SK's top 25 footballers for the month of August

17. N'Golo Kanté

There was an air of scepticism surrounding Kante’s move to Stamford Bridge this summer; could he really emulate the heroics of last season in a team of big-money egos that ultimately have far more challenging expectations than Leicester City? The answer in short – yes he bloody well can.

Across the three games Kante has played so far for the South Londoners, he has made, on average, 2.7 tackles per game, 61 passes per game and has had a pass completion rate of 95.1%.

Now, unlike other candidates on this list, the Frenchman has not had to score a handful of goals, put his body on the line with breath-taking defensive displays, nor have particularly impressive statistics to capture out attention. That said his performances as a catalyst in an Antonio Conte team which likes to swiftly turn defence into attack have been steady and efficient.

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16. Santi Cazorla

Arsenal’s performances this season have ultimately lacked the cutting-edge, ruthless dynamics that rendered them Leicester’s fiercest challengers last campaign. Had it not been for Santi Cazorla’s inclusion against Watford, the club could have very well gone into the international break without a win to their name.

The Spaniard was in mesmerising form when he came on against Liverpool to limit the eventual damage with two fine assists, while he confidently stuck home a penalty against Watford in the final game of the month to set the Gunners on their way to a scintillating 3-0 victory.

He pulls the strings in the final third, especially when alongside Mesut Ozil, and provided the best service for Sanchez throughout the month with an average pass completion of 89.2%.