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#7 John Stones - Manchester City
John Stones' tale of redemption at Manchester City has been quite remarkable. An integral part of Pep Guardiola's first choice centre-back pairing along with new signing Ruben Dias, Stones has proved all his critics wrong with some strong performances this season.
The former Everton defender has been excellent on the ball and his defensive positioning has been almost flawless. Part of the most stringent defense in the Premier League, John Stones is finally starting to fulfill his immense potential.
Guardiola credited Stones on his brilliant transformation this season. Speaking to Manchester City's official website, the Spaniard said:
“The best players I have trained in my life, they don’t play for me, for the media, for the club. They play for themselves to show they are the best and when that happens they don’t need nice words or compliments.
“John overcame the situation himself and that’s why he deserves all my respect and he deserves a big compliment.”
#6 Mohamed Salah - Liverpool
Liverpool have plenty of concerns at the moment, but one man who has continued to score goals regularly has been Mohamed Salah. Currently leading the standings in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, the "Egyptian King" has been a rare bright spot in this gloomy campaign for the defending Premier League champions.
Always making intelligent runs behind the opposition's back line, Mohamed Salah's hunger to score goals is unmatched. The 28-year-old superstar has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks, but it has not slowed him down in front of goal.
If Liverpool are to finish in the top 4 this season, Salah will need to continue his good form and remain sharp and fit till the end of this Premier League campaign.
#5 Ruben Dias - Manchester City
Undoubtedly the best signing of this Premier League season, Ruben Dias has had a Van Dijk like impact on Manchester City's defense. The Portuguese centre-back always seems to be in the right place at the right time and has been an integral part of Manchester City's strong performances this season.
Arguably the best centre-back in the Premier League at the moment, Dias has been extremely solid defensively. Excellent in the air and brilliant on the ball, the 23-year-old star has cemented his place in the Manchester City set-up.
Pep Guardiola has backed Dias to become a Manchester City mainstay for years to come. Speaking to reporters in a press conference in January, Guardiola said:
“When you buy players always you have this quality but you never know what is going to happen. The day after [a game] – 8.30 in the morning in the gym. He (Ruben Dias) makes his routine, he eats perfectly. He lives 24 hours for his profession.
“I can assure you that we signed one incredible player for the next five, six, seven years. That is not easy to find.”
#4 Ilkay Gundogan - Manchester City
Another Manchester City star to make this list is German midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan. Many critics, pundits and fans thought that the injury to Kevin De Bruyne would derail City's season.
However, what they did not account for was Gundogan's brilliant performances in midfield for the Cityzens. One of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League, Gundogan is capable of breaking play, setting up chances and even scoring goals.
The 30-year-old midfielder has already scored 11 goals this season and has been extremely consistent with his performances in the last few weeks. With Manchester City chasing all 4 trophies, Gundogan will be hoping to continue his good form and finish the season strongly.
