A selection of 2014’s Premier League stars.
With 2014 nearly over, it’s time to reflect on another superb year of Premier League football. The drama continues for a few more games before the new year, but read on to see our pick of this country’s top performers over the last calendar year.
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With so many big games playing in the English top flight these days, it can be hard to narrow it down to the very best few, but here’s 12 who really stood out in the second half of last season and the start of this one, featuring big names at Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City…
12) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
One of the breakthrough performers of last season, Raheem Sterling was in stunning form for Liverpool as they came so close to winning the Premier League title. His form has dipped slightly this season, but only in an otherwise struggling Reds side.
11) David de Gea (Manchester United)
Undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, David de Gea has maintained his excellent form for Manchester United despite their struggles under David Moyes for much of last season. The Spaniard kept United in some games when his team-mates were struggling, and he has been even better so far this season.
10) Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Despite some injury problems, Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will certainly go down as one of the top players of 2014 with some memorable performances for the Gunners, including some majestic solo goals and the crucial winner that ended the club’s trophy drought in the FA Cup final win over Hull City.
9) Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
One of the best signings of last January’s transfer window, Nemanja Matic has been a revelation in midfield for Chelsea since he rejoined the club from Benfica. Although the Blues missed out on the title last season, the Serbian was an instant hit at Stamford Bridge and is now a key figure in their side as they look favourites to win the league this time.
8) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Although he only returned to the Premier League in the summer, Cesc Fabregas has instantly established himself as one of this country’s best performers again with some wonderful displays in midfield for Chelsea, whom the former Arsenal captain controversially joined after being allowed a surprise summer exit from Barcelona.
7) Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Another summer signing who has made an impression very quickly, Arsenal new-boy Alexis Sanchez has been a joy to watch since he moved to the Premier League, looking like a superb entertainer with the end product and tenacity to succeed in English football – another big mistake in the transfer market by Barcelona.
6) Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
A one-man driving force behind Manchester City’s charge to the Premier League title at the end of last season, Yaya Toure’s fantastic performances in the first half of the year can’t be forgotten even if he has suffered a slight dip in form at the start of the new campaign.
5) Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
A world class striker who suffered with injuries for much of last season but still fired in the goals for City, Sergio Aguero has been even better at the start of this term, leading the Premier League scoring charts. Injury means he’ll be out again until the start of 2015, but there’s no doubt the Argentine deserves his place among the best this year.
4) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
A player reborn under Louis van Gaal, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has had a good year, still firing in the goals during the club’s dismal period under David Moyes, including a cracker from the half-way line against West Ham United. Now captain of his club, the England international looks back to his best as the club continue to climb the table.
3) Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Again, a new player who has made an instant impact, Chelsea striker Diego Costa has perhaps been the signing of the summer with a flurry of goals as soon as he arrived in English football. The Spaniard looks like being the missing link to help deliver the title to Stamford Bridge, and will surely be a strong contender for the Golden Boot.
2) Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Consistently brilliant for Chelsea throughout last season and this, Eden Hazard is growing and growing as a world class player and his performances have been a big highlight in the Premier League in the calendar year 2014.
1) Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
Although he left the Premier League in the summer, Luis Suarez’s sensational form that almost guided Liverpool to the title and saw him scoop the top scorer and best player awards for last term, the Uruguayan’s displays still remain a big highlight of 2014, and despite all his antics, he is a player the Premier League misses.