Romelu Lukaku – Everton
Eyebrows were raised when Everton broke the bank to sign the Belgian forward from Chelsea for a club-record fee of £28 million. Dismissed as overrated by many, the transfer was hailed as yet another Jose Mourinho masterstroke.
In the 2014-15 season, the first season after transfer, Lukaku failed to live up to his price tag; scoring just 10 goals in 36 games in the league. However, 2015-16 has been a season to remember as he finally seems to be repaying the faith shown by Roberto Martinez.
Combining the attributes of sheer strength, pace and hold-up ability, Lukaku reminds us of the young Didier Drogba who also happens to be the Belgian’s idol. With 18 goals to his name already, Lukaku is evolving to be one of the best forwards in the Premier League and is on the right track to emulate his idol.
Irrespective of whether he wins the award or not, Lukaku looks to be destined for greatness. Having expressed his ambition of playing in the Champions League, Everton will be powerless to stop him from leaving if a big club comes calling.