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The Premier League is witnessing another fantastic season this time. With less than 9 games to go till the end, the League table might still change come May. However, it is quite likely that one of Liverpool or Manchester City will lift the title at the end of the season. The fight for the next four places, though, is alarmingly close.
The four teams vying for those places are going neck to neck and all the permutations and combinations could yet work, depending on their performances in the last 8 games. Just 4 points separate Tottenham at third from Chelsea at 6th, with Manchester United and Arsenal also in the mix.
The main reason for such a competitive league has been the qualities of the players on the pitch. The league has once again seen blistering performances from quite a few players and today, we pick the 5 best players of the Premier League this season, who can also be considered as the front runners for the Premier League Player of the Season Awards.
#5 Alisson Becker (Brazil, Liverpool)
The Brazilian joined Liverpool at the start of the season in a deal that made him the costliest goalkeeper in the world at that time. The club were rebuked by many for spending such exorbitant amount of money of a rather untested goalkeeper. Cut back to March and it looks like one of the deals of the year.
Last season, Liverpool had to pay the price for horrendous goalkeeping on many occasions, including the UEFA Champions League Final. Klopp had shortlisted Alisson to solve his problems and the Brazilian has been Liverpool’s saviour so far.
Even though the Merseyside club have one of the meanest defenses in the league, their style of play often leaves them vulnerable at the back. Alisson has been fabulous in such a set up, playing often as the sweeper keeper who is out of his goal in a flash to make clearances.
The Brazilian is also a fantastic shot stopper and has tremendous reflexes. He is quite good with the ball at his feel and often sends long balls into the opposition third that opens up opportunities for his team.
Alisson Becker has picked up 17 clean sheets this season from 31 appearances already and has been one of the reasons why Liverpool have lost just once in the league this season. He is the front runner for a Premier League Golden Glove.
#4 Paul Pogba (France, Manchester United)
Paul Pogba started the season with two goals from his first two games. He even scored a brace in the opening Group Stage game of the UEFA Champions League. However, things soon took an alarming turn, as a loss of form, coupled with a rumoured rift with Mourinho spelt doom for the player.
Enter Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and like a charm, the Frenchman had regained his lost form! He was back to his scintillating best, scoring for fun, setting up his teammates and inspiring Manchester United. With every passing game, the 26-year-old grew in stature and of late, has been the best goal scoring midfielder in the Premier League.
Pogba has already scored 14 goals from 37 games in all competition and has been the creative spark in the United team of late. His passing has been crisp and he has been setting up his teammates with elan, of late. It is not a wonder then that the Frenchman already has 10 assists to his name so far.
Manchester United's talisman has been one of the most complete midfielders in the world this season, justifying his price tag on many occasions.
#3 Eden Hazard (Belgium, Chelsea)
The Belgian has been fantastic for his club once again and is perhaps one of the best players in the world in his position. Hazard started the season in blistering form, scoring goals and setting up his teammates in tandem. Even though the goals have slowed down a little of late, he is still leading the assist charts in the league.
Hazard has been a menace in the front left position this season. Despite a change in the system under Sarri’s tactics, the Belgian has gone from strength to strength and has been vital for his club.
While the strikers at Chelsea have failed to deliver, their No. 10 has taken up the mantle. Hazard is very fast and strong on the ball and his dribbling skills are second to none. He has even improved his finishing and has been lethal in front of goal so far, scoring 16 goals from 38 games in all competitions this season
The Belgian has been equally adept at setting his teammates up this season. Hazard is a creator, a provider and Chelsea have been the beneficiary once again. The Belgian has registered 11 assists – the most in the Premier League so far.
#2 Sergio Aguero (Argentina, Manchester City)
The Argentinean is one of the greatest foreign strikers to play in the Premier League and this season, he has touched a special milestone in the league. Against Chelsea in February, Aguero scored his 11th hattrick in the Premier League, equaling the record set by Alan Shearer more than a decade ago. The Argentinean has been in fantastic form so far and could yet be the difference between City and Liverpool, come the end of the season.
Aguero is a proven goal scorer in the league and is leading the race to the Premier League Golden Boot as of now. The Argentinean has already scored 18 goals from 26 appearances in the league and 26 goals from 36 appearances in all competitions. He is a big reason why City are still fighting on three fronts, having already won the League Cup earlier.
The Argentinean is a clever player who is very good at tight spaces. He is very good with his passes too and has also registered 6 assists so far this season. Only time will tell if Aguero will lift his second Premier League Golden Boot at the end of the season, but as of now, he is one of the front runners for the Premier League Player of the year too.
#1 Virgil Van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool)
People generally credit Mohamed Salah with turning around Liverpool's fortunes, but there's another player who has been massive for the Merseyside club since joining. Virgil van Dijk was just what the doctor had ordered for Liverpool and his impact in the team this season has been nothing sort of a revelation.
The Dutchman has developed into one of the best defenders in the world since joining Liverpool and the big money the club paid for him looks like a fantastic investment now. van Dijk has been rock solid for his club at the centre of defence, where his leadership has been a welcome change. The assurance he brings has helped Liverpool embrace Klopp's attacking tactics.
van Dijk's defensive qualities might have impressed the whole world, but he has also been a threat while going forward. He has already scored 4 goals and registered 3 assists so far from 38 appearances in all competitions.
The Dutchman has been the standout performer in the league this season and also one of its best players so far. If he wins the Premier League Player of the Year Award by the end of the season, it will be well deserved.
