It’s been a year of mixed fortunes for the Premier League elite. As Chelsea have limped steadily to the Premier League title they all but won back in 2014, Manchester City have simply imploded, while top four rivals Arsenal and Manchester United have produced impressive turnarounds.
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Down at the other end of the table, the arrivals of new managers – most notably Alan Pardew and Tim Sherwood – have helped inspire transformations in player form, while in several other cases the threat of a new player taking a position has been enough to produce a change.
In the list below, we count down the ten most improved Premier League players since the turn of the year…
10) Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
The Belgian has scored nine of his 11 Villa goals this season since the turn of the year. The arrival of Sherwood has further inspired him to rediscover his best form, which was most recently on show against QPR earlier this month, when he bagged a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw.
9) Bafetimbi Gomis (Swansea City)
Has scored six of his eight Swansea goals since January. The departure of Wilfried Bony has transformed him from a bit-part player into a regular starter, with his recent strike against Aston Villa and brace against Hull City securing an impressive six points.
8) Ashley Young (Manchester United)
Has returned to being a regular in the side since February, scoring crucial goals against Newcastle and Manchester City as well. After a couple of years in the wilderness he’s now looking somewhere back to his best and was unlucky to miss out on the England squad last time around.
7) Mohamed Salah (Chelsea / Fiorentina)
The Egyptian never really got a look in at Stamford Bridge but has been a huge hit at the Italian club, who he joined on loan in January. He’s scored seven goals in his first 12 appearances in all competitions and could now attract a huge amount of interest next summer.
6) Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
The World Cup winner spent the first-half of the season out injured. He returned after three months out in January, scoring three goals in his first four games. He was on the scoresheet again against Liverpool earlier this month and is finally looking value for money.
5) Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace)
Has been the stand-out player of Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace revival, with his hat-trick against Sunderland last time out continue the Londoners fine run of form. A lack of end product has let Bolasie down in the past but maybe those days are finally behind him.
4) Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
His presence alone was bemoaned by United fans this time last year, now he’s a key player under Louis van Gaal. He’s thrived in has attacking midfield role, with his goals against Manchester City and Tottenham only underlining his rediscovered qualities.
3) Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
The Reds goalkeeper couldn’t buy a clean-sheet during the first-half of the season and was dropped in favour of Brad Jones in December. Since his return he’s been nothing short of exceptional, making a host of fine saves and improving his command of the penalty area.
2) Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Started the season poorly after failing to produce at the World Cup. Everton’s season looked to be heading for a relegation battle until a recent revival helped turned things around. The 32-year-old has most recently featured in a run of four Premier League games without defeat.
1) Francis Coquelin (Arsenal)
He only made a handful of appearances during the first-half of the season but injuries to a handful of other players left him in the prime position to take advantage. He’s grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has since established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the country.