Arsenal’s 7 most improved players in 2023-24 according to WhoScored
Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League and we have identified their seven most improved players this season according to Whoscored average match ratings.
The Gunners were plenty of fun to watch last season, but Mikel Arteta’s men look like they mean business this time around. With the best attacking and defensive record in the league, they look like a force to be reckoned with at the moment.
We’ve taken a closer look at the Arsenal squad and have found their seven most improved players this season, based on how much their average match rating has increased from last year.
7. Ben White (+0.07)
How White has seamlessly transitioned into a full-back role since his arrival at Arsenal needs to be studied. The 26-year-old was among Arsenal’s most consistent performers last time around and he’s steadily improved since.
He’s featured in all but one of Arsenal’s league games so far and has seen his match rating increase from 6.78 to 6.85. That’s not bad going.
=5. Fabio Vieira (+0.16)
While Vieira has missed the majority of the season through injury, he has managed to showcase a gradual improvement compared to last season.
The attacking midfielder has only played 283 minutes of Premier League football in 2023-24, but he’s managed to produce three goal contributions in that time. That’s been enough to see a steady improvement in his match rating.
=5. Eddie Nketiah (+0.16)
He’s not a regular in the starting XI, but Nketiah is always ready to make an impact when called upon. Impressively, he’s currently averaging a Premier League goal or assist every 149 minutes which is some going.
With notable performances against Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Fulham, Nketiah’s average match rating has been bumped up by 0.16 when compared to last season.
=5. Kai Havertz (+0.16)
Plenty of people raised their noses at this signing, but the German international has proven his worth of late. With four goals in his last four league matches, he’s in the form of his life right now.
Whether he’s played in midfield or part of the forward three, Arteta has managed to get a tune out of him. Compared to his final Chelsea days, his average match rating has improved by 0.16.
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4. Takehiro Tomiyasu (+0.18)
The Japanese defender has been quite unfortunate with injuries over the last 18 months. However, despite missing a chunk of this season, he’s still managed to showcase an improvement from last time.
Whether he’s filled in at full-back or centre-half, Tomiyasu can usually be relied upon to produce a steady performance. A 0.18 improvement in his average match rating means he’s Arsenal’s fourth most-improved player this season.
3. Gabriel Magalhaes (+0.20)
The Brazilian defender has been a rock at the back for the Gunners this season. It’s no wonder they boast the best defensive record in the league with players like Gabriel at the back.
Along with his defensive duties, he also tends to pop up with a goal now and again. He’s already scored four this season and has seen his average match rating increase by 0.2.
2. Bukayo Saka (+0.29)
Arsenal’s starboy has been in fine form of late. With nine goal contributions in his last eight league matches, he’s looking sharper than ever at the most important stage of the season.
Impressively, he’s managed to produce 31 goal contributions this season across all competitions which is far more than any other Arsenal player has managed.
Saka was sharp last season, but right now he looks like a killer who can seriously influence a title race. Compared to last season, his average match rating has increased by 0.29.
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1. Declan Rice (+0.38)
There’s a strong argument to be made that Rice was the signing of the summer. We all recognised how good he was at West Ham, but he’s managed to step up to a new level at Arsenal and the stats back that up.
In his final season with the Hammers, Rice had an average match rating of 7.02. He’s since seen it jump to 7.40 which is a significant bump for the 25-year-old.
Rice has scored plenty of decisive goals for the Gunners and his calmness in midfield has been a huge asset to Arteta’s side of late. He’ll no doubt have a significant role to play in the title run-in.
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