The Premier League for the 2016-17 witnessed a lot of actions – the good, the bad and the ugly in the 19 rounds of games played before the new year emerged, and as the other half of the season gets underway, a look is taken at the best players who have impressed the most since August till now.
Presenting to you the English Premier League team of 2016.
He might not have made 81 saves like Tom Heaton or boast the most save ratio, but keeping 11 clean sheets in 19 games is no mean feat.
The Belgian has conceded just 13 times and has been that last line of defence hard to breach whenever his defenders are caught napping.
The Spaniard is one of the few outfield players to have played every minute of the campaign, and he has been Chelsea’s best defender, as he won 37 tackles, made 40 interceptions, 80 clearances and 6 blocks, while also assisting once in 19 games.
It’s not for nothing that almost every top club has been linked with the Dutch centre-half.
In the first half of the season, the Southampton player won more aerial battles (90) than any defender, won 30 tackles, made 50 interceptions, 129 clearances and 14 blocks.
Tottenham’s defence has this Belgian to thank, as he made 2nd most clearances (170), won 67 aerial battles – the 3rd highest and has been rock-solid for Spurs, ensuring they haven’t shipped more than 14 goals.
Not only has the 26-year-old been impressive at the back having won 37 tackles and 32 aerial duels, the England international has also been key to Tottenham’s attack, creating 27 chances and making more assists (4) than any Premier League defender.
Forget West Ham’s poor campaign and concentrate on Payet’s brilliance. Luck seems to have also played its part in the Hammers campaign, as one of their sure sources of goals have struck the woodwork on 3 occasions.
No player created more goalscoring chances (70) than the 29-year-old in the first half of the season, and if the club’s recent form is anything to go by, we might just haven’t seen his best yet.
Despite bouts of off-days in some matches, it can’t be denied this creator-in-chief has been impressive on his day as usual.
He has scored 4 goals for United in the Premier League so far, created 37 chances and assisted 3 games.
Certainly not a bad return from a central midfielder.
One of the main reasons why Manchester City have a chance in this title race is the Belgian.
His versatility has come handy and so has his superb abilities in the attacking third. The 25-year-old has created 2nd most chances (54), has made most assists (9) and weighed in 2 goals.
With 9 goals to his name this term, it has been a great season for former PFA Player of the Year, and he is set to lead Chelsea’s title charge in the coming weeks alongside this next man.
The league’s highest goalscorer is definitely the man to go to for all types of goals and looks like one able to hit the 30-goal mark with half of the season still to go.
Alongside Costa, the Chilean has had a hand in most goals (19: 12 goals, 7 assists), and has been Arsenal’s best player hands down.
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