With the countdown nearing the end, senior editor Hugh Schuitemaker continues Outside90’s list of the Premier League’s top 50 players.
20. Aaron Ramsey
While we have not been able to see Ramsey on a consistent basis over the last two years due to injury, the signs he shows when on the pitch indicate he has not lost any of the spark which has made him a lasting favourite with the Gunners faithful. Although possessing all the pace and creativity one would expect from an Arsenal playmaker, perhaps his biggest asset is the consistent ability to get into the perfect positions in or around the 18-yard box to pounce on any opportunity to send any loose or poorly-defended ball back into the net.
19. Christian Eriksen
Perhaps the best buy of Tottenham’s infamous 2013 spending spree, the 23-year-old now rates high on the list of the best Premier League playmakers. While capable of hitting the target from range, Eriksen is an integral factor for Tottenham in terms of generating opportunities for the likes of Harry Kane to score, with a passing accuracy of 80% and a total of 215 crosses for the 2014/15 campaign. The Dane now has his eyes set on taking Tottenham into the top four, yet if he produces another 10 goal season there will definitely be some other parties interested in his service.
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18. Raheem Sterling
A young man who has had big expectations upon his shoulders for a long time, and now boasts the price tag to match. Sterling’s 49 million move from Liverpool to Manchester City has been the most talked about transfer in English football this summer, and the 20-year-old will be under the immediate spotlight when the season begins. Scoring seven goals among an underwhelming final campaign at Anfield, with the likes Sergio Aguero and David Silva around him wearing Sky Blue, Sterling will be looking to bounce back into contention with the league’s best in 2015-16.
17. Mesut Ozil
Coming to North London in September of 2013 to the delight of Gunners fans, the World Cup winning German immediately became the lynchpin of Arsene Wenger’s attack. Ozil has taken some time to adapt to the style of the English competition but can never be taken lightly by Arsenal’s opposition, exhibiting fluid footwoork that can cause defenders nightmares, and a supreme judgement with the ball when looking to pick out a teammate in front of goal. Looking as sharp as ever in the preseason, this could be the time for Ozil to reach his full potential in the Premier League.
16. Branislav Ivanovic
One of the more polarising figures for those who are not fans of the Blues, Ivanovic brings a combination of on-field ambition and physicality that has proven too much for many of the Premier League’s attacks to overcome. While on some days it could be forgiven for thinking the Serbian spent more time in the attacking-half of the pitch than among the defensive line, he is rewarded for his constant overlapping, scoring four goals and assisting five. Can also play at both right and centre-back, meaning he is almost guaranteed a starting position in every Chelsea match this season.
15. Harry Kane
Nothing captures the minds of the English media quite like a talented young footballer who can score goals, so there is no wonder as to why Kane’s breakthrough 2014-15 has brought him to the forefront of Premier League strikers. Finding the back of the net on a mind-blowing 21 occasions in 28 appearances, the then 21-year-old cemented his role as Tottenham’s number one hitman and earned a call-up to the national team.
Kane uses any yard of space to punish an inattentive defence with laser-accurate headers or a strike which can come out of nowhere, but now the biggest question on everyone’s minds is whether or not he can replicate these exploits for the upcoming season?
14. Phillipe Coutinho
It is hard to argue that Coutinho has been the best signing made by Brendan Rodgers since taking over at Liverpool, the £8.5 million deal has since paid for itself many times over. The Brazilian has a habit of producing his best football at the most crucial moments, turning the momentum in many memorable Reds victories. Coutinho is a constant presence at both ends of the field, averaging 1.7 per game in both tackles and key passes. With an evolved line up around him this season, expect some more breathtaking moments from the No.10.
13. Yaya Toure
A true football technician, Toure is now in his fifth year at Manchester City and continues to be a major influence on the team’s play, holding-up the ball while his teammates move into position, or equally proficient at unleashing a vicious solo strike. Bullying his way toward the 18-yard box the Ivorian scored 10 times in 2014-15, which lead to rumours of a potential move to Serie A outfit Inter, but he has since confirmed his desire to see City back at the top of the Premier League mountain.
12. Santi Cazorla
The third member of what could be considered the most stylish midfield in the Premier League to feature in this section of the top 50, Cazorla has cemented his spot on the wing in a constantly rotating setup. His presence on the field is immense for Arsenal, averaging over two key passes per game and distributing the ball at 89% accuracy. He can run like a madman for the entire 90 minutes of a game and the Spaniard’s strikes from long distance are perhaps the most dangerous in the competition, resulting in numerous stunning goals for the Gunners.
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11. Thibaut Courtois
It takes a lot to unseat a goalkeeper with the status of Petr Cech from a starting XI, yet Courtois is living-up to the reputation that preceded his return to Chelsea following a four-year loan at Atletico Madrid. A dominant 2014-15 campaign saw the young Belgian record seven clean sheets from 18 appearances, going an average of 111 minutes in-between conceding goals.
Courtois is adept at all facets of the goalkeeping game, towering over set-pieces and shutting down angles in one-on-one situations. With the league’s best defence also standing guard, his will be a tough net to put a ball into as the Blues look to defend their crown.
Outside90’s Premier League Top 50: 11-20
20. Aaron Ramsey
19. Christian Eriksen
18. Raheem Sterling
17. Mesut Ozil
16. Branislav Ivanovic
15. Harry Kane
14. Phillipe Coutinho
13. Yaya Toure
12. Santi Cazorla
11. Thibaut Courtois
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