5 biggest game-changers in the Premier League right now

Manchester United vs Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League
Manchester United vs Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

The Premier League boasts the best collection of managerial and player talent. With the increased emphasis on tactics and team play, teams are often criticised for trying to walk the ball into the net.

Despite all the tactics in place, there are moments when a particular player does something magical, often against the run of play. Such game-changing moments can only be consistently produced by truly world-class players.

On that note, here's a look at the five biggest game-changers in the Premier League ar the moment:


#5 Michail Antonio (West Ham United)

Newcastle United vs West Ham United - Premier League
Newcastle United vs West Ham United - Premier League

On current form, Michail Antonio is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. It is an astounding statement to make, and Antonio's transformation from an auxiliary right-back to a prolific striker has been a fascinating one.

Antonio joined West Ham United from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £8.5 million. He was utilised in a variety of positions by the club, ranging from a right winger to a right-back. David Moyes' arrival ushered in Antonio's stint as a striker, and the Jamaica international has certainly not disappointed.

This season, in seven Premier League appearances, Antonio has scored five goals and provided three assists. The 31-year-old is now West Ham United's all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League. He won the Premier League Player of the Month award in August.

Antonio is playing his best football right now, and had he been younger, he would have been linked with big-money moves to Champions League teams.


#4 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Manchester United vs Everton - Premier League
Manchester United vs Everton - Premier League

Bruno Fernandes' performance against Atalanta recently in the Champions League perfectly encapsulated his qualities as a player.

Fernandes is not a traditional no.10, one who will play silky through-balls on a regular basis. He is a risk-taker and a hard worker, someone who is constantly looking to move the ball forward. This attribute has its pitfalls as well, and Fernandes has been criticised for gifting the ball away frequently.

However, Manchester United cannot function as well without Fernandes in an attacking midfielder role. The Portugal international is the team's talisman and main creative force.

This season, in eight Premier League appearances, Fernandes has scored four goals and provided two assists. The 27-year-old is capable of both the magical and the mediocre, and that's what sets him apart.


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#3 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Liverpool vs Manchester City - Premier League
Liverpool vs Manchester City - Premier League

Arguably the most talented player in the Premier League at the moment, Kevin De Bruyne is a key player for Manchester City, one of the best teams in Europe.

De Bruyne has been the best player in the Premier League since his arrival from Wolfsburg for nearly £68.5 million in 2015. The Belgian is highly creative, technically gifted, and renowned for his drilled crosses into the box. He won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award last season.

The 30-year-old is regarded highly by his peers. De Bruyne has made six Premier League appearances this season, scoring twice. The midfielder is one of the leaders in the City dressing room; his responsibilities are not just confined to the field.


#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Manchester United vs Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League
Manchester United vs Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

It is apt that two Manchester United players have made this list, considering how the club's performances seemingly always rely on individual brilliance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has already produced some important moments for the club after returning to United from Juventus this summer. The Portuguese superstar has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances. He has also scored winners against Villarreal and Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League.

There has been criticism aimed at Ronaldo. Suggestions have been made that United have lost their fluidity in attack due to Ronaldo's static nature. The 36-year-old is the club's best goalscorer, though, so dropping him is certainly not an option.


#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League
Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League

Mohamed Salah is arguably the best player in the world right now. He looks untouchable, and in inspired form whenever he has played this season.

Salah has been sensational since joining Liverpool. A prolific goalscorer, an excellent dribbler and well-known for his quick feet, the Egypt international has not stopped scoring for Jurgen Klopp's side. This season, though, he has elevated his level.

The 29-year-old has made eight appearances in the Premier League, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. Salah looks like he could single-handedly lead Liverpool to the league title. Fans are clamouring for the forward to sign a new contract, with Salah's current one expiring in 2023.


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Edited by Bhargav