The ten most improved players in the Premier League this season.
10. Fabian Delph – Aston Villa
The midfielder is finally starting to show the potential he showed during the early stages of his career and has often been the heartbeat of the Vila midfield. His passing and tenacity when charging forward with the ball have brought him to the brink of an England squad and he has now become one of the first names on the team sheet at Villa Park.
9. Gareth Barry – Everton
His passing and protection of the ball when in possession have been key to Everton’s great start to the campaign, and though a recall into Roy Hodgson’s squad may still be out of the question, he has proved that he is still capable at this level.
8. Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
Combining electric pace with a menacing eye for a dribble, the young midfielder has made a spot on Liverpool’s flank his home this term after enduring a shaky start last season. Could be included in England’s World Cup squad this summer.
7. Emmanuel Adebayor – Tottenham Hotspur
Couldn’t buy a goal or a start last season, but has now become Tottenham’s top scorer in the wake of a rather expensive flop at AVB’s hands. Has been rejuvenated under Tim Sherwood and demonstrated how threatening he has been all along.
6. Cesar Azpilicueta – Chelsea
He’s keeping the Premier League’s best ever left-back on the bench, and it’s not even his natural position. However, his versatility and stung performances have made him a staple in the Blues’ back line.
5. Adam Lallana – Southampton
The skipper has flourished under Mauricio Pochettino to the point where clubs of the top six are looking to sign him this summer. He is now made his breakthrough into the international set up and could even make his way to Brazil this summer, and his goal tally continues to rise.
4. Olivier Giroud – Arsenal
The French ace flattered to deceive last season, and many Gooners weren’t looking forward to him leading the line by himself this term, but so far he has impressed and shouldered the responsibility admirably. With 14 goals in all competitions so far the big benchmark of 20 is not beyond him at all.
3. Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
Though he has still not shown that he is worth £20m, the young midfielder has done his reputation no harm by displaying some outstanding form this term. Adding goals to his ability to harass and pursue, he frequently drops into several positions with consummate ease, which allows Brendan Rodgers to restructure his tactics as a game goes on.
2. Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Hazard was good last season, but he has taken the further step this year to become one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premier League. Mourinho has modelled him on Cristiano Ronaldo, and now his running with the ball and his goal threat give many defences sleepless nights. He’s consistent too, and will only continue to improve.
1. Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal
The Welshman has enjoyed a career defining season this year, and shown the all of those injury problems of the past no longer bother him. He is a lethal box-to-box threat and has now added goals to his all-round game to quickly become Arsenal’s main man.
SEE ALSO: PES 2014 best players: the 20 highest ranked players on Pro Evolution Soccer 2014.