A look at ten stars of this Premier League season who’ve had to fight to convince their managers they’re worthy of being regular starters, including stand-out performers at the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool…
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1) Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
A player really coming into form at the end of the season, one has to wonder why Louis van Gaal felt the need to hold back Ander Herrera for so long at Manchester United? The Spanish midfielder has always looked superb when called upon, and now looks a guaranteed starter and essential part of the Red Devils first-team.
2) Francis Coquelin (Arsenal)
With far too many games for the likes of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere, it is a shame for Arsenal fans that they had to wait for so long to see Francis Coquelin come into the side, as the young Frenchman has since been one of the Gunners’ best players in some big wins.
3) James Milner (Manchester City)
One of Manchester City’s best players whenever he’s used, it’s strange that James Milner has made nearly half of his appearances from the bench for the club this season when they’ve so often struggled to find their best form.
4) Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
A player who incredibly didn’t start a Premier League game until November, Harry Kane has been Tottenham’s star player by far this season and could now finish as top scorer as he is level with Chelsea’s Diego Costa with 19 goals – imagine how Spurs could’ve done if they’d seen his potential earlier.
5) Ryan Mason (Tottenham Hotspur)
Behind flops like Etienne Capoue for much of the start of the season, Ryan Mason has been another revelation for Spurs this season and should’ve had a chance to play regularly earlier on.
6) Juan Mata (Manchester United)
In and out of the side for so much of the season, Juan Mata is clearly one of Manchester United’s best players and is another who has really been on top form of late, showing he should’ve been started far more often.
7) Loic Remy (Chelsea)
A very capable goalscorer as he has shown in the absence of the injured Diego Costa, it has to be asked why Loic Remy wasn’t rotated with the Spaniard more earlier in the season, which may have kept their main man more fresh for the business end of the campaign.
8) Bacary Sagna (Manchester City)
One of the best right-backs in the Premier League, Bacary Sagna has barely been used by Manchester City since they signed him from Arsenal, even though he is also very capable in City’s problem position of centre-back.
9) Emre Can (Liverpool)
After finally finding his feet as a centre-back for Liverpool, Emre Can has been one of the revelations of their season, making it seem all the more ridiculous that he wasn’t a regular sooner, with £20m flop Dejan Lovren preferred in defence.
10) Frank Lampard (Manchester City)
Still got it even at 36, Frank Lampard has performed well whenever called upon by Manchester City, scoring seven goals despite only being handed seven starts in all competitions.