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England's national team has never won the World Cup since 1966, but one thing that English football can still brag about is the luxury of having the most popular league in the world, and arguably the best. This season, Premier League sides have been in top form in European competitions, as Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, and Tottenham have all cruised their way into the Champions League's knockout phase.
Meanwhile, local competition in England seems to be lower than usual this time, with the Cityzens having all but guaranteed the title. But how many of their players deserve a place in the top five best performers in the EPL this season? Here is our list.
#5 David Silva
David Silva might have changed his haircut this season, going totally bald, but one thing is sure, the Spaniard is still as elegant on the ball as ever. A crucial part of Pep Guardiola's tactical scheme, Silva forms alongside Fernandinho and Kevin de Bruyne what is by far the best midfield trio in England, and most probably in the world, if the current form was the indicator.
With 6 goals and 9 assists, Silva has already contributed to 15 goals in the English Premier League, which is very impressive for a play-maker, even by his standards. The 32-year old is constantly involved in play, averaging 83 successful passes per game, with a success rate of 89%.
Manchester City is determined to conquer the European scene, and Silva still has a major role to play, if Pep Guardiola's men were to achieve the impressive treble this season. Having built a comfortable lead in the league and having already won the Carabao cup after crushing Arsenal 3-0 in the final, it is certainly not a crazy shout to tip the Citizens in their quest to claim the first Champions League success in their history.
#4 David de Gea
One could only wonder where Manchester United's position would be, had it not been for David De Gea. The 27-year old is by far the best goalkeeper in the English Premier League, and most probably the best in the world this season, if we take into consideration the long-term injury of FC Bayern captain Manuel Neuer.
In terms of reflexes, shot-stopping, and positioning, De Gea is the boss and no one in England comes close. He has saved United on so many occasions, from Sir Alex Ferguson's days until the current era with José Mourinho.
The Spain international's phenomenal saves are certainly reflected by stats, as he is the goalkeeper with most clean sheets in England (15) as well as the one with the least goals conceded per game (0.7).
The English press has often touted the likes of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic or even Alexis Sanchez to be the heroes of Manchester United, but eventually, it is De Gea who is always the most consistent performer at the end of each season.
#3 Harry Kane
Harry Kane has been a consistent performer in the past few seasons, but he seems to have reached the next level in the past 18 months. After ending the calendar year as the top goal-scorer in the world with 56 hits, surpassing the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Englishman has launched 2018 in amazing fashion, as he successfully managed to build on his momentum.
It is almost impossible to believe that this guy is still 24 years old as he has been on the stage for a while now. Kane has already reached the mark of 35 goals in this campaign, while mustering 5 assists across all competitions, in the process. There is no doubt that he is the best striker in the world based on the evidence of the past 12 months.
The best asset about Kane might well be the fact that he is a big-gamer and shows his best football when it matters the most. He has managed to find the net against the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Juventus where he dribbled his way past goalkeeping-legend Gianluigi Buffon before scoring what could turn-out to be a very decisive away goal in Italy.
#2 Mohamed Salah
Liverpool was desperate to add pace to their game, as well as another top-scorer to their ranks, as they entered last summer's transfer market. And it is fair to say that they have managed to find both in one player, Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian has been outstanding right from the start, banging goals on a consistent basis all-season-long. With his ability to run behind the back of defenders and exploit space, he has been able to cement himself as a lethal source of danger in the final third. Salah is always looking to have a go at goal whenever there is half a chance, and that's what makes him so dangerous for any opposition.
Besides the 31 goals he has brilliantly scored, Salah is also on 9 assists in all competitions this term. With 40 direct involvements, he is quite certainly one of the hottest players in the European stage at the moment. The $51 millions that Liverpool paid to AS Roma in exchange for his services now seem like a bargain, by all means.
In addition to his impressive end-product, Salah is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is capable of shielding his ball under pressure instead of falling down. His stunning solo-goal against Tottenham is perhaps the best example.
#1 Kevin de Bruyne
Manchester City has won the admiration of the whole world thanks to the beautiful team-football that they have been showing throughout the course of this campaign. And there is no doubt that Kevin de Bruyne is the brain of the league leaders, as he makes the difference for them in almost every high-profile fixture.
De Bruyne is the complete footballer, capable of playing at almost any position in midfield and in the attack, thanks to his impeccable technique, elegant first touch, and sensational vision. He always manages to play the right pass, to the right player, at the right time.
The Belgium international has found the net on 11 different occasions this season, in addition to 18 assists, which is almost beyond imagination. De Bruyne can do it all, and he is rightfully the best player in England as well as the best midfielder in the world at the moment.
Manchester City winning the EPL this season is a matter of when rather than if, but the biggest challenge remains the UEFA Champions League. With De Bruyne orchestrating their midfield and Pep Guardiola organizing their tactical-scheme, they are certainly one of the main candidates.
