Premier League Best XI without Manchester City players

Midfield

Centre Midfield: N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Matches: 30, Assists: 1, Goals: 1, Recoveries: 265, Interceptions: 64, Clearances: 24, Tackles: 102, Passes per match: 64.43

Kante has been one of the shining lights in a disappointing season for Chelsea

In a largely forgettable campaign, N'Golo Kante has been one of the rare bright spots for Chelsea. Kante has done his job to perfection for most of the season and it's on his off-days or due to poor performances from the defenders that Chelsea have underperformed.

The outgoing PFA Player of the Year has been his usual self as he has rushed into crunching tackles and made countless interceptions and recoveries. The Frenchman has had to deal with the loss of Nemanja Matic, who moved to Manchester United at the start of the season and with the dismal performances of Bakayoko. Other players like Fabregas and Drinkwater have also struggled for fitness and form, leaving Kante the responsibility of shouldering an incapable midfield.

He is quite deservedly considered as one of the best holding midfielders in world football and Chelsea would be languishing much closer to Arsenal and Burnley without the presence or efforts of this man.

Centre Midfield: Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)

Matches: 34, Assists: 1, Goals: 1, Recoveries: 297, Interceptions: 60, Clearances: 54, Tackles: 66, Passes per match: 70.65

Matic has stepped into Carrick's shoes seamlessly

Nemanja Matic, who was signed in the summer from rivals Chelsea, has been their top outfield player in a disappointing campaign. Matic has been the glue that has held the United midfield together, especially in skipper Michael Carrick's absence. With Carrick retiring at the end of this season, United will look to build their midfield around the Serbian.

The 29-year-old has been the ever-present in a midfield that has been constantly rotated by Jose Mourinho. He is a master at blocking passing channels and breaking up dangerous counter-attacks. He acts as the reinforcer for this United midfield.

However, where Matic scores above the other holding midfielders is in his ball distribution. He initiates attacks by spraying the ball to the wings.

Matic is the complete all-round midfield player, which is what made Mourinho target him in the first place. He has played every single game in this Premier League season and he's displayed remarkable fitness to make it through a lengthy campaign.

Unlucky to miss out: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur)

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Attacking Midfield: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)

Matches: 33, Recoveries: 208, Assists: 9, Goals: 10, Passes per match: 60.79, Big chances created: 14

Eriksen is one of the most dangerous shooters from outside the box

It's shocking how none of Europe's biggest sides have looked to sign up this Danish magician. Eriksen has grown to become one of the best play-makers in world football, and Tottenham will have to stay firm to keep hold of their prized asset.

Eriksen has excelled again in a refreshing Tottenham side and he's the orchestrator in the middle of the park, especially in a campaign where Alli has failed to live up to expectations. He has the ability to play in a variety of roles behind the striker and provides the service for the likes of Kane, Alli, and Son to feed off. He's also an expert in dead-ball situations, which is why he's one of the best free-kick takers in the world right now.

The Dane was also named in the PFA Team of the Year for his mesmerising performances this campaign.

Unlucky to miss out: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion)