After a very unexpected season last season, with Leicester City winning the Premier League and reigning champions Chelsea finishing 10th, the Premier League is in a much more normal state after 25 games. With only 13 games to go, Chelsea look like they are running away with the title while the Champions are back into a relegation battle, what great difference one season makes.
Some players haven’t performed how they did last season but some have exceeded their past best. In this article, the 10 best performers from the Premier League this season will be listed, a task that is very tough to narrow it down to only 10.
10. Jermain Defoe, Sunderland
Sunderland’s season has been shocking so far and it’s no surprise to see them bottom of the table but if it wasn’t for Jermain Defoe, they would be even further at the bottom. They’re only 2 points from safety and Defoe’s 14 league goals have kept them in a position where they might be able to get out of relegation trouble. With only 24 goals in the league this season, Sunderland have been desperate for Defoe’s goal, which have contributed to more than half of the whole team’s total.
9. Gylfi Sigurdsson, Swansea
Another struggling team, this time Swansea City and another player who has had a massive contribution to everything good that his side has done. Sigurdsson has been vital to Swansea’s hopes of staying in the Premier League, he has been directly involved (goal or assist) in more than half of Swansea’s league goals with 8 goals and 8 assists. Since arriving at the Liberty Stadium in 2014, he has become a fan favourite with the Swans fans as well as their best player.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United
After his high profile move to Old Trafford on a free from PSG, many fans and members of the press said ‘Ibra’ wouldn’t be able to perform in the Premier League and that the 35-year-old was past his best. 15 goals and 4 assists in the Premier League later and these pundits have been forced to eat their words. His lazy style of play has frustrated many neutrals but the Manchester United fans love him as they sing their own song for him. He’s scored some important goals for his new side and certainly isn’t a ‘flop’.
7. Diego Costa, Chelsea
Another pantomime villain on the list, a player that was heavily linked with a move to China in January and what did he do to silence the rumours, he kept scoring goals. Whilst he’s the enemy of every rival club, he couldn’t be more of a hero to the Chelsea fans because of his tireless work and his goal scoring talent. He’s scored 15 goals and registered 5 assist in the league so far this season and has been vital in Chelsea’s charge towards the Premier League title, the sign of a quality centre forward.
6. Sadio Mane, Liverpool
In his debut season for Liverpool, Sadio Mane has been absolutely fantastic and has formed a part of one of the strongest attacking midfields in Europe. His partnership with Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana and Phillipe Coutinho has been devastating and has torn several Premier League teams apart. Even though he missed the month of January with his participation in the African Cup of Nations, he has still managed 11 goals and 4 assists and has slotted straight back into the team upon his return.
5. Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Like the rest of his team, Eden Hazard has put his abysmal performance last season behind him and has looked world-class again this season. Every part of his game that was lacking last season has improved, he’s ghosting past players better than ever and scoring even more goals. His 10 goals have seen him play a big part in Conte’s side’s success. He has formed a great attack with Diego Costa and Pedro as they’ve propelled Chelsea to an 8-point lead at the top of the table.
4. Romelu Lukaku, Everton
It’s astonishing to realise that Romelu Lukaku is still only 23 as he looks like he’s banging in the goals for about 10 years! His natural instinct in front of goal is something that thousands of strikers can only dream about and his capabilities with both feet is just as good. He has been a great asset for Everton since they spent £28 million on him in 2014 and his impact this season for Ronald Koeman’s new side has been vital for their hopes of finishing in a European spot. His total of 16 goals is only bettered by one player in the Premier League and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him with the Golden Boot in May.
3. Dele Alli
Another young player who has been brilliant for his side so far this side. Dele Alli has been a revelation since his introduction into the Spurs side last season and has gone from strength to strength this season. He’s stuck away 11 goals this season, a fantastic return for a 20-year-old who plays in midfield. Tottenham are enjoying a really good season and currently sit third, and Alli has been one of the main reasons behind his side’s strong season. His partnership with fellow youngster, Harry Kane, has been unbreakable and will be important in the coming years if spurs can keep hold of them.
2. Alexis Sanchez
Despite what looks like another disappointing season for Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez has been amazing for them. Without his influence, they would be in a much worse position, but unfortunately for them, there’s rumours of him leaving in the summer. He currently leads the race for the Premier League Golden Boot with 17 league goals. He has often been known as the only Gunners player who has shown passion for the cause by members of their won fan base. His pace and power for such a small player is extraordinary and some of his finishes this season would make anyone think he’s a centre forward by trade.
1. N’Golo Kante
The player that was such a vital part of the impossible story of Leicester City’s success last season has left a sinking ship at the perfect time. After Chelsea’s blistering season so far, it looks as though the pint-sized Frenchman will be picking up another Premier League winners medal come the end of the season. His amazing energy and ability to break up the play has been a breath of fresh air in Chelsea’s midfield this season and he is one of the main reasons why Conte is enjoying his first season in England so much. After such a great season for him last season, he’s become an even better player and has added a much better range of passing to his game. Not only was he the best signing of the summer but he has also been the league’s best player so far this season. What a player!
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