The international break is over and Premier League fans cannot wait to see their clubs back in action, but which players have been keeping up the high standards while on international duty?
Here are the ten Premier League stars who boasted the highest average match ratings via WhoScored.com in the Euro 2024 qualifiers (minimum 70 minutes played).
10 - Amadou Onana (Belgium/Everton) 7.84
Although Everton’s season has been pretty dismal with the Toffees fighting to maintain their place in the Premier League once again, midfielder Amadou Onana has been a positive arrival at the club. The 21-year-old is already starting to establish himself as a key player for Belgium and he played a major role in their victory over Sweden. He played 90 minutes for the Red Devils and won an impressive five aerial duels.
9 - Granit Xhaka (Switzerland/Arsenal) 7.91
Switzerland got their Euro qualifying campaign off to a flyer with a 5-0 victory over Belarus and a 3-0 triumph over Israel. Midfield star Grant Xhaka carried over his fine club form with the Gunners over to the national team as he provided a goal and assist in his two appearances over the international break.
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8 - Wout Faes (Belgium/Leicester City) 7.95
Given how much of a tough time Wout Faes has had for Leicester since joining them in the summer, it is quite surprising to see the central defender make the cut in this list. He played 90 minutes in Belgium’s 3-0 win over Sweden to get their qualifying campaign off to a strong start. He won two aerial duels partnered next to veteran Jan Vertonghen and boasted a 92.3% pass success rate.
7 - Bukayo Saka (England/Arsenal) 7.96
Bukayo Saka is one of the most exciting wingers in the world right now and his form stretches across both domestic and international fixtures. He is a figurehead in Arsenal’s Premier League title charge and is also starting to make himself undroppable for the Three Lions. The youngster featured in both qualifier victories over Italy and Ukraine, ending the break with a goal and assist to his name.
6 - Nathan Ake (Netherlands/Manchester City) 7.99
Nathan Ake has established himself as a key figure for both Manchester City and the Netherlands over the past 18 months and he started both their Euro qualifiers at left-back. After losing the first match 4-0 to France, he and his team responded with a 3-0 triumph over Gibraltar with Ake scoring twice. Over the course of the two games he had a 93.7% pass success rate, just what Pep Guardiola will want to see.
5 - Bruno Fernandes (Portugal/Manchester United) 8.05
Bruno Fernandes has been a crucial player for Portugal in recent years but he has also been integral for Manchester United since the departure of his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. Fernandes played in both of Portugal’s qualifier victories over Lichtenstein and Luxembourg, registering an assist against the latter.
4 - Scott McTominay (Scotland/Manchester United) 8.28
United’s boisterous midfielder Scott McTominay has had quite an enjoyable international break. After coming off the bench against Cyprus, he helped wrap up the three points with two late goals. This earned him a start against Spain on Tuesday night and he brought his shooting boots with him again as two more goals helped record a historic victory over Spain at Hampden Park. McTominay picked up the Player of the Match award in both fixtures.
3 - Mateo Kovacic (Croatia/Chelsea) 8.35
Another midfielder who found the back of the net twice during the international break was Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic. While the season hasn’t been great for him at Stamford Bridge, it hasn’t stopped him from turning in some commanding displays for Croatia. He featured in his country’s 1-1 draw against Wales and then stole the show with a brace as they beat Turkey 2-0.
2 - Joao Palhinha (Portugal/Fulham) 8.55
Joao Palhinha has undoubtedly been one of the best signings in the Premier League this year and his fine form for Fulham has translated over to his Portugal performances. He started in both his team’s victories over Lichtenstein and Luxembourg, grabbing an assist in the latter. He won six aerial duels across the two matches too.
1 - Marcel Sabitzer (Austria/Manchester United) 10.00
Manchester United loanee Sabitzer started Austria’s qualifier against Azerbaijan in the middle of the park and delivered a masterclass in his side’s 4-1 victory. He himself scored twice and assisted another to earn an incredible 10/10 rating from WhoScored.com. However, his international break was cut short as he was forced off with a knee injury after 74 minutes which could prove to be a huge loss for United in the final weeks of the season.
