Wilfried Zaha only the fourth most fouled player in the Premier League this season

Although the Premier League has seen a move away from the traditional strong style of English football it still retains higher levels of physicality than other European Leagues.

Although fans in England really appreciate tough tackling players, it is the skillful, technically gifted attackers that get fans out of their seats more than anyone. This has become a hot topic in recent days with Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha demanding more to be done by referees to prevent fouls on attacker causing injuries.

However the statistics show that Zaha is only the equal fourth most fouled player in the Premeir League this season.

Coming in just behind Zaha are fellow accomplished dribblers Felipe Anderson, Jack Wilshere, Bobby Reid, Sadio Mane, Joe Bennett, Paul Pogba and Kennedy, who have been on the end of ten bad challenges 

The winger has been upended 11 times so far this campaign, alongside Matteo Guendouzi, Robert Snodgrass, Rajiv van La Parra and Ryan Fraser.

So who has been on the end of even more tough treatment? Will Hughes, part of Watford's impressive start under Javi Gracia comes in at third having been taken out 13 times, at least in part due to his slight frame and high energy style.

In second it is no surprise to see Eden Hazard, with his lightening acceleration and electric agility, kicking the Belgian is often the only way defenders can stop him. Just check out this picture of his ankles below.

April 10, 2017

However in first place is England under-21 midfielder and new Leicester City signing James Maddison. With 18 offences committed against him the young talent has been a frequent target after making the step up to the Premier League. Although having spent a season in the championship at Norwich we doubt this sort of rough and tumble comes as a surprise. 

With the top six Premier League clubs turning their attention to Europe again in the week, the way in which European football is refeereed will come back into the spotlight. English fans often get frustrated with the way in which the Europa League and Champions League is officiated with fouls given more easily and crunching challenges often penalised, even if the tackler manages to get the ball. 

If Zaha's comments make Premier League referees less lenient and the style of the league becomes more like other competitions on the continent, will the Premier League lose some of it's appeal?