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#3 Mason Mount (Chelsea)
During the start of his Chelsea career, then-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was often criticized for picking Mason Mount, and the youngster divided opinion.
These days though, Mount is seen as an essential part of Chelsea's best XI, and it is a credit to the England international for ignoring the initial criticism to climb to the top. A product of the famed Chelsea academy, Mount's talent was unquestionable, with loan spells at Vitesse and Derby County highlighting his ability.
There were doubts as to whether he could perform at the top level, and he has answered emphatically. A versatile player, Mount has been utilized in a variety of positions by Lampard and later Thomas Tuchel. The 22-year old's performance level has not dropped despite changes in position.
A creative, hard-working player, Mount has made 33 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing five assists. He looks set to play a key role for England at the Euros this summer.
#2 Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
Ilkay Gundogan has never truly been in the spotlight as much as he has this season for Manchester City.
An elegant player during his Borussia Dortmund days, Gundogan joined Manchester City from the Bundesliga giants in 2016 for a fee of £24 million. A technically gifted and intelligent player, the Germany international was unlucky with injuries during his first season at Manchester City, but has since then become a consistent performer for the club.
Gundogan has been Manchester City's top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, which has been a surprise for many given that the 30-year old is not renowned for his goalscoring.
The former Nurnberg man has made 25 Premier League appearances this season, scoring 12 goals and providing one assist. It remains to be seen whether Gundogan's role will remain the same next season as well.
#1 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes' arrival and subsequent impact at Manchester United has been compared to that of Eric Cantona.
A struggling Manchester United signed Fernandes in January 2020 for a fee of £49.5 million from Sporting CP, and the impact was immediate. The Portugal international added creativity, goals, drive and an insatiable need to win from midfield. He is now seen as the talisman of Manchester United.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found it hard to give Fernandes a rest, given his impactful performances. The midfielder's leadership ability has come to the fore as well, and he is clearly an influential figure in the Manchester United dressing room.
The 26-year old has made 33 Premier League appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists. The next aim for Fernandes and Manchester United will be to win a trophy.
Also Read: 5 biggest mistakes made by Jose Mourinho in his managerial career
