Rise in game time for English players in Premier League attributed to Clarets

A rise in game time for English players in the Premier League this season can be solely attributed to the Clarets, a BBC Sport study has found.
The Clarets have helped increase the percentage of English players playing in the Premier LeagueThe Clarets have helped increase the percentage of English players playing in the Premier League
The Clarets have helped increase the percentage of English players playing in the Premier League

That home-grown contingent still only makes up just over a third of time spent on the pitch, but Burnley’s promotion to England’s top tier has seen figures jump from 32.36 per cent of total playing time in 2013/14 to 36.08 per cent until October 1st.

Remove Sean Dyche’s side from the scenario and the second annual State of the Game study illustrates there are still restricted opportunities for English players at top clubs.

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Of the 136 English players to have played this season, Burnley used the most with 13 while Chelsea, Stoke City and Manchester City had each used the least with three.

The Clarets have helped increase the percentage of English players playing in the Premier LeagueThe Clarets have helped increase the percentage of English players playing in the Premier League
The Clarets have helped increase the percentage of English players playing in the Premier League

Last season just five English players featured in all 38 league matches: Steven Caulker (Cardiff), John Ruddy (Norwich), Mark Noble (West Ham), Steve Sidwell (Fulham), Adam Lallana (Southampton) and Leon Osman (Everton).

The study does, however, label Burnley’s only non-UK player to be used as Lukas Jutkiewicz, though the 25-year-old striker was born in Southampton and is eligible to play for England.