#1 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
The undisputed star of the still-young Premier League season, the Belgian superstar has been majestic for the Blues. After the troubles of Antonio Conte’s final season at Stamford Bridge, a lot of rumours emerged around Hazard’s stay in London.
The exit of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid fuelled speculation that the 27-year-old was set to be the new Galactico at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. However, the arrival of Maurizio Sarri changed the equation.
Shorn of the defensive responsibilities he was saddled with under the Mourinho and Conte eras, the captain of the Belgian Red Devils has been like a beast unleashed. His close control, dribbling, pace, finishing, and passing has gone up another notch in the new system a.k.a Sarri-ball.
His constant movement in the new free role he now plays has enabled him to play closer to the goal. This has, in turn, led to more involvement in the opposition’s area this season. 7 goals and 3 assists tell the story of a player who has been at the top of his game.
While the rest of the Chelsea frontline has flattered to deceive, Hazard has been the standout player. Like Lionel Messi at Barcelona, the Blues’ season could well hinge on whether Hazard keeps his performance levels up.