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The busy Christmas period is upon us in the Premier League. Before we are engulfed in the ecstasy that is Premier League fixtures, let's take a look at the season thus far.
Liverpool is top of the league, followed by Manchester City, who are just a point behind. Spurs, Chelsea, and Arsenal bring the rear whereas Manchester United are languishing 11 points behind the top 4. The gap between the top teams and the other sides seems to e be widening by the week.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mohamed Salah top the scoring charts with 10 goals, followed by the usual suspects like Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero, and Raheem Sterling. Eden Hazard, Leroy Sane, and Ryan Fraser lead the assists column.
The first four months have seen a host of individual stars. On that note here is the Premier League XI of the season thus far.
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Yes, he made a ghastly error against Manchester United. And yes, he made another against Leicester earlier in the season. But aside from those two lapses, the Brazilian has literally not put a foot wrong this season.
Liverpool have conceded just 7 league goals this season in 17 games, and Alisson has been a major reason why. The confidence he exudes has helped their backline considerably. Even the hefty fee of £66.8 million is looking like money well spent.
Alisson has made 3.8 saves per game, which gives him a save percentage of 79.2%. The only other Premier League goalkeeper to save a better percentage of shots is Paulo Gazzaniga, who has played just 2 games for Spurs. Liverpool have bettered their expected goals against by a huge 6.58, which is the highest in the league. So far, so good for Alisson.
Defenders
Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
What a year it has been for Andrew Robertson. Signed from relegated Hull City for less than £10 million, he made a limited impact at Liverpool in his early months. Jump forward 12 months, and he has arguably established himself as the best left-back in the Premier League.
Robertson is a beast at both ends, and he runs endlessly on the left flank for Liverpool. His form has continued this season as well. He has become the captain for his national side Scotland, which is just one of the signs of his huge strides.
Center-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk is another expensive recruit who is paying dividends for Liverpool. The Dutch international was signed from Southampton last January for a world-record £75 million fee. The past year has seen a radical improvement in Liverpool's backline, and it has been no coincidence.
He has been a mainstay in Jurgen Klopp's defence since signing for him. Van Dijk resembles a graceful swan at times, gliding to make tackles and vital interceptions. He has the knack of being in the right places, and his presence has galvanised the side. Klopp had the formidable attack, and Van Dijk has given him the solidity at the back to mount a serious title challenge.
Center-back: Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
Just like Van Dijk, Laporte was also a big-money defensive recruit. He was signed from Athletic Bilbao in January, making him City's costliest signing then. But it is looking like money well spent for the Cityzens.
Laporte has been a model of consistency this season, starting all but one league game for City. His composure on the ball and astute positioning has been a boon. The Frenchman is of extra value to Guardiola given his left-footedness, which gives a balance in the center-back pairing.
Right-back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
If anyone fancies themselves as a winger, have a go against Kyle Walker. Actually, don't. You'll come up short, just like a host of other Premier League players. Walker has taken his game to the next level since moving to Manchester, and he is one of the best defensive full-backs in the world.
Walker was a crucial part of City's successful side last campaign, and it is the same this season. His pace, strength, and awareness make him a tough opponent for any attacker. Couple that with improved attacking calibre under Pep Guardiola, and you have the best right-back in the league.
Midfield
Left central midfielder: David Silva (Manchester City)
David Silva has enthralled the Premier League with his smooth and silky midfield wizardry for more than eight years. The charm has still not worn off though and aged 32, he is still one of the key players at Manchester City.
Due to Kevin De Bruyne's injuries, Silva had to deal with a heavier responsibility. His 5 goals, 2 assists, and 2.6 key passes per game suggest that he has done so admirably. A thoroughly underrated individual.
Central midfielder: Lucas Torreira (Arsenal)
Arsenal have yearned for a strong holding midfielder over the years, and they have got the answer in the form of Torreira. The Uruguayan has made an instant impact at The Emirates, as Unai Emery has made an impressive start at the club.
Torreira has recorded 2 goals and 2 assists already, despite playing in a reserved midfield role. He has made 2.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game and has a pass success rate of 89.1%. Does a bit of everything, the diminutive midfielder.
Right central midfielder: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
The second Silva in the squad, Bernardo had a limited impact in his first Premier League campaign, but he has rectified that this time. In De Bruyne's absence, he has cemented the midfield spot to great effect.
The Portuguese has recorded 4 goals, 3 assists, and 1.8 key passes per game in the league. He is not the strongest of players, but his technical ability is something to behold. Bernardo seems primed to take over from David in the near future.
Forwards
Left winger: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Eden Hazard has been one of the star performers in the league for the majority of his time in the league, but he has arguably reached another level this season. Under Maurizio Sarri, he has flourished, as have Chelsea.
The Belgian has 8 goals and 9 assists in the league and has contributed to almost half of side's goals. His 2.9 chances created and 2.6 dribbles per game are bettered by nobody in the league. As these numbers suggest, Hazard is on course to have his best season yet at Chelsea.
Striker: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Emulating last season's heroics was always going to be difficult for the Egyptian, but nevertheless, Mo Salah has had a stellar season thus far. Now Salah has played as a striker and a right winger, but his performances from the former position have been arguably better.
He has scored 10 goals in the league, out of which 7 have come from the striker position. Salah has 4 assists to boot as well. He has also created 2.1 chances and dribbles per game. As Liverpool look to mount a serious title challenge, Salah will have to continue delivering numbers like these.
Right winger: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Sterling has made tremendous progress under Pep Guardiola and last season's 18 goals are a sign of the same. He can better that return this season, as he has taken over the role of the best player from Kevin De Bruyne.
The England international has 9 goals and 6 assists to his name, along with 2.1 chances created and 2.3 dribbles per game. Sterling has taken his game to the next level this season and aged just 24, he has some future ahead of him.
