We’re ten games into the 2022/23 Serie A season and Napoli are on top of the pile. Inter and Juventus have not made the starts to their campaigns that they would have liked, whilst Udinese are this year’s surprise package so far. There’s a host of talent on display throughout Serie A but this term has seen some surprise players performing well, as well as some well-known stars. Here’s our top five players of the 2022/23 Serie A season so far, including Paulo Dybala, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Marko Arnautovic.
5. Marko Arnautovic (Bologna)
Marko Arnautovic had a solid first campaign with Bologna last season, scoring 14 goals in Serie A. He is now the current top goalscorer in the league with six goals in seven games. The former West Ham forward is showing exactly why he continues to feature across Europe’s top leagues and could help Bologna push for a top half finish.
Arnautovic has been linked with moves back to the Premier League of late, with a return back to the London Stadium to reunite with David Moyes not completely out of the question during the summer window. Erik Ten Haag was also reportedly keen on signing the 33-year-old over the summer, being a fan of his attitude and characteristics, as well as his footballing ability and goal scoring ability. Manchester United walked away from the deal so the Austrian seems to be set to stay with Bologna for now.
4. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
What a start to life the Georgian international has made to introduce himself to the rest of Europe. We highlighted ‘Kvaradona’ as one to watch before the campaign began and he has certainly caught the eye, scoring four goals and assisting once in his first seven Serie A appearances.
The winger hit the headlines at the beginning of the month after dazzling against Liverpool in Napoli’s emphatic 4-1 win in the Champions League. He may not have been known before, but the tricky winger’s name is touching the lips of those across Europe now. He’s got the ability to change games and his unique dribbling makes him stand out. He also scored the winning goal against Lazio at the beginning of September with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box. Kvaratskhelia is making up for the departures of Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens for now.
3. Paulo Dybala (Roma)
One of Serie A’s most well-known talents continues to perform at such a high standard. Paulo Dybala’s move from Juventus to Roma has started off in great fashion for the Argentinian, scoring three goals and assisting twice in his first six league games for Roma. The 28-year-old has slotted into Jose Mourinho’s system seamlessly as Roma search for a top four finish this term.
Dybala missed the Giallorossi’s last fixture, a 1-0 home defeat against Atalanta, due to a minor muscle injury. However, some good news is that he has returned to general training with Argentina and he will likely to be ready to go for Roma’s next clash, which is a blockbuster contest against Inter at the San Siro. Certainly one that Jose and the rest of the Roma faithful will be hoping Dybala is fully fit for.
The Argentinian seems to be delighted with his move to Rome and Mourinho appears to be making a strong impact on the Giallorossi, bringing in a number of star talents to the club. Dybala’s relationship with Jose is key, with the pair already forming a strong bond and the former Juve man already proving to be a leadership figure in the dressing room. He will likely play an imperative part on the ongoing project at Roma.
? Kim Min-Jae is making more passes per game (72.8) than any other player in Serie A this season pic.twitter.com/anq6bay8Hh
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 25, 2022
2. Kim Min-jae (Napoli)
The South Korean has made a strong start in Naples after joining from Fenerbahce for €20 million back in July. Kim Min-jae has unquestionably helped Napoli to their league position, featuring in six out of seven of their league games, keeping two clean sheets and also bagging the equalising goal against Lazio earlier this month.
The 25-year-old had some big boots to fill with Kalidou Koulibaly departing the club to join Chelsea and he is certainly proving that he has the quality to play to a Champions League standard; something that head coach Luciano Spalletti stated when signing him.
Kim Min-jae has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United rumoured to be keen on activating his reported €50 million release clause for foreign clubs. Ten Haag is keen on improving his defensive options and Kim’s ability to play out from the back could be key to fit the former Ajax boss’ style of play. However, there have been some question marks raised about his ability to deal with powerful forwards; he would have a tough time against the likes of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in England.
1. Roger Ibanez (Roma)
Roger Ibanez has played a prominent role at the heart of Mourinho’s defence this season and has started in every league match so far, keeping three clean sheets and also getting on the scoresheet once. The 23-year-old has earned his first call-up for Brazil and has thanked Mourinho for helping him reach this personal milestone.
Ibanez has been named by WhoScored in their best European XI, earning an average rating of 7.42 for Roma. Newcastle were linked with the defender but opted for the signing of Sven Botman from Lille instead. However, don’t be surprised for Eddie Howe’s side to make another move for Ibanez, either in the winter transfer window or next summer.
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the defender as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his squad with players from Serie A once more. However, Ibanez could start to draw even more callers with his performances for Roma being considered some of the best across Europe so far this term. It may be tough for Jose to keep Ibanez in Rome and he’s certainly worthy of being top of our Serie A Top Five Players’ list so far.