Outside90's Premier League Top 50: 31-40

Outside90’s Chris Matthews-Darby continues our top 50 Premier League players’ special by predicting the 50 – 41 range for the upcoming 2015-16 campaign. 

40. Gylfil Sigurdsson

The 25-year-old attacker made his return to Liberty Stadium last season after a failed stint at Tottenham. The Icelander played a significant role in Swansea’s eighth placed finish, scoring seven goals and assisting 10. His service and creativity will excite many Swansea fans who already have Michu, Bafetimbi Gomis and new signing Andre Ayew at their disposal. Sigurdsson contributed to 37 per cent of the team’s 46 goals and completed 85% of his passes. Garry Monk will be hoping to see more of the same from the former Reading attacker, as his side chases an intercontinental competition finish.

39. Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick has long been considered as one of the most underrated players in the English Premier League. Joining Manchester United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006, the 34-year-old has gone on to make over 250 appearances for the club and has won five Premier Leagues, the UEFA Champions League and represented England in two World Cups. Standing at 188cm tall, Carrick is not like most central-defensive-midfielders. Instead of tackling and winning aerial duels, the West Ham United youth product reads the play well, passes cleanly and is able to dictate play with his long balls, intelligence and awareness. The English international only made 19 appearances last season, but will welcome the competition by new signings Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

38. Leighton Baines

Leighton Baines has consistently been one of the best performers in the Premier League since joining Everton from Wigan Athletic in 2007. The 30-year-old has made 262 appearances for Everton, scoring 23 goals. His ability to close down attacks and start raids of his own makes him an essential part of Roberto Martinez’ squad. Assisted nine goals last season, but like the rest of the Everton squad will have to improve on a disappointing 2014-15 campaign, which saw the Toffees finish in 11th place despite challenging for a Champions League spot a season prior.

MORE: Outside90’s Premier League Top 50: 41-50

37. Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino capped-off a stellar 2014-15 season at Bundesliga club 1899 Hoffenheim with impressive performances in the Copa America and sealing a move to Liverpool. An attacker, Firmino loves to dribble and run at defences, netting seven and assisting 10 last season. A skillful and tricky player to contain, his combination with countryman Coutinho has many Liverpool fans licking their lips at just the thought. However, he will have to adjust quickly to the standards and physicality of the league if he is to be a success.

36. Ander Herrera

The exciting Spaniard enjoyed a successful first season at Manchester United, scoring six goals and assisting four to help his side finish fourth. Herrera will be hoping to establish himself as a first team player after only starting in 19 games under Louis van Gaal last campaign. The former Athletic Bilbao attacker is quick on the ball and distributes well. He made over 1500 passes last year with an accuracy percentage of 89.2. With Manchester United certain of a return to the Champions League, his form will be vital. Just like Carrick, the 25-year-old will welcome the new competition for that central-midfield role.

35. Hugo Lloris

There was plenty of excitement surrounding Hugo Lloris’ 2012 move from Ligue One’s Lyon to Tottenham and it is fair to say the excitement has been justified. In fact, the £15 million move is now seen as a bargain. The Hotspur captain made 107 saves in 35 matches last season, which included eight clean sheets. Lloris is blessed with quick reflexes and gets down well to prevent shots. His form is vital to this Tottenham side, despite finishing fifth in 2014-15 they conceded 53 goals, which could have been higher if it was not for their goalkeeper. The Frenchman will make his 100th Premier League appearance on the opening day when Tottenham travel to Old Trafford.

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34. Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay is yet to step foot in a Premier League match, but he has already showed his potential to the world in four successful years at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. The new Manchester United winger is quick on the ball, has a bag full of tricks and is a danger from set pieces. Scored 22 goals in 30 matches last season in the Eredivisie and van Gaal will be hoping his new signing produces the same form for United this season. With Robin van Persie moving to Fenerbache and Angel Di Maria set to switch to Paris St-Germain, the Red Devils could really use an attacker like Depay in their side. However, he will have to adapt to the English style as quickly as possible.

33. James Milner

One of the most complete and versatile players in the league. James Milner signed for Liverpool from Manchester City in the offseason for a free transfer. Beginning his career as a winger, the English international has made a home in the centre of midfield. He completed over 1000 passes and contributed to 12 Manchester City goals last season. His work ethic is one of his greatest assests and he will have to bring that into his Liverpool career if he is to help them return to the top four. Milner has a big task ahead of him as, the Reds look to fill the boots of the departed Steven Gerrard, but if his preseason form is anything to go by, it is going to be a good new home for the Leeds United junior.

32. Cesar Azpilicueta

The Spanish fullback has been an instrumental part of Chelsea’s side since joining the club in 2012. Since then he has thwarted off competition from club legend Ashley Cole and has won three titles. Contributed well in defence in Chelsea’s Premier League winning season last year, making 86 tackles and 58 interceptions. Azpilicueta also possesses great speed, in which he occasionally uses to overlap and run at opposing defences. He is able to play at both left and right back, so his fitness and versatility will be crucial this season as Chelsea chase back-to-back league wins.

31. Joe Hart

Despite all the changes in management and big money signings, Joe Hart will have spent a decade at Manchester City come the end of the new season. He has made over 230 appearances for the club and has been their number one keeper since 2010.  Hart gets down quick and makes himself big. which proves too much for many attackers. The England shot-stopper uses his legs just as much as his hands, making 86 saves and keeping 14 clean sheets last season. On his day can be one of the world’s best goalkeepers, but his off-days can be pretty average, he will need to produce more of his form of old if City are to return to the holy grail of English football.

Outside90’s Premier League Top 50: 31-40

31. Joe Hart
32. Cesar Azpilicueta
33. James Milner
34. Memphis Depay
35 Hugo Lloris
36. Ander Herrera
37. Roberto Firmino
38. Leighton Baines
39. Michael Carrick
40. Gylfi Sigurdsson