Each season different players will rise to the occasion and provide a real bump to their team’s chances. This list is not a measure of talent, as much as it is a list of the most impactful players this season. Season results, combined with “what have you done for me lately”, are just a couple of the factors taken into account on our Player Power Rankings

1. Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy of Leicester

Vardy’s name has shot to the top of everyone’s list in meteoric fashion. Prior to 2012, the striker was playing non-League football, and now he is setting Premier League records. He scored in his 8th consecutive Premier League match, matching Daniel Sturridge and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tallies. His relentless effort has garnered him quite the reputation, something he hopes to continue for Leicester City.

2. Arouna Kone

Kone led the way for Everton with a hat trick against Sunderland. The Ivory Coast striker has been a journeyman, but he seems to be reviving his career at Everton. With rumors of Lukaku leaving Everton, Kone will become even more important to the club. If he can continue to build on this hat trick, Evertonians will be singing his name.

3. Petr Cech

The keeper is finally settling in at the Emirates. He helped post a clean sheet against Swansea City, extending the club’s winning streak to 5 straight. Cech struggled in his first few months in the Arsenal shirt, but has adapted and recovered to be the world class keeper his price tag suggested he is. Gunners supporters are reviving their hope of a title challenge, and Cech might just be the difference.

4. Marco Reus

The oft-injured Reus is healthy again, and leading Dortmund to wins in the Bundesliga. His brace against Werder Bremen brings him back onto the list at #4. The star man is back to playing like himself, which means scoring goals on the regular. That is, as long as he stays healthy.

5. Clint Dempsey

Form is temporary, class is permanent. That classic statement can be aptly applied to Dempsey. The Sounders got a victory over FC Dallas on the back of Dempsey, scoring a top class goal that was the difference in the match. Despite some early struggles, Dempsey is still one of the best players in the MLS, showing his talent in the playoffs.

6. Samir Handanovic

When speaking about the best goalkeepers in the world, sometimes Handanovic’s name gets left out due to playing in Serie A. That shouldn’t be the case, as the Inter man has been an absolute force in goal in Italy. He made 9 incredible saves to post a clean sheet and get the 1-0 victory over Roma. The win puts them tied at the top of the table.

7. Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool has got new life with new manager Jurgen Klopp. Coutinho continued the party with a brace against Chelsea, giving the Reds a victory. The midfielder has really stepped up for Liverpool, becoming a true creative force to be reckoned with. His baby celebration could use some work, but I’m pretty sure he will get a few more chances to show it off.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo

Would it really be a credible list without this guy? Ronaldo scores again this weekend, moving up a spot this week. Across the ocean, NFL players have started to copy his celebrations. Everyone wants to be like the best, and right now, Ronaldo is certainly one of the best.

9. Romelu Lukaku

The second Everton player on the list, Lukaku comes in at #9. A goal and an assist in a 6-2 rout over Sunderland is a pretty good day at the office. At only 22, Lukaku is a rising star with plenty of years ahead of him. The assist was particularly incredible, surely making every highlight tape out there.

10. Matt Miazga

The young US international has been blowing up lately. He has already established himself as a rock in the Red Bulls defense, despite only being 20 years old. He is not officially capped, and holds a Polish passport, meaning it is only a matter of time before he gets a cap tying call up. A clean sheet for the Red Bulls in the first leg of the Eastern Conference playoffs gets Miazga on the list this week.

 

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