Antonio Silva has transformed Bournemouth's season, league-topping data shows why

Portuguese centre-back Silva, signed from Benfica for £25.7m, leads Premier League in defensive duel win percentage (72.09%) and has transformed Bournemouth's season.

Antonio Silva has become one of Bournemouth's standout performers this season following his summer arrival from Benfica for £25.7 million. The 23-year-old Portuguese centre-back has adapted quickly to the Premier League's physical demands, leading the division in defensive duel win percentage at 72.09%.

He ranks in the 94.5th percentile for total defensive contributions with 106 across the season, averaging 7.4 clearances per game with 74 total so far.

Silva's performances have coincided with Bournemouth's improved form under manager Marco Rose. The Cherries, who started the season poorly, have kept five clean sheets in their last seven games in all competitions.

At just 23 years old, Silva is already attracting attention from Europe's biggest clubs, following the pattern of previous Bournemouth defenders Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi who moved on to larger teams. The club would reportedly demand more than double their initial investment to consider an early sale.