Richarlison Leads the Way: The Top Performers by Expected Goals In The Premier League
From under-the-radar midfielders to headline-grabbing strikers, the latest xG rankings reveal which players are finding the best scoring positions, even if the goals haven’t always followed. Starting from number 25 to the top spot, here’s a breakdown of the players with the highest expected goals so far this season.
25. Emile Smith Rowe – Efficiency in Short Bursts
Smith Rowe may not have played the most minutes, but his xG of 0.83 across three appearances shows his sharp eye for goal. With an impressive xG per 90 of 2.33, he’s making the most of limited time on the pitch.
24. Dango Ouattara – Quietly Dangerous
Dango Ouattara has quietly built an xG of 0.85 in just two matches. The midfielder is proving he can get into threatening areas consistently, averaging 0.91 xG per 90 minutes.
23. Riccardo Calafiori – Defender With a Nose for Goal
With 0.85 xG and one goal to his name, Calafiori is one of the more attack-minded defenders in the list. His ability to get forward and take chances stands out.
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22. Rodrigo Muniz – Clinical Finisher
Rodrigo Muniz has matched his xG of 0.85 with two goals, showing he’s not just finding good positions but finishing well too. His 0.81 xG per 90 is among the highest in this group.
21. Iliman Ndiaye – Making His Shots Count
Ndiaye has turned an xG of 0.86 into two goals from just two shots. That kind of efficiency puts him ahead of many forwards with more attempts.
20. Tijani Reijnders – Consistent Threat From Midfield
Reijnders' 0.86 xG reflects his consistent presence around the box. Though he’s only scored once, his involvement suggests more could come soon.
19. Lucas Paquetá – High Output, Few Chances
Despite having just two shots, Paquetá has bagged two goals from an xG of 0.86. He’s shown a sharp eye for positioning and finishing.
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18. Eliezer Mayenda – Impactful in Attack
Mayenda’s 0.87 xG from three appearances shows he’s finding opportunities in front of goal. His one goal so far hints at more potential to come.
17. Callum Hudson-Odoi – Rebuilding Momentum
With an xG of 0.88 and a goal to show for it, Hudson-Odoi is working his way back into top form. He’s making his presence felt in the final third.
16. Mohamed Salah – A Quieter Start
Salah’s 0.89 xG from three appearances is relatively low by his standards, and he has just one goal to show for it. Still, his track record suggests he’ll improve quickly.
15. Igor Thiago – Sharp Inside the Box
Igor Thiago has scored twice with an xG of 0.91, showing a strong sense for positioning. His 0.45 xG per 90 may not be the highest, but he’s been productive.
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14. João Pedro – Goals Align With Chances
João Pedro has two goals from a 0.91 xG, which matches his output well. His consistent threat is evident through five shots across three matches.
13. Matthew O’Riley – Steady Midfield Contributor
O’Riley is proving to be a solid attacking option from midfield. His 0.94 xG over just two games, with a goal to his name, shows he’s regularly involved.
12. Cody Gakpo – Quietly Effective
Gakpo’s 0.94 xG may seem modest, but he’s taken four shots and netted once. The forward continues to create chances in a consistent manner.
11. Daniel Ballard – Set Piece Specialist?
Ballard, a defender, has picked up an xG of 0.95 in just two games, likely from set pieces. He’s already scored once and is proving a threat in the air.
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10. Marcus Tavernier – Midfield Engine With a Goal Eye
Tavernier has logged 1.03 xG and one goal so far, proving himself to be a steady contributor. His four shots suggest he’s actively seeking chances.
9. Jaidon Anthony – Efficient and Effective
Anthony has scored twice from an xG of 1.04 and six shots, suggesting sharp finishing. His 0.53 xG per 90 shows a steady contribution in attack.
8. Viktor Gyökeres – Finding Form Quickly
Gyökeres has notched up a 1.46 xG with two goals to match. He’s made the most of his three shots so far, averaging 0.88 xG per 90.
7. Jurriën Timber – Defender With Surprising Output
Timber's numbers are eye-catching: a 1.49 xG and two goals from just three shots. His 1.64 xG per 90 is the highest on the list, showing huge attacking involvement for a defender.
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6. Brennan Johnson – Consistent Forward Play
Johnson has produced 1.53 xG and two goals across four shots. He’s averaging 0.87 xG per 90, highlighting his consistent threat in front of goal.
5. Chris Wood – Maximum Impact
Wood has needed just four shots to generate 1.58 xG and two goals. His efficiency is among the best on this list.
4. Erling Haaland – Back Doing Haaland Things
Haaland may have a lower xG than some expect at 1.64, but he’s already scored three goals. He remains one of the game’s most lethal forwards.
3. Hugo Ekitike – Rising Star
Ekitike has matched his 1.65 xG with two goals, averaging 0.98 xG per 90. His five shots show he’s selective and smart with his finishing.
2. Antoine Semenyo – Strong Start
Semenyo’s 1.7 xG and two goals from seven shots show he’s off to a solid start. With an average of 0.85 xG per 90, he’s consistently in the right spots.
1. Richarlison – Leading the xG Pack
Richarlison tops the chart with 1.82 xG and two goals across eight shots. With an average of 1.1 xG per 90 minutes, he’s been the most active player in front of goal so far.
