It has been a Premier League season to remember in 21/22 with plenty of drama and jaw-dropping moments across the past ten months, and here are my top ten players of the campaign.
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After a rocky start to the season, Harry Kane reminded the world why Manchester City were willing to spend £150 million to buy him last summer. Although the Englishman hasn’t hit the heights of his previous season in 20/21 under Jose Mourinho, the striker has still been the best number nine in the Premier League this campaign, contributing 21 goals and assists.
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Rodri has been the silent guardian in midfield who has made Manchester City tick this season. The Spaniard has been the perfect number six for Pep Guardiola’s side, and his incredible defensive awareness, ability on the ball and performances in clutch situations – goal-line tackle vs Liverpool, winner vs Arsenal – have made the Cityzens the favourites to lift their fourth title in five years.
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Despite his obvious defensive limitations, Joao Cancelo has been one of the most important players for Manchester City in 2021/22. The Portuguese’s tactical flexibility and incredible technical ability have helped City dominate games in opposition territory, and the full-back has contributed eight goals and assists this campaign.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has revolutionized what is expected from a full-back in the modern game, and the defender has been Liverpool’s primary offensive hub this season – providing 12 assists and two goals in 30 appearances.
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Returning from a year-long ACL injury, Virgil van Dijk has hardly skipped a beat for Liverpool this season and has been back to his best for the Reds at the heart of their backline. Van Dijk has been imperious defensively – helping Liverpool keep 20 clean sheets in 35 matches – while also chipping in with three important goals this campaign.
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Heung-Min Son has the most non-penalty goals in the Premier League this season (20) and has almost single-handedly kept Tottenham Hotspur afloat in the top-four race. Son’s decisiveness in front of goal and relationship with Harry Kane has been one of the highlights of the campaign, and he has cemented his position as the best finisher in world football – scoring 6.6 goals more than his xG in 21/22.
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Although Bernardo Silva’s statistics this season don’t jump off the screen – eight goals and three assists – the midfielder has been the beating heart of the best team in Europe this campaign. The Portuguese maestro has started all but three league games for City this season and is one of the primary reasons why they have been so successful without playing a number nine, due to his incredible ball-carrying, vision, and defensive work-rate.
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After a slow start to the season, Kevin de Bruyne has found form in the second half of the campaign and has been the best player in the league since the turn of the year. De Bruyne has 11 goals and seven assists in 21/22 and has been the difference-maker for Manchester City in the title run-in, consistently pulling out moments of magic to take the team over the line in tight situations.
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In terms of impact on their team, no player can rival Alisson in the Premier League this season. The Brazilian is a cheat code for Liverpool and is one of the main reasons why they can play their high-pressing style with a high line. The shot-stopper is also the best 1v1 goalkeeper in world football and has consistently pulled off game-changing saves for the Reds, helping them keep 20 clean sheets this year.
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Although his form has dropped off since returning from the African Cup of Nations in February, Mohamed Salah has been the best player in England this season. The Egyptian has scored the most goals (22) and bagged the most assists (13) this campaign for Liverpool, displaying tremendous consistency and making the difference for the Reds in clutch moments, scoring goals against Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
[Featured Image Credit: Mohamed Salah]
Shivaan Shah