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The Premier League, with its unrelenting pace and blistering counter-attacks, lends itself well to those with a propensity towards dribbling. Swift transitions between defence and attack afford ample space for a panoply of fleet-footed forwards to exploit.
Of the Premier League’s many show-boaters, five players stood above the rest last season, routinely enthralling defenders with their speed and trickery. Let’s take a look at the Premier League’s best dribblers.
5. Yannick Bolasie (75 completed dribbles)
Bolasie might not represent much of a goal threat – as evidenced by the Congo international’s empty goal column – but he has been Crystal Palace’s premier creative outlet, with 75 completed dribbles and four assists in 29 appearances for the Eagles.
Bolasie was in particularly fine fettle when tony Pulis’ men thwarted Liverpool’s title charge by overhauling a three-goal deficit at Selhurst park to snatch a 3-3 draw. His languid, rangy strides troubled Glen Johnson all afternoon, as the ageing right-back struggled to contain the agile winger.
4. Ross Barkley – (80 completed dribbles)
England’s youth set-up generally doesn’t cultivate talents of Barkley’s ilk – technically strong yet resilient – so his rise to prominence at Everton under Roberto Martinez has been a joy to behold.
With his mazy, jinking runs and intelligent distribution, it wont’ be long before the 20 year-old establishes himself as a mainstay of the national team; The focal point of Hodgson’s new-look, youthful England side.
3. Raheem Sterling – (92 completed dribbles)
Sterling burst onto the Premier League scene last season, notching two goals in 24 appearances, before fizzling out towards the latter stages of the campaign.
Now a regular in the Reds starting line-up, Sterling’s nine goals and five assists last term evinces the 19-year-old’s rapid progression.
Sterling’s sprightly footwork was a defining feature throughout Liverpool’s 5-0 mauling of Tottenham Hotspur – a result that triggered Andre Villas-Boas’ sacking.
2. Luis Suarez – (93 completed dribbles)
Luis Suarez claims second place in our list, completing just one more dribble than his Merseyside compatriot Raheem Sterling.
Despite missing Liverpool’s opening six fixtures, the inveterate nutmegger set a new Premier League scoring record with his 31 goals, firmly cementing himself as the world’s third best player behind Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo.
Doubtless, Rodgers will be fielding countless questions on Real Madrid’s reported interest in the Uruguayan throughout the off-season. But for now he remains a Liverpool player, and one they’ll be desparate to keep hold of.
1. Eden Hazard – (132 completed dribbles)
To no-one’s surprise, Eden Hazard was the most prolific dribbler in the 2013/14 Premier League season, outfoxing his opponent on 132 separate occasions.
The flamboyant winger has been castigated in recent weeks by manager Jose Mourinho for a lack of defensive diligence – which is understandable – but Blues fans will be hoping these new duties don’t impact his ability to foray forward and terrorise opposing full-backs.
