Five Dutch players in The Athletic's top 50, Liverpool quartet missing

The Athletic's top-50 Premier League players of the season includes five Dutch players, with Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen highest-ranked at ninth; Liverpool's Dutch contingent notably absent.

The Athletic has published its ranking of the fifty best Premier League players based on the first ten matchdays and current form. Pascal Gross of Brighton surprisingly tops the list, with the German midfielder's side sitting second in the table.

Bart Verbruggen is the highest-ranked Dutch player at ninth place. The Brighton goalkeeper has conceded just seven goals this season, with only Arsenal (five) having a better defensive record. Brian Brobbey of Sunderland follows at 33rd, though the striker has managed only three goals so far despite a productive previous campaign.

Micky van de Ven of Tottenham ranks 36th, while Sean Steur, who joined Newcastle from Ajax, sits at 47th. Jan Paul van Hecke completes the Dutch representation at 49th.

Notably absent from the top 50 are several high-profile Dutch players including Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Jeremie Frimpong and Cody Gakpo—all Liverpool players who have endured an inconsistent start to the season under manager Andoni Iraola, though the club currently sits fourth.