would be right up there. As throughout his career, Ricardo has shown tremendous versatility in a Leicester shirt, looking equally at home in defence and further up the pitch as a midfielder or even a winger. The highlight of Ricardo’s time in England so far? That’s easy. His spectacular winner in Leicester’s shock win over Manchester City on Boxing Day.

Diogo Jota (Wolves)

The 22-year-old wide midfielder, who is also capable of playing as a centre-forward, has been one of Wolves’ best players as the club has exceeded expectations. Diogo Jota is a key part of Wolves’ system of play, usually hugging the touchline, receiving diagonal balls and driving into the opposition half of the pitch. He is equally adept operating as a second striker, using his pace and lethal finishing to good effect, as seen when bagging a hat-trick against Leicester earlier this month.

Like the aforementioned Ricardo, Jota started the season slowly and an injury in December threatened to halt his progress, but since regaining full fitness he has gone from strength the strength and seems to be hitting peak form as we approach the business end of the season. Jota has made 20 appearances for Wolves and is a good bet to add significantly to his five goals before the end of the campaign.

Rui Patrício (Wolves)

Rui Patrício is another Portuguese player who has been immense for Wolves this season. The 30-year-old Seleção Number One has appeared in all 23 Premier League games for Wolves. Patrício has kept five clean sheets, and his experience at the very top of the game – 77 Portugal caps, 26 champions League appearances – in a team full of youngsters has no doubt been a big factor in the club’s smooth transition to England’s top division after gaining promotion last season.

By Peter Klark