Who's The Best You Say? - Part Two
Part Two sees us look at who made the Top-10 players of the Premier League season, with some no doubt going to cause a few debates. Here's Part Two - From 10 to 1.
# 10. Alexis Sanchez // Arsenal
A case could be made for Sanchez to feature higher up the list but Arsenal's poor back-end season form has seen him demoted to the back of our Top-10. The Chilean has been in electric form throughout this season and no doubt Arsenal's stand-out player.
Sanchez has become a talisman for the Gunners somewhat and his 23 goals to date sits only behind Romelu Lukaku in the Golden Boot race. Rumours have swirled all season around Sanchez's future at The Emirates and based on this season's form, many of Europe's top clubs will be circling which could have Sanchez feeling like...
# 9. Diego Costa // Chelsea
Costa started the season by apparently wanting out of Chelsea and was being chased hard by big money offers from China. Whilst that might still happen next year, Costa was able to put that to one side to perform each week for the eventual Champions.
The Spaniard amassed 20 goals and 7 assists in what could be viewed as a workmanlike performance this season. In actual fact, Costa hit 10 match winners across the season including this one against West Brom (apologies for the poor quality).
# 8. Zlatan Imbrahimovic // Manchester United
New team. New year. Same old Zlatan. Some were wondering if the big Swede could continue his rich vein of form that has seen him win titles for each of his previous teams but at 35, Ibrahimovic just gets better with age. I too was wondering more so how he would go in the same team as another big personality, Paul Pogba, but he too proved me wrong,
Even though he was cut down by a season ending knee injury, Ibra was able to compile 17 goals in 28 appearances to go with numerous virtuoso performances. He helped them to the Community Shield, FA Cup and the pending Final of the Europa League (which he won't feature) against his former club Ajax.
# 7. Tibaut Courtois // Chelsea
Courtois is a star performer and his role as the last line of defence in a title-winning team sees him come well inside our Top-10. The Belgian was a steadying hand again this season, keeping in mind that he still is only 25 years of age, he's already got two Premier League title under his belt.
Courtois kept 16 clean sheets this term and astonishingly conceded less than a goal a game. His most notable save would have to be the belter against Sunderland which ensured the points would return with them to The Bridge.
# 6. Hugo Lloris // Tottenham
I have rated Lloris for many years even before he came to the Premier League. The Frenchman has performed year on year and added to the plaudits around him. This season, Lloris conceded the least amount of goals at 24, improving from 34 last term.
Some don't rate him higher than Courtois or De Gea but for mine, it is an easy choice firstly as he let in less goals but secondly I believe his mobility out does the other two. Being slightly smaller height wise gives him an advantage in this category.
See below for yourself with his best save coming in the season;s Champions League.
# 5. Dele Alli // Tottenham
What a revelation Alli has been since arriving at Spurs in 2015 for only $7M with some now touting his fee could be worth as much as $174M (£100m)! His skill and touch on the ball is unbelievable for
someone his age and when placed together with the other young superstars Potchetino has, it is a thing of beauty.
You can only see him getting better and better, keeping mind that Tottenham's average age this season was the youngest in the Premier League at just 25.3.
# 4. Romelu Lukaku // Everton
Lukaku, the Golden Boot leader was one of a few shining lights for Everton this season. In what was a disappointing campaign after large investment from their new owners, Lukaku was the man that once again stood at the front of the pack for the Toffees.
He amazingly had a run of 9 consecutive home games where he scored, a feat not done since Luis Suarez's days at Liverpool. There has been much speculation as to whether he will remain at Goodison beyond this season with his former team Chelsea most likely to pinch him back.
# 3. Eden Hazard // Chelsea
The Belgian came back with a bang after a disappointing season the year before. Along with Kante, Hazard was at the heart of everything for Chelsea, once again finding his touch and having the ball on a string. Who could forget that great solo goal v Arsenal?
Hazard slotted six match-winning goals this term, adding to another nine goals scored from open play and five assists.
# 2. Harry Kane // Tottenham
He's no longer a one-hit wonder. The Tottenham youth product has now amassed three successive 20-plus a goal seasons for Spurs and has built himself into one of the most dominant strikers in world football. Kane's partnership with Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli makes most opponents nervous.
# 1. N'Golo Kante // Chelsea
'A Beast' is the only way to describe Kante. His run and tackling all over the park for Chelsea this season has been unbelievable. Kante has performed 299 tackles at a success rate of 69% rating him 2nd best in the league as well as winning more than 50% of his one-on-one battles.
The Frenchman was brought in from title-winning Leicester at the start of the year and I believe he has been one of the main keys that has brought about Chelsea winning the League Title this term.
*photos not owned by Premier Plays