A look at ten of the best English performers in the Premier League this season.
10. Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
The Liverpool right-back is actually one of the team’s best attackers, causing opposition defenders plenty of problems when he roams forward. The 28-year-old has one goal and four assists this season, and that one goal was an absolute cracker against West Ham.
9. Matt Lowton (Aston Villa)
Despite Aston Villa’s difficult season, some of their young players have really come into their own, with Matt Lowton in particular looking like a good signing from Sheffield United for just £3million. The versatile defender can play at right-back, centre-back or midfield, and has a decent return of two goals and three assists from the back. Having attracted interest from Arsenal, the 23-year-old may earn an England call-up soon enough.
8. Andy Carroll (West Ham)
The unwanted Liverpool striker has had a new lease of life under Sam Allardyce at West Ham. It’s fair to say Carroll may not be the most skillful forward suited to Brendan Rodgers’ style of play, but he fits in perfectly as the Hammers’ target man. His future remains uncertain, but many of his team-mates hope he remains at Upton Park.
7. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
The Liverpool captain has looked back to his best this year in Brendan Rodgers’ new-look side. Despite being 32, Gerrard is full of the same energy as ever, and has contributed 9 goals and 9 assists, putting him up there with the best goal creators in the league.
6. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Despite his advancing years and being in and out of the team this season, Frank Lampard remains an important player for Chelsea and England, with his knack for goals showing no signs of slowing down. Linked with free transfers to Monaco and LA Galaxy, the Blues would be wise to secure his services for at least another year.
5. Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Luke Shaw has shown himself to be a great English prospect after his first season in Southampton’s first team. Graduating from the youth academy that produced Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shaw has shown all the attacking skill to become another useful player, and has attracted interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
4. Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Although a surprise nomination for PFA Player of the Year, Michael Carrick has probably been England’s best midfielder this season with his displays in Manchester United’s title win. A cool, experienced head, Carrick keeps United’s play ticking along nicely so that other players can shine.
3. Leighton Baines (Everton)
A big move could beckon for Leighton Baines after another excellent season for Everton. The attacking left-back is an energetic player who can provide pin-point crosses and score the occasional free-kick with his powerful left foot.
2. Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Without a doubt his best season yet, Theo Walcott has helped ease the pain of Robin van Persie’s departure with 20 goals and 14 assists. A guaranteed starter now for England, and unfortunate to miss out on a Player of the Year nomination.
1. Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
The top English scorer in the Premier League, Southampton’s Rickie Lambert would be very unfortunate not to earn an England call-up after a great season. As well as goals, the 31-year-old is a skillful forward capable of linking up with his team-mates in the Saints’ immaculate passing game.