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The Premier League has been unpredictable this season, to say the least, throwing up its share of spoils and surprises. We have seen Southampton make a brief run for the title while West Ham and Swansea sat pretty in the Champions league spots.Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool struggled to stay in the top half of the table for a long time before the Gunners and Red Devils found a way to mount a revival. Liverpool has suffered a fall from grace and look set to miss out on European football next season. Jose Mourinho’s genius came to the fore yet again, as Chelsea have proven themselves to be serious title contenders.We have also had a fresh batch of stars come through the ranks this season. The departure of Luis Suarez in the summer passed the crown on to Sergio Aguero who has devastated league defenses. Arsenal new signing Alexis Sanchez has adapted well to the English game becoming the best winger in the league. Wayne Rooney continues to be the symbol of consistency at Old Trafford in the face of new arrivals such as Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao.While the top six teams have impressed in their form and style, the Premier league title race in 2015 will be shaped by mid-table teams which have, at times, made big teams seem ordinary.These teams have upstaged the mightiest squads on the back of some stellar individual performances. Apart from the Agueros and the Rooneys who will always perform, we have other players who will surely shine in the 2015
#1 Wilfried Bony
Swansea have been criticized for over-relying on Bony. This shows clearly how important the Ivorian is for the Welsh club. He has scored 8 of the Swans’ last 13 goals in the Premier league. Playing as a lone striker, Bony has quickly forged a lethal partnership with Sigurdsson, who is his partner-in-crime in almost every goal that Gary Monk’s side has managed to score. Bony has also had 57 shots in the 16 games of the season so far.
Swansea city are 9th in the league but the table does not tell the entire story. With 6 points separating the Swans and the last Champions league spot, it is safe to say Bony’s antics in the attack will shape their season-ending fortunes.
#2 Raheem Sterling
Liverpool have fallen prey to a string of injuries this season. The exit of Luis Suarez in the summer to Barcelona meant that the onus of scoring goals fell upon Daniel Sturridge and new signing, Mario Balotelli. Injuries to Sturridge and Balotelli in poor form has forced Brendan Rodgers to play Sterling up front as the lone center forward.
Sterling was given the European Golden boy award for 2014. The 20 year old Englishman has created an impressive 40 chances in 15 appearances so far along with 4 assists. Liverpool sit appallingly in 11th place in the table and need some inspiration to turn their season around. Sterling can bring quality to the attack which Balotelli has failed to do. His performances can help Liverpool put together a few victories and challenge for one of the Champions league spots again.
#3 Ross Barkley
Everton are yet another club which have the potential to be amongst the top four contenders. Roberto Martinez is bound to have a plan for the remainder of the season to see the Merseyside club move up the table. Everton’s midfield will play a very important role in its ascent. Ross Barkley has been a critical cog in the midfield along with Kevin Mirallas. The duo have supplied and scored equally important goals alongside Lukaku and Naismith.
At the young age of 20, Barkley moves with surprising calm and composure. He is not intimidated when facing even the most experienced of defenders. His wonder goal against QPR is a testament to his abilities. The media needs to put a lid on the pressure surrounding him though, failing which Barkley might not live up to his true potential.
Tim Howard – “He reminds me of a young Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard”
Roberto Martinez – “Ross Barkley is England’s answer to Michael Ballack.”
#4 Dusan Tadic
Tadic has more than filled the shoes of Adam Lallana who left the Saints for Liverpool this summer. Fans feared they would miss Lallana this season but Tadic has proved to be a savior. The delightful attacking partnership of Tadic and Pelle lit up Southampton’s campaign in the early stages.
The Serbian has 6 assists so far in the league, only bettered by Fabregas and Sigurdsson. His eye for space coupled with his vision and creativity enables him to open defenses up. He is clearly more of an asset to Ronald Koeman than Lallana was to Pochettino.
#5 Charlie Austin
Queens Park Rangers are struggling to get out of the relegation zone and have not impressed anybody with their performances. But there is one player who has stood out from the bunch. Charlie Austin has found the net 8 times in his 14 appearances for the Rangers this season. He has also assisted 2 goals.
Harry Redknapp, QPR manager, has voiced his relegation concerns and has stated openly that Austin can be the deciding factor. He hopes the striker will rack up 20+ goals this season giving the Rangers the Premier League status for another season.
