5 Early contenders for the Premier League Player Of The Year

#2 Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling

The Manchester City high-flying winger has been a central figure of the Premier League bandwagon this season. It is no doubt that Pep Guardiola has completely revolutionized the English forward who has always been, in recent seasons, a scapegoat for his club and national team.

Sterling came on his own last season and played a defining role in Manchester City’s historic “centurion” Premier League season. With 29 goal contributions in 33 Premier League games, Sterling instantly became a fan favorite among the City faithful after a few underwhelming years at the Etihad.

This season has been similar in terms of impact, and some might say even better. Sterling already has 12 goals and 9 assists to his name, and with 11 games to go, he could easily outdo last season's heroics given his current run of form.

Sterling was also subject to racial abuse earlier this season in Manchester City’s defeat at Stamford Bridge. At the age of 24, Sterling has proved to be a significant role model for athletes both on-and-off the pitch.

The Jamaican-born forward has had his ups-and-downs in the recent past, but he has clearly laughed-off his critics and continues to be Manchester City's main man in their pursuit of a consecutive Premier League title.