This season so far has been a season to remember. Manchester City have the largest lead at the Christmas of any team in PL history, 13 point lead. Superstars have come to the Premier league and each team has competed for every position. Now officially halfway through the season, it seems right to discuss the best that we have seen since August.
Player of Season: Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian has simply been world class this season. His numbers speak for themselves with 6 goals and 8 assists, he is the main provider to the Manchester City front line. Along with his goals and assists, De Bruyne has the most key passes in per match at 2.9, in the Premier League. He also has been a strong defensive player making 2 tackles and 1 interception per game. KDB has pulled through in big games as well earning Man of the Match performances against Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
De Bruyne has played every match this season in the Premier League and has made an impact every time he steps onto the field it is his versatility. As a threat from set pieces, dead ball situations and open play, he seems to be unstoppable right now. He has even seen comparisons for the top players in the world, not to mention the best midfielders in the world. The blue side of Manchester may not be where they are without Kevin De Bruyne.
Kevin De Bruyne's record in the so called 'Big Games' this season…
vs Liverpool: 2 Assists & MOTM🎯🎯🏆
vs Chelsea: 1 Goal & MOTM⚽️🏆
vs Arsenal: 1 Goal & MOTM⚽️🏆
vs Napoli: 2 Assists & MOTM🎯🎯🏆
vs United: MOTM🏆
vs Spurs: 1 Goal & MOTM⚽️🏆Different Class🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/kJ3WQd0Vbg
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) December 16, 2017
Young Player of Season: Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling, 23, has been a key member to the Manchester City success this season. Sterling has contributed with 12 goals and 4 assists, his highest goal contribution of his career. Sterling is contributing a goal every 81 minutes, which is best in the league just behind his teammate Sergio Aguero. The Englishman has fought for his place since the arrival of Pep Guradiola back in 2016, including outlasting Jesus Navas and Nolito for his position on the wing. The winger has also been critical during the end of matches. Sterling has scored five goals with less then ten minutes in the matches. Four of those matches has resulted in wins and one resulting in a draw. This Manchester City team has been setting the league on fire, Sterling is at the heart of the success.
Signing of the Summer: Mohamed Salah
This past summer was one to remember during the transfer window. Every club seemed to break their transfer record and the big six were no exception. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, and Tottenham all surpassed their transfer records. Both Manchester clubs also spent big with Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy, Bernardo Silva, and Ederson heading to City. While Romelu Lukkau, Nemanja Matic, and Victor Lindelof signed for the red side of Manchester. Alvaro Morata, Alexandre Lacazette, and Davidson Sanchez have been important for their clubs this season.
However, Mohamed Salah has been the signing of the summer for Liverpool. Leading scorer at Christmas, Salah has been the spearhead of a dangerous Liverpool attack. He had shown promise at Chelsea, but had to prove his worth once he went to Rome. The Egyptian has contributed 18 goals in the league and across all competitions has scored 23 goals. He is the first Liverpool player to score 20+ goals before Christmas since Walsh striker Ian Rush, in 1986. Salah forms a dangerous front four that can break on the counter and score at will.
Most Impressive Team: Burnley
The Clarets have worked their way up the top with great defense and timely scoring. Burnley have just scored 16 goals this season, tied for 5th worst in the league. They have only allowed 15 goals, 4th best, which has netted 32 points this season after nineteen games. In perspective, the Clarets were only able to secure 40 points in the full season prior. The key of this great form has been goalie Nick Pope, who stepped in for the injured Tom Heaton. Pope is making 3.6 saves per 90 minutes, 3rd best in the premier league. Only conceding 11 goals in his 16 games gives him one of highest save percentages in the Premier League, at .833. Burnley at one time this season had reached fourth in the Premier League, there highest ever place.
Most Disappointing Team: Tottenham
Simple to say Spurs have not been impressive in the league thus far this season. The team that held Chelsea tight in the title chase the year before has not been in contention for the title this season. Spurs have dropped the ball against the big six clubs with only one win (4-1 Liverpool) and losses to United, City, Arsenal and Chelsea. Spurs are still in a solid position, 5th place, with 5 points behind third. It is just a shame that Spurs were in the pre-season title talk and have to now fight for a Champions League position. Key players including Victor Wanyama and Toby Alderweireld have been caught with the injury bug and have resulted in a make-swift back line. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have an up hill battle but can still have a positive season with Harry Kane up front.