With yet another Premier League season being a foregone conclusion, the campaign lived up to its billing as one of most closest ever in recent memories. Manchester City ran out deserving winners of the coveted Title while Liverpool came precariously close, playing the best attacking football in the league. Arsenal and Chelsea would be disappointed though, with the former throwing away the title in the last couple of months while Mourinho’s men can boast of beating both of the top placed teams. Today however in our post season analysis, we take a look at the five of the most improved players from the 2013-14 Premier League season.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
Chelsea were the least frugal to concede the most goals in the Premier League with Gary Cahill and John Terry being at the heart of Jose Mourinho’s defensive line. However, 24 year old Cesar Azpilicueta was certainly the stand out performer. The Spaniard showed immense versatility playing out position in the left back role, with his superb performances keeping Ashley Cole out from the starting eleven. Azpilicueta initially flourished under Rafa Benitez and the defender rightfully earned a call up to Spain’s World Cup squad for the showcase event in Brazil.
Edin Dzeko:
The Bosnian was surely the standout striker in Manuel Pellegrini’s first season in charge as the Citizens won a convincing double this season. Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo were the two preferred strikers in the beginning of the season as Dzeko fell down the pecking ranks for the Etihad stadium outfit. Dzeko however clawed back a regular starting place thanks to Aguero’s injury and Pellegrini’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 mid season. The former Wolfsburg player hit the back of the net 18 times, four more than last campaign, but more than the goals scored, it was his free flowing movement in between the channels that allowed City to secure the Premier League title, at a stage when it looked that the ‘Noisy Neighbours’ would run out of steam.
Raheem Sterling:
What a season it was for Liverpool! Brendan Rodgers’ side came precariously close to winning the Premier League title but a slip up against Crystal Palace was enough to see the Reds fall short. The Anfield outfit displayed the best attacking football in recent memory with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge up front however, 19 year old Raheem Sterling had a cracking season scoring 9 goals and grabbing 5 assists in 33 appearances for the Reds. Sterling displayed immense versatility playing either on the wings and on the top of a midfield diamond, showing great maturity and will surely be one of the players to look out for in the coming World Cup.