Winning the battle in the air remains a valuable skill in the Premier League, and several players have already established themselves as dominant aerial forces in the opening weeks of 2026/27.
Several of the division’s most imposing centre-backs feature among the early leaders, but it isHull City forward Oli McBurnie who currently sets the standard.
Here are thePremier League players averaging the most aerial duels won per 90 minutes so far this season.
The Premier League players with the most aerial duels won per 90 minutes
5. Dan Ballard – Sunderland (4.9)
Dan Ballard was a pivotal presence inSunderland‘s successful return to the Premier League last season, with Northern Ireland international among the league leaders for aerial duels. It’s been more of the same this season, with Ballard first for duels contested among Premier League centre-backs and third for duels won. He’s averaged 4.9 aerial duels won per 90 so far this season.
=3. Sven Botman – Newcastle United (4.94)
Another North East native ranks in the top five, with Sven Botman marginally ahead of Ballard. The Dutch defender has started all five Premier League games under new head coach Matthias Jaissle and has made his presence in the air felt.
=3. Ronald Araujo – Liverpool (4.94)
The saying is you should never fall in love with a loan player, butLiverpool fans might be breaking that golden rule. Ronald Araujo has made an immediate impact since arriving from Barcelona, strengthening up what had been a problem position at right-back.
2. Luka Vuskovic – Brighton (4.98)
Brighton broke the bank to land Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, with surprise that Spurs sanctioned the sale of the teenager.
Vuskovic had starred on loan at Hamburg, where he had dominated in both boxes in the Bundesliga. A huge 4.98 aerial duels won per 90 highlights how he thrives in the air.
1. Oli McBurnie – Hull City (5.88)
Oli McBurnie leads the league for aerial duels won per 90, with the Scottish striker an important outlet for newly-promoted Hull. Though he’s yet to open his goal account this season, his form did earn McBurnie a long-awaited Scotland recall.
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