Outside90's Premier League Top 50: 41-50

Outside90's Premier League Top 50: 41-50

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Managing editor Adrian Houghton kicks off Outside90’s top 50 Premier League players’ special by predicting the 50 – 41 range for the upcoming 2015-16 campaign. 

50. Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace) 

The Crystal Palace captain is one of the league’s most combative midfielders. Jedinak’s no-nonsense approach provides his team with a hardened edge in the middle of the pitch, allowing the more creative players to time and space in the final third. An integral cog of the London outfit, the Socceroos skipper will play a vital role for Alan Pardew’s emerging side. Expect Jedinak to be one of the competition’s most effective tacklers this campaign and keep an eye out for his free-kick expertise.

49. Gary Cahill (Chelsea)

Cool, calm and composed in the heart of defence, Gary Cahill, is one of the league’s most proficient centre-backs. Not many would have thought that Cahill would go on to form a formidable centre-back partnership with Chelsea stalwart John Terry, but the former Bolton Wanderers man has done just that. Once again, Jose Mourinho will call upon the 29-year-old to provide stability at the back as Chelsea prepare themselves for a title defence. Consistency will be this man’s middle name yet again this season.

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48. Theo Walcott (Arsenal) 

The forgotten man at the Emirates, can Theo Walcott get back to his scintillating best? Blessed with bags of pace, Arsene Wenger looks set to persist with England international in a forward role. Playing off the shoulder of the last man, this particular move will play to Walcott’s strengths. The Gunners crave an added dimension up front, and if the 26-year-old can stay fit then it will enhance the team’s goalscoring firepower. There will be moments of frustration, but bursts of brilliance from Walcott and he will play an important role in Arsenal’s potential title challenge.

At his best, Theo Walcott is one of the most devastating wingers in the EPL.
At his best, Theo Walcott is one of the most devastating wingers in the EPL.

47. Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace)

An extremely skilful winger, Yannick Bolasie, has the attributes to take his game to a new level. His emphatic display against Sunderland away last season was a glimpse of his immense potential, scoring a hat-trick and causing the Black Cats’ defence problems all afternoon. Bolasie, 26, has a burst of speed and tricky to beat his man with ease and his dribbling skills will be important to helping unlock opposition defences. If the English football journeyman can find a clinical edge in front of goal – the one part of his game that deserts him – then Pardew will have a serious weapon on his hands this term.

46. Francis Coquelin (Arsenal) 

Arsenal fans still speak about the void that Patrick Viera left when he departed the club a decade ago. It’s an area of the pitch that the likes of Mathieu Flamini, Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta have all toiled in, but with without a large amount of success. Finally, it looks like emerging midfielder Francis Coquelin is capable of producing a similar level to his legendary countrymen Viera. After a brief loan spell with Charlton Athletic last season, his return in January coincided with the team’s stunning end of season form. Coquelin will be a vital cog in Arsenal’s challenge for the Premier League crown.

45. Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace) 

After two-and-a-half fruitful seasons with Newcastle United and a torrid year-and-a-half with French giants Paris Saint-Germain, Yohan Cabaye is back in England to prove a point. Under the tutelage of former manager Pardew, the 29-year-old will be hopeful of regaining his finest form. With a wonderful passing range and keen eye for goal, Cabaye is a shrew acquisition as Palace broke the bank to make him the club’s record signing for 10m. Expect a few 25-yard thunderbolts from the Frenchman this season.

He's back!
He’s back!

44. Seamus Coleman (Everton) 

The Irishman is one of the best attacking full backs in the league. His efficient passing and marauding runs down the right-hand side flank give Everton an added dimension to their attack. In defence Coleman is equally as impressive, with his astute positional awareness allowing him to cut opposition attacks. An ever-present in the Toffees starting XI, Coleman is a durable, combative and important part of the team. His goalscoring exploits for a right-back further highlight his value to the side and he looks set for another strong campaign.

43. Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) 

It may have taken a while for Koscielny to win over the Gunners faithful, but now he’s a firm fan favourite. Aptly dubbed ‘Bossielny’ by the supporters when on song, the Frenchman will be called upon to maintain his high levels of performance again this term. A traditional centre-back that likes to man-mark closely to his opponent, Koscielny has become one of the competition’s most efficient defenders. The 29-year-old adds an authoritative edge to his game with controlled passing and brilliant recovery on the turn.

42. Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United) 

Defensive midfielders are the hottest commodities in the game and Manchester United duly swooped for Morgan Schneidlerlin. For a price of £24 million, which could increase to £27 million with add-ons, the Red Devils are taking a hefty gamble on the 25-year-old. He was one of the league’s best tacklers last season and his pressing and energy will provide adequate cover or support for veteran Michael Carrick. The jury is still out, however, this man possesses enough quality to justify his hefty price tag and play a big role in United’s challenge to become England’s powerhouse club once more.

The Frenchman will be a massive addition to United's midfield.
The Frenchman will be a massive addition to United’s midfield.

41. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 

Last season it seemed that the club record fee of £28 million was weighing heavy on young Belgian star Romelu Lukaku. After notching just 10 goals in 36 league appearances for his new club – five fewer in five more games – the proverbial blowtorch was applied to the striker. No one is excused from criticism, however, at just 22 and leading the line for an established Premier League outfit, a degree of perspective would not go astray. The dips in form last season will only serve to improve the mentality of this prodigious talent, who will prove his quality in front of goal.

Outside90’s Premier League Top 50: 41-50

41. Romelu Lukaku
42. Morgan Schneiderlin
43. Laurent Koscielny
44. Seamus Coleman
45. Yohan Cabaye
46. Francis Coquelin
47. Yannick Bolasie
48. Theo Walcott
49. Gary Cahill
50. Mile Jedinak

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