Who's The Best You Say? - Part One

Countdowns can be extremely hard to narrow down from so many top performers to just a few. We'll attempt to do this for you over the next two weeks, by compiling our Top 20 players of the 206/17 Premier League Season.

# 20. Sadio Mane // Liverpool

The only Liverpool player to make the list, Mane started the season in explosive fashion against Arsenal that set the tone at his new club. Even though he was sidelined throughout January due to African Cup of Nations duties with Senegal, Mane managed 13 goals and five assists in only 26 Premier League appearances this campaign.

His energy and pace has contributed to Liverpool's run towards a top-4 finish and Champions League football next season. Sadly for Liverpool fans, Mane's season was cut short through a knee injury that has seen him sidelined since April.

# 19. Jermaine Defoe // Sunderland

The journeyman's individual performances this season means he's snuck inside our Top-20. Astonishingly, Defoe has scored 53.6% of Sunderland's goals for the entire season.

Leading the Golden Boot at the start of the season, Defoe has drifted much like Sunderland's form as the season has progressed. They were the first team relegated but Defoe has been their shining light netting 15 goals along the way.

# 18. Sergio Aguero // Manchester City

Another solid season from the Sky Blues' marksman who has netted 28 times in just 18 games. With much speculation around his future in the Premier League, Aguero the class player that he is, was able to put that to one side and continue to perform week-in week-out for his team.

His predatory instincts are like that of no other in the league. Two more goals in the final three fixtures of the season will ensure that Aguero will have topped the famed 20-goal mark for the third season in a row.

# 17. Gary Cahill // Chelsea

Chelsea's captain and rock in defence, the unheralded Englishman has been a solid performer for the Champions in waiting.

Cahill's all-round ability has seen him compliment his 15 clean sheets by netting six goals which is not a bad return for any central defender.

# 16. Gylfi Sigurdsson // Swansea

The Swans talisman has been in incredible form this season as Swansea attempt to stave off relegation. Nine goals and twelve assists from Sigurdsson see Swansea lying 16th but it could have been a whole lot worse without the input from the Icelandic midfielder.

Swansea's crucial draw with Manchester United recently showcased Sigurdsson's gifted ability with the dead ball.

# 15. Kevin De Bruyne // Manchester City

The Belgian International has largely flown under the radar with City's inconsistent season to blame. De Bruyne has been passed the crown of the assist king, setting up his teammates 17 times whilst also managing five goals of his own.

I have no doubt that if City were challenging for the title that this man would have figured higher up the list. We will have to wait and see what is in store for the Sky Blues and De Bruyne next season.

# 14. David de Gea // Manchester United

The Red Devils gloveman was picked in the starting lineup of the PFA Team of the Year but I couldn't justify his selection when you take into account the overall performance of Manchester United this season. They have mostly disappointed with a star-studded lineup but on individual performances, the Spaniard is hard to go past.

United's number one conceded the second least amount of goals behind Hugo Lloris with De Gea only being called on to stop 96 shots for the season. It might speak more about the defence in front of him but at the end of the day, he needs to keep them out of the back of the net and boy has he done that.

# 13. Jan Vertonghen // Tottenham

The big Belgian has paired well with fellow national teammate Toby Alderweireld in central defence for Tottenham. Vertonghen has for many seasons now been a consistent performer for the perennial Top Four challenger.

He does everything in his power to defend the Spurs goal and has found novel ways in the past to defend, highlighted by this effort a couple of seasons ago against Aston Villa.

# 12. Cesar Azpilicueta // Chelsea

Tipped by many to make the PFA Team of the Year, the Blues defender was overlooked after a stellar season. Azpilicueta has been improving season on season and has become a mainstay in a Chelsea side that seems to be overhauled every off-season.

# 11. Christian Eriksen // Tottenham

The Great Dane has been one of the key drivers along with Dele Alli and Harry Kane in a youthful Spurs outfit. I can't help but feel that Eriksen has yet another level to reach and whether that means he will stay at The Lane or not remains to be seen.

His passing game is up there with the best in the league and he just about surpases Sigurdsson as the best dead baller operator, which is no easy feat!