The ‘BEST’ striker in English football this season according to Opta data, with two Brazilians and an England star in top five… but there’s no place for Erling Haaland

New data revealed who the Premier League‘s best striker this season is, with one of the top three sides in the division boasting the star talent and it’s not Erling Haaland.

The English top-flight is set to resume this weekend following the international break with Arsenal, Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City locked in a three-way battle for the title.

Meanwhile the race for the remaining Champions League spot also looks to go down to the wire with Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United all still in contention.

Clubs seeking to gain extra competitive advantage delve deep into statistical analysis and a new report by Squawka and Opta has revealed the Premier League’s most potent strikers.

The assessment harnessed data on xG (expected goals) without penalties, goals, goals and assists, expected assists, great chances created, feints completed, possession won in the defensive quarter, shots, shots placed, accuracy of shots, percentage of shots that end in goal and touches in the opponent’s area.

Erling Haaland failed to make the cut as new Opta stats revealed the Premier League’s best strikers

One Manchester United star made the cut after an impressive goalscoring season

Every striker in the top division was reviewed and surprisingly the top five doesn’t feature Manchester City’s superstar striker Haaland, but does include Liverpool and Man United players.

Reds striker Darwin Nunez claims the top accolade after being awarded a total score of 78 per cent with all the attributing factors being considered, despite his struggles in front of goal this season.

The Uruguayan has previously been mocked by rival fans this season for his finishing ability but has still chipped in with 17 goals in all competitions for Liverpool.

The study highlighted Nunez as the Premier League’s best based on what each player performs statistically on average every 90 minutes.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins scored highest behind Nunez with 76 per cent during what has been a stunning season for the 28-year-old who has scored 16 top-flight goals for Unai Emery’s side.

Liverpool’s Uruguayan star Darwin Nunez was named as the best striker in the Premier League according to new statistics

Man United’s Rasmus Hojlund claimed third place with an overall score of 75 per cent

Aston Villa and England star Ollie Watkins ranked second behind season after a brilliant season

Fulham’s Brazilian goalscorer Rodrigo Muniz was named as the fourth best striker

Man United’s Dutch forward Rasmus Hojlund clinched third spot in the rankings with an overall score of 75 per cent reflective of his debut efforts playing in England.

The youngster moved to Old Trafford in a £72m summer deal from Atalanta and after a 15-match wait for a first league goal proceeded to become the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League matches.

Erik ten Hag’s decision to make Hojlund his main centre forward finally appears to be paying off with the Dane beginning to thrive alongside Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. 

Two Brazilians make up the final top five of the latest statistical report with Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz scoring 71 per cent and Tottenham star Richarlison awarded a 69 per cent total.