Ollie Watkins, Rio Ngumoha & Co. - Which Premier League stars have had the most goal contributions in pre-season?

PL kicks off Friday 

The wait is almost over. After weeks of transfer rumours, new kit launches, and sun-soaked training camps, the Premier League roars back into action this weekend. For managers, pre-season has been about fine-tuning tactics and building fitness; for certain players, it’s been a chance to hit the ground running in front of goal. Some have used the summer friendlies to sharpen their finishing, others to hone their creative edge - racking up goals and assists that could be a sign of things to come.

While results in July and early August rarely tell the full story, individual form can be harder to ignore. The sharpest forwards, the most inventive playmakers, and even a few surprise names have all been making their mark, leading the charts for pre-season goal contributions (goals + assists). Transfermarkt takes a closer look at the players who’ve been the most productive in front of goal during the summer schedule - and whether they can carry that momentum into the opening weeks of the new campaign. Players with the same amount of goal contributions have been ranked by the amount of goals scored.

Which Premier League players have most goal contributions in pre-season?

Leading the way are in fact four players who have each managed five goals and one assist this pre-season. Ollie Watkins has been in red hot form for Villa, whilst Jean-Philippe Mateta has been finding the back of the net with regularity for Crystal Palace. Fulham's Harry Wilson and former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez, who has now departed the Reds for the Saudi Pro League, also each have five goals and one assist. Another Red in Cody Gakpo takes fifth with four goals and one assist for Arne Slot's side in pre-season.

Sharing sixth position is one of the Premier League most established stars and one of the most exciting young talents in the division. Bruno Fernandes has managed three goals and two assists, whilst 16-year-old Liverpool talent Rio Ngumoha has also achieved that feat. Meanwhile, Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari shares eighth with Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen - each with two goals and three assists, whilst Seagulls striker Danny Welbeck completes the top 10 with four goals scored.