Nathan Ake
The Dutchman had an amazing season last year on loan at Watford and was billed to stay with Chelsea ahead of the season kick-off this year. However, new boss Antonio Conte deemed him surplus to requirements and shipped him off to Bournemouth on another year-long loan spell.
Having found it hard to break into the Cherries’ playing XI on a regular basis in the earlier part of the season, Ake burst onto the scenes and made an immediate impact when he got a chance. Solid at the back, Ake averaged a healthy 9 defensive actions per game and displayed great composure and maturity in defence. The 21-year old also chipped in with crucial goals, none more so than the late winner against Liverpool in December.
His performances in the 10 games he played for the Cherries were so impressive that Conte decided to call him back to Stamford Bridge earlier this month and there is no doubt he will continue his rise with the Blues this term.