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.
With most leagues either on break or out of season, this version of the Player Power Rankings will focus solely on the Premier League.
1. Marko Arnautovic
The Austrian striker has been great for Stoke City this season, and was the driving force for the Potters on Boxing Day. He scored a laser goal against Manchester United, and put away the critical penalty in stoppage time against Everton to secure a victory. Arnautovic has had a very efficient season, pushing Stoke up the table safely away from the relegation scrap.
2. Romelu Lukaku
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Is there anything this youngster cannot do? His individual efforts have been undermined by the lack of results from Everton, but his star is shining brighter than ever. He netted a brace in a 3-4 loss against Stoke. He continues to be a steady source of offense for Everton, but without a reliable defense, he may not get the credit he deserves.
3. Jason Puncheon
Like this selection, you have to do a double take when you see Crystal Palace near the European competition spots for the Premier League. Puncheon is the only Palace player to have started all 19 games of the campaign. Despite not scoring a single goal this season, Puncheon deserves a place on this list for his leadership ability and playmaking skills. Palace don’t have any stars, but Alan Pardew’s squad is making a nice little run.
4. Boaz Myhill
West Brom got a critical 1-0 clean sheet victory over fellow relegation-battling Newcastle, spurred by Myhill’s performance in goal. At the bottom of the table every point is valuable, and 3 are huge for chances of survival in the Premier League. With the win, West Brom now have some breathing room for the next few weeks.
5. Son Heung-min
The Tottenham man has recovered well enough from his injury to make a huge impact for Spurs. He scored the winner against Watford, launching Spurs firmly into the Top 4. His 89th minute goal will likely alleviate concerns about his health and confidence. With a roster loaded with young talent, Tottenham have a great chance to make a title push.
6. Hugo Lloris
Another Spurs player who deserves a lot of credit for their rise is Lloris. Despite multiple offers to leave, Lloris has stayed loyal, and that loyalty is beginning to pay off. Tottenham have allowed the least amount of goals in the league, with Lloris makings some unbelievable goal line saves. His presence will be critical for Spurs title challenge.
7. Mesut Ozil
The Arsenal playmaker got a goal of his own in a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth for the Gunners. The German midfielder is the leader in assists for the Premier League, as his teammates have scored enough to make Arsenal a serious contender for the league title. If he can continue to provide goals and score them himself, the Gunners will be in the race.
8. David De Gea
Man, it sure has been a rough go for this guy. He seemingly can’t get any help from the other 10 players on the pitch, and there is only so much he can do. He has done quite a job in between the pipes, but hasn’t had enough help to make the Red Devils a real competitor. They are still within shouting distance of a title challenge, so don’t completely write them off.
9. Andy Carroll
The recognizable figure has been on the end of some pretty critical goals for West Ham. He had the winner again in a 2-1 victory over Southampton. He is one of the best players in the entire league in the air, using his height as a huge advantage in the box. With West Ham in 7th, there is a chance that the Hammers can be the under the radar shock of the season.
10. Kasper Schmeichel
Teammates Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have been stealing the headlines, but Schmeichel has been a solid presence in goal for the Foxes. The son of a goalkeeping legend has proved that he is more than capable of competing with the best in the world. If Leicester are going to continue this improbable run, Schmeichel will have to be at his best, which is pretty darn good.
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