It is far too early in the season to guess who will eventually win the plaudits from both players and writers alike but here are my top five performers of the campaign so far.
5.) Richard Dunne (Aston Villa) – Man City were absolutely crazy to let such an influential figure go. After establishing himself as an icon at the club he would have brought some much need direction to a talented yet nervy back line. Dunne has already become a firm fans favourite at Villa Park and it’s not hard to see why. His steady no-nonsense approach to the game has meant he has more than adequately filled the void left by Martin Laursen. He is one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League and chips in with a few goals too.
Verdict – A brilliant summer acquisition who has already proved his worth.
4.) Darren Bent (Sunderland) – Those who questioned his £16.65million price tag when he moved from Charlton to Spurs probably felt vindicated when he struggled to even get in the starting line-up. Yet despite never really being given a chance the tweetaholic still scored 18 goals in 60 appearances during his two years at White Hart Lane. Since his switch up north though Bent has demonstrated he will always score goals in any team – already scoring nine in 15 this season. He will probably not get anywhere near winning the PFA or writers player of the year award but he stands a good chance of the golden boot.
Verdict – Not the most glamorous striker but an effective one nonetheless.
3.) James Milner (Aston Villa) – Another brilliant signing by Martin O’Neil. The young Englishman has really developed this season and thoroughly deserves his place on the plane to South Africa. He has shown he has a great all-round game with the ability to really attack defences, deliver a cracking ball and is more than willing to track back to do his bit for the team.
Verdict – May not have the flair of Wright-Phillips or Lennon but is definitely more consistent.
2.) Didier Drogba (Chelsea) – Clearly one of the best strikers in the world he has at times been absolutely unplayable this season. No other striker has the same kind of impact on the game as Drogba does and the stats back this up. With eight assists and 11 goals in 14 league games he has been pivotal to Chelsea’s excellent form which sees them sitting top of the table. Many may point to the fantastic support he gets and while it certainly helps it has been his impeccable form which has brought him so much success this season.
Verdict – Has been head and shoulders above the Premiership’s other world-class strikers and will be sorely missed when he takes part in the African Cup of Nations.
1.) Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) – Without him and Van Persie Arsenal are nothing. Once again he has been the driving force behind everything they do and is completely irreplaceable. His intelligence and skill has allowed him to control games like no-one else and with six goals and 11 assists he is top of every fantasy football league.
Verdict – Has been indispensible to Arsenal and has been far more influential than either Lampard or Gerrard. The best player in the league so far.
Others worth a mention include Van Persie, Terry, Giggs, Lennon, Defoe, Reina, Reid, Dunn, Given and Sorensen.
