Whilst we are all still waiting and dreaming of the day the football returns, I have found the time to look at some of the best English players in the Premier League this season. After some close calls I have worked out a team from the players I believe have excelled this season so far.
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson (Sheffield United)
The 23 year old has been in sublime form throughout the season to date. The Manchester United loanee has made 10 clean sheets and conceded just 25 goals all year, only bettered by the champions in waiting, Liverpool.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
There are not many more superlatives you can give this young man. Still only 21, he has been one of, if not Liverpool’s major driving force this season. The “local lad” has provided a staggering 12 assists from right back, second only to Kevin De Bruyne. He has also had more touches than anyone else in the league whilst making the third most passes.
CB: Chris Basham (Sheffield United)
Another star man from Sheffield United’s remarkable season to date. With side conceding the second least amount of goals, along with 10 clean sheets, he just had to make the team. Basham has made 61 interceptions, the second best in the league, making the same number of tackles. He has appeared in every game this season and his calm presence and defensive quality has been instrumental to his team’s success so far.
CB: Conor Coady (Wolves)
Playing every single minute of this campaign, the 27 year old has been the first name on the team sheet for manager, Nuno Santo. Providing eight clean sheets, his strong and commanding presence, as well as his wonderful range of passing have not gone unnoticed. The captain has become the heartbeat of this impressive and ever improving team.
LB: Ben Chillwell (Leicester City)
Leicester have been extremely impressive for much of this season and the attacking style with width in the team is something Brendan Rodgers loves to implement. Chillwell is very calm and composed and has been solid defensively all season, very rarely getting beat by opposition attackers. With natural ability going forward, he has also chipped in with two goals and three assists for his side, who sit comfortably in the top four.
CM : Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
The heartbeat of the Liverpool team, their captain has been inspirational for his side all year. On the back of some criticism last season, he has bounced back and drove his side to the top of the league, by a mere 25 points. The 29-year-old has not lost a single game all season, missing out through injury in Liverpool’s one defeat to Watford. His aggression and work rate in midfield alongside his full range of passing ability has been key to Liverpool’s success. Not often being allowed to get forward, his three goals and five assists have also been very well received.
CM: Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Joining the club at the age of six, Mount finally got his chance in the first team this season. He quickly fitted into the high-pressured environment and has since made the position his own, delivering some outstanding performances. The skilful and creative youngster has scored six goals and made four assists on his debut season. At just 21 years old the academy prospect has been a shining light for Chelsea during a transitional period for the West London side.
CM: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Grealish has shown some outstanding form this season. His technical and playmaking ability has been there for all to witness and he has regularly dragged his team forward, making vital contributions on several occasions. He has hit the back of the net seven times and created six assists. A very impressive return. His general all-round link up play makes Aston Villa tick and the supporters will be praying their local hero can pick his form back up from where he left off.
CF: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Vardy has been having a party for most of this season after delivering once again in front of goal. He has managed an outstanding 19 goals in just 26 games whilst making four goals for his teammates. Vardy’s clinical finishing, as well as his intelligent link up play and never die attitude as been integral to Leicester’s success so far.
CF: Danny Ings (Southampton)
A real success story from the south coast. After an extremely slow start for the Saints, Danny Ings has shown some brilliant form, providing priceless goals and points for his side. His 15 goals in 29 appearances is an extremely impressive return, considering the rest of the team playing well below par for large parts of the season.
CF: Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)
Another shining light at Chelsea this season, the 22-year-old has repaid the faith Frank Lampard has shown in him, smashing in 13 goals and providing three assists in 25 games. His strength, speed and movement have also made a real impact to his teams play. His form has dropped a little in recent months, but he has shown some lovely composure in front of goal for large periods and may prove to be the solution in Chelsea’s long search for a consistent finisher.
Substitutes
Wan Bassaka (Manchester United) – has got better and better since his arrival at Old Trafford. Making a staggering 99 tackles this season, he has been solid at the back for his new side.
James Maddison (Leicester City) – with six goals and three assists to his name, Maddison is enjoying another impressive session and has been pivotal to Leicester’s good play.
Calvert Lewin (Everton)– 13 goals has been an impressive return for a side that really struggled for the first half of the season. He has improved his all-round game significantly and is now a key player for his team.
Declan Rice (West Ham) – the one West Ham player that has really stood out this season. Making 87 tackles, the fourth most in league as well as a massive 249 recoveries in midfield.