In what was a season totally dominated by Manchester City, largely thanks to the brilliance of Pep Guardiola, the 2017/18 edition of the Premier League was somewhat one-sided when it came to the title race.
However, that being said, the English top flight still had loads of surprises to offer, especially in the relegation fight. Although it’s probably fair to say that it has been a season full of classy individuals with certain teams relying on their star performers in order to achieve their goals for the season.
And some players prevailed more than the others, as we count down our list of top three players in the Premier League this season.
3. Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
Sergio Aguero’s incredible performance this season has been largely overshadowed by the stunning performances of Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah but the Argentinian’s lethal scoring record has been one of the main reasons behind Manchester City’s dominance, especially in the crucial middle part of the season.
Aguero has scored 21 goals in just 25 matches, acquiring a 94 minute per goal ratio, which is significantly better than Tottenham’s attacking superstar Harry Kane. In fact, the former Atletico forward would have even made a massive push for the Golden Boot if he had played the entire season.
As usual, Aguero’s season was once again ravaged by injuries, with the Argentinian struggling with a knee injury as well as a fractured rib throughout the course of the season. But that being said, Aguero’s 21 goals have surely helped Manchester City assert their dominance in the Premier League, ultimately making him one of the best performers in the league this campaign.
2. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool FC
By far the signing of the season, Liverpool’s Egyptian wizard Mohamed Salah absolutely fired up the league, since making his return to England last summer.
Brought in from Roma for a fee of €42m, Salah has played a massive role in Liverpool’s impressive performance this season. His stunning tally of 44 goals and 16 assists in just 51 matches in all competitions, arguably makes him the best Premier League signing in recent memory.
Aside from that, the Egyptian also guided Liverpool to a Champions League final whilst securing the Golden Boot in the Premier League by scoring 32 goals, two more than second-placed Harry Kane.
Already elected as the PFA’s Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Association’s Player of the Year, Mohamed Salah has won the hearts of every football fan across the world this season. It would be interesting to see how he manages to lead his team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
1. Kevin de Bruyne – Manchester City
The decision of not electing Mohamed Salah as our player of the season was always going to be a tough one but we can’t help but acknowledge the influence Kevin de Bruyne has had on Manchester City this season.
The Belgian, who was earlier deemed as the best attacking midfielder in the league by many fans at the start of the season, has further escalated his status, largely thanks to a stunning season, where he has been in the middle of literally everything.
In 37 matches, de Bruyne has collected 16 assists whilst scoring eight goals, ultimately helping Manchester City easily secure the Premier League title. Aside from his impressive offensive productivity, the Belgian international also played a central role in Pep Guardiola’s tactical philosophy. He also created a whopping 103 chances, which is by far the best in the league.
Therefore, the former Wolfsburg super talent definitely deserves some credit for his incredible performance this season and it would be intriguing to see whether or not he manages to keep up that form for his national team in the FIFA World Cup this summer.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored