Grealish takes a kicking but no Neymar in most fouled XI

Opponents will quickly identify a key man in a team and go to any lengths to ensure their impact is kept to a minimum. Of course, this sometimes doesn't have the desired effect and can often prove a hindrance rather than a help. 

In our latest stats XI, we look at the most fouled team in Europe's top five leagues this season, which includes two rumoured Manchester United targets... 

Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic (Reims) - Fouled 10 times 

The most targetted goalkeeper by opponents in Europe's top five leagues this season, Predrag Rajkovic has been fouled more times (10) than any other shotstopper. If they are attempting to deter the 24-year-old from performing at his best, then it's an approach that doesn't work. The Serb has garnered a solid WhoScored rating of 7.03 this term, a commendable return for the Reims number one. 

Right-back: Emerson (Real Betis) - 60 

The first of two Real Betis representatives, Emerson has been a first team regular following his summer arrival from Barcelona and has duly rewarded the faith shown in him by the club's managerial team having chipped in with three goals and five assists. Opponents are quick to note his offensive threat and look to deter the Brazilian's impact by any means necessary with the 21-year-old fouled 60 times this season.

Centre-back: Thiago Cionek (SPAL 2013) - 43 

Experienced SPAL 2013 centre-back Thiago Cionek gives as good as he gets in Serie A. The 33-year-old has developed a statistically calculated WhoScored style of play of 'commits fouls often' having totted up 41 fouls in Italy's top tier this term. However, Cionek is a centre-back who bares the wrath of opponents having been fouled two more times (43) than he has committed fouls this season. 

Centre-back: Unai Bustinza (Leganes) - 36 

Partnering Cionek at the back in the most fouled XI, Leganes defender Unai Bustinza makes the side having been fouled 36 times in LaLiga action this season. The Spaniard has been fouled in all but five league matches this season, a commendable feat given the 28-year-old has featured mostly at centre-back, but it shows that his efforts to to wind up opponents works in his and Leganes' favour. 

Left-back: Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) - 51 

The second and final Serie A representative, Theo Hernandez has been a shining light in a disappointing domestic campaign for AC Milan. The Frenchman (7.18) is second only to Zlatan Ibrahimovic (7.22) as their top rated player in Serie A this season and for good reason, too, having scored five and assisted two in Italy's top tier. Like Emerson with Real Betis, opponents quickly noted his attacking threat and took to any means necessary to stop Hernandez, who features at left-back having been fouled 51 times this season. 

Central midfield: Rafinha (Celta Vigo) - 79 

Back on familiar territory, Rafinha has been key for Celta Vigo, who sit just outside the relegation zone in LaLiga. However, it's likely that the Celestes would be mired in the bottom three were it not for the Spaniard, who is Celta's top rated player with a WhoScored rating of 7.13. And across his time with Barcelona and Celta this season, Rafinha has been fouled a total of 79 times. 

Central midfield: James Maddison (Leicester) - 81 

The fourth most fouled player in Europe's top five leagues this season, Leicester's James Maddison partners Rafinha at the base of the midfield in the 4-2-3-1 setup. The England international has developed a knack for drawing fouls in the final third and it benefits Maddison, whose 38 goalscoring chances created from set-piece situations in the Premier League this season is the joint-most in the Premier League this season. Indeed, Maddison has been fouled 81 times this term to make this XI. 

Right wing: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) - 94 

As Crystal Palace's primary attacking outlet, it's no real surprise that Wilfried Zaha makes the cut in this team. The Ivorian ranks second for succcessful dribbles (136) in Europe's top five leagues and such a prolific ball carrier will always attract attention from defenders and Zaha is no exception. The Eagles ace has been fouled the second most times (94) in Europe to feature on the right flank. 

Attacking midfield: Nabil Fekir (Real Betis) - 84 

The second Real Betis representative comes in the form of Nabil Fekir, who has impressed on the back of his summer arrival from Lyon. Real Betis may be floundering in mid-table, yet Fekir is far and away their best rated player this season with a WhoScored rating of 7.39. With seven goals and three assists to his name, opponents have identified the Frenchman as the focal point of their attack and have fouled him a total of 84 times this season. 

Left wing: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa) - 127 

Far and away the most fouled player in Europe's top five leagues this season, Aston Villa's Jack Grealish has been infringed upon a total of 127 times as opponents go to any lengths to ensure he fails to have the desired impact for the Villans. 34.6% of the total number of fouls Villa players have been on the receiving end of have been by Grealish, with 'Gets fouled often' rightly one of his statistically calculated WhoScored styles of play. 

Striker: Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace) - 75 

The final player in this XI plies his trade alongside Wilfried Zaha for Palace. Jordan Ayew has proven an astute pick up by the Eagles having scored more goals (8) than any other Palace player in the Premier League this season. Like Zaha, Ayew has been identified as a key attacker for Roy Hodgson's side and has been fouled a total of 75 times, that the sixth most in Europe's top five leagues.