Where does this Man United star rank among the Premier League’s most improved players so far this season…
We’re now approaching the half-way points in the Premier League season, and with Christmas rapidly approaching, it’s the ideal time to look back at what’s already been so far this year.
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Here, we rank the ten most improved Premier League players so far this season:
10) Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace)
The flamboyant winger has become Palace’s stand-out player, and is looked to as a spark of creativity in Neil Warnock’s struggling side. His on the field tricks and skills have made him a popular figure with the fans.
9) Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
The Dutch striker struggled for much of 2014, particularly under David Moyes. However, he has steadily improved under the guidance of former international boss Louis van Gaal, and has scored seven goals so far this season.
8) Kolo Toure (Liverpool)
Few could have seen the Ivorian remaining at Anfield this season, let alone becomming the club’s key defender after the likes of Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno were recruited over the summer. And yet, that is just what he’s become.
7) Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
The former Chelsea Champions League winner might still be on the Blues’ books, but it’s on the South Coast where he’s been impressing so far this season, playing a pivotal role in the Saints fine start to the season.
6) Nacer Chadli (Tottenham)
Arrived in the wake of Gareth Bale’s departure in the summer of 2013, but struggled to make an impact last season. It’s been a different story this time around, with six goals already he’s quickly becoming a key player.
5) Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
Last season’s scapegoat at Old Trafford is finally going some way to prove his worth for the astronomical £27.5m paid by United in 2013. Has already scored two goals and created as many chances as he did in all of last season.
4) Charlie Austin (Queens Park Rangers)
Struggled with form and fitness in the Championship, but has proved a big hit in the Premier League, with 11 goals already – making him the top English goalscorer in the division, behind only Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa overall.
3) Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion)
He might not have scored since October, but it’s credit to his rapid development that West Brom view that fact with such major concern. He is a key player for Albion now, with seven goals so far this term, and he was also called up to the England squad last month.
2) Stewart Downing (West Ham United)
Has been key to West Ham’s surprise success so far this season, creating 52 chances for teammates, six of which became assists. He has also chipped in with four goals and earned a long awaited recall to the England team.
1) David de Gea (Manchester United)
The Manchester United keeper has always been good, but so far this season he has been truly magnificent, and has been vital to ensuring that Louis van Gaal’s side have pushed up the Premier League table in recent months.
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