4. Leighton Baines – Everton
Baines has been a solid performer ever since he first arrived in the Premier League with Wigan Athletic in 2005.
However, over the years he’s seen his influence grow and he’s now one of the finest, most consistent English players in the top flight.
His importance to Everton this season has been crucial as his performances have reached a new peak.
Together with fellow left-footer, Steven Pienaar he orchestrates 43% of Everton’s attacks from the left side. He crosses the ball more than any other player in the Premier League makes a division record of 3.3 key passes per match.
By his own standards he’s stepped it up a gear this term and there is no wonder that there is heavy speculation linking him with a move away from Goodison Park this summer.
He has also began to get the jump over Ashley Cole for the England national team too. Baines was part of the squad that travelled to Euro 2012 but didn’t feature, since then he has started in six of the sides previous nine games following the tournament.
He notched his first international goal with a free kick in the 5-0 win over Moldova in September.
As Cole heads in to his 30’s there’s no doubt that Baines will be the natural successor and could stand a good chance of being the county’s first choice should they make it to Brazil.