Ajayi Named Among Transfermarkt’s 10 Best Performers of Premier League Matchday 1
Nigeria international Semi Ajayi has been named among Transfermarkt’s 10 standout performers from the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season following his impressive display for Hull City in their historic 2-0 victory over Manchester United.
Ajayi, who opened the scoring for the newly promoted Tigers, was ranked seventh in Transfermarkt’s list, with the German-based football website praising the veteran centre-back for his defensive performance alongside Nobel Mendy and John Egan.
Ajayi played a key role in Hull’s backline as they frustrated Manchester United throughout the encounter and secured a famous opening-day victory at home.
Mamadou Sangaré of Brentford topped the ranking, while Chelsea star Cole Palmer was placed second after scoring and assisting in the Blues’ victory over Fulham.
Hull teammate Mendy was third, followed by Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood, Arsenal’s Christos Tzolis, Everton’s Harrison Armstrong, Ajayi, Chelsea’s João Pedro, Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa and Brentford’s Michael Kayode.
Ajayi’s inclusion caps a memorable Premier League return for the 32-year-old Nigerian, who marked Hull’s promotion to the top flight by scoring against one of England’s biggest clubs and helping the Tigers begin their campaign with one of the weekend’s biggest shocks.
