Midfielders:
CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD: Nemanja Matic
Matic dominates the defensive midfield like no one else in the league. He beats Fernandinho to the spot. The Serb has height, strength, tactical ability and great vision to play in the position. After being bought back in January, Matic has been a regular in the team and a very consistent performer. Fernandinho has also been a great player for the club last year, someone who helped Yaya Toure bombard forward and score goals. He is more attack minded when needed and has a great sense of awareness to intercept passes. But Matic dominates physically and is a very clean ball winner as he barely fouls anyone. His range of passing in deep midfield is also impressive as he fit in perfectly in Chelsea’s counter attacking/long passing game.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Yaya Toure
Toure has been in fine form and has now found out that he is more of an attack minded player than his idol Vieira. Toure’s attacking prowess was the reason City won the league last season. With 20 goals and a number of assists, Yaya Toure is a lethal goalscorer now, and his strength, close control and deceptive pace coupled with a tireless engine makes him an absolute beast in the midfield who can dominate almost anyone with his imposing frame and technique. Cesc Fabregas is the Chelsea man who gives way for the big African. The former Arsenal Captain is a world class playmaker without doubt, but Yaya Toure adds the fear factor- the unconquerable physicality and power which Fabregas doesn’t. Simply based on the ‘beastly’ qualities of Toure and his goals, he wins the battle over Fabregas who is arguably the best deep seated playmaker in the league.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD: Eden Hazard
Hazard was a hero for Chelsea last season as he was the standout performer in the team. With 14 goals and 7 assists along with the ability to contribute defensively as well, Hazard matured into a very good player last season under the strict guidance of Jose Mourinho. He beats Samir Nasri who has been a key figure under Pallegrini. The French man was involved in many goals last season and was a vital cog in the midfield but was not as influential as Hazard for Chelsea.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD: David Silva
Silva had an injury hit period last season but whenever he was on the pitch, he was their best creator of chances. He may be a small man but he works well on the pitch as he showed that he can work off the ball as well, when Juan Mata was struggling in Chelsea. However, it is Willian whom Silva beats to the spot. It is tough excluding Willian from the list especially because of his undying positive attitude for the sport, with his tireless work rate, pace and stamina. Yet Silva, one of Europe’s best playmakers, partners Hazard in this list.
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