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We are approaching the start of the Premier League 2018-19 season, and the 'kick-off' will be on the 9th of August. The first match will see Leicester City take on the most successful team in the history of the Premier League, Manchester United. The match will feature star players like Jamie Vardy, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
A few of the other note-worthy matches include Liverpool taking on West Ham United and Manchester City taking on Arsenal; the latter promises to be the most exciting match of the first game week.
Many star players like Alisson, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fred will be making their first important appearance for their club. The transfer window saw many teams splashing money on a lot of players, while Liverpool and Wolverhampton went on a shopping spree.
There are a lot of awards to be won at the Premier League every season, with the Player of the Season award being the most prestigious. World class players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale have won the coveted award in the past. Last year, it was Mo Salah who bagged it, playing for Liverpool.
The competition for the award increases every year due to the sheer number of quality players who emerge, including the ones who are transferred into the Premier League. This year will be no different, and here we take a look at the top 5 candidates for the Player of the Season award.
#5 Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean forward joined Manchester United in last season's winter transfer window, on a swap deal which included Henrikh Mkhitaryan. He is regarded as one of the best wingers in modern football but he wasn't at his best last season as he only scored 11 goals and assisted 9 times in 40 combined appearances for both Arsenal and United.
Those stats don't do justice to his true potential. But the good news is that he seemed to be in sparkling form during the International Champions Cup, as he scored two goals and assisted once. His form along with that of Lukaku will be very important for The Red Devils this season.
If Sanchez can show his true potential, he will definitely be a strong candidate for the Player of Season award.
All stats via Transfermarkt
#4 Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian midfielder is unarguably one of the best in the world at present. His immense contribution towards goals is the most significant of his abilities, and he was a key player for the Belgian team that finished third at the World Cup.
De Bruyne's tremendous form for both club and country last season ensured that he was shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or.
He was superb for Manchester City last season as he scored 12 goals and assisted 21 times in 52 games. Those stats become even more impressive when we take into consideration his contribution in the defense.
De Bruyne is one of City's most prized assets and if he wins the Player of the Season award, his team will be assured of having a good season.
#3 Eden Hazard
The second Belgian on the list is star midfielder Eden Hazard. Like any other player on this list, he is also regarded as one of the best in the world.
Hazard captained Belgium to their bronze medal finish at the World Cup and even bagged the Silver Ball. The Chelsea star scored 17 times and assisted 13 times in 52 games last season.
He is a very versatile player and played in four different positions in 2017-18, tasting success in all the positions. He is Chelsea's talisman and his performance will be interlinked with their performance.
Hazard was the recipient of the Player of the Season award for the season 2014-15, so he's no stranger to this accolade.
#2 Harry Kane
The Englishman's rise to becoming Tottenham Hotspur's main player has been amazing to watch.
Kane's services weren't required by the Spurs in the initial stages of his career, and he was sent on loan to second tier and third tier football. During his time at Arsenal (youth career), he was termed "a bit chubby" and not "very athletic", by Liam Brady, who was then in charge of Arsenal's academy.
From a chubby and not athletic player, to becoming one of the best in the world, has definitely an inspiring journey for 'HurriKane'. He even won the Golden Boot at this year's World Cup and had a good season with Spurs last year, scoring 41 times and assisting five times in 46 appearances.
Kane won the Player of the Month award twice last season, and holds the record for winning the most Player of the Month Awards - six in total. However, he is yet to win the Player of the Season award. Will this year be his lucky year?
#1 Sergio Aguero
The Manchester City forward has been in brilliant form, which he showcased to the fullest against Chelsea in the FA Community Shield as he scored twice. He was pretty good during the World Cup as well, where he scored two goals.
The Argentine star played 39 games last season and scored 30 times. He also assisted seven times.
These stats are brilliant on their own, but become even better when you consider the fact that he was injured mid-season and his momentum was disrupted. He won the Player of the Month award once last season and if he can have an injury free season, there is no reason why he can't win the Player of the Season Award.
