Five midfielders who have announced themselves to the world this season

#4 Steven N’Zonzi

N’Zonzi averages five more passes per game than anyone else in the Spanish top flight

Despite having faded in recent weeks as Sevilla’s La Liga title dream has slipped away, N’Zonzi’s season has been nothing short of remarkable.

Boasting a reasonably modest CV prior to joining Sevilla at the start of last season, N’Zonzi impressed in his debut campaign in Spain, without ever really looking a cut above.

It needed the introduction of the tactically flexible Jorge Sampaoli to take N’Zonzi from very good to one of the best in the business.

Staggeringly, he averages five more passes per game than any other player in the Spanish top flight. Capable of carrying the ball forward from the back, as well as being strong in the tackle, N’Zonzi might just be the perfect midfield anchor.

He's the new Patrick Vieira, according to Sport. Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo rates him as the ideal alternative to Sergio Busquets, company you would not have associated with N’Zonzi a few years ago. Barcelona links are further proof that this late bloomer may not be finished just yet.