As we approach the final couple of months of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, we can certainly admit that it has been a brilliant year for Liverpool and Man City as they continue to chase the title.
However, it has also been a season for many teams out of the Big Six to shine for themselves, while a large number of individuals have outshone the big names.
We have decided to look at this season’s highest rated starting XI outside of the ‘Big Six’ clubs and it certainly is a very talented team.
The ratings come from WhoScored.com, which are calculated using over 200 raw statistics.
Here is the team...
5. Rayan Ait-Nouri - 7.06
Ait-Nouri has been another member of Wolves’ brilliant defence this season after joining them permanently last summer. | Getty Images
6. Conor Gallagher - 7.26
Gallagher is the highest rated player outside of the ‘big six’, scoring eight goals in the league and earning himself an England call-up. | Getty Images
7. James Ward-Prowse - 7.10
James Ward-Prowse has been consistently one of Southampton’s best players for year now and always shines in the Premier League for his unbelievable free-kicks. The midfielder has six goals and four assists this season. | Getty Images
8. John McGinn - 7.17
McGinn has been a regular in Aston Villa’s side since joining the club four years ago and has been a favourite in the Premier League. | Getty Images