#5 Substitutes
NORTH
Nick Pope (Burnley)
Last season Burnley’s Tim Heaton was one of the stand out keepers in the league, so when he got injured in September many thought that Burnley would plummet down the table. But to the surprise of many, Burnley currently sit 7th with one of their best players this campaign being Heaton’s understudy Nick Pope and his performances could deservedly earn him a ticket to Russia in the summer.
Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
For a few seasons now Antonio Valencia has been one of the league’s best right backs. Not too long ago Valencia was a disappointing winger, but he has found new life in defence and this season is no different.
Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom)
He came to England as an unknown from Egyptian side Al Ahly, but Ahmed Hegazi has settled quite well in England. Initially coming on loan, West Brom made the move permanent in January and if the West Midlands club gets relegated I don't expect the Egyptian to go down with them.
Idrissa Gueye (Everton)
He may not be having a season as good as this first at the club, but Idrissa Gueye is still Everton’s most consistent player in what has been a disappointing season for the Merseyside club. Ever since coming to England with Aston Villa three years ago, Gueye has been one of the standout defensive midfielders in the league.
Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)
Aaron Mooy was Huddersfield’s best player in the Championship, winning the club’s player of the season award as the Terriers won promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 1972. With 4 goals and 3 assist so far this season Mooy has continued his form from last season as he tries to help Huddersfield stay up.
Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City)
Xherdan Shaqiri is in his 3rd season with Stoke. Going under the radar this season, Shaqiri is enjoying his most productive season in England so far with 7 goals and 6 assists.
Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)
The man who inspired this article, Romelu Lukaku could only find a place on the bench. Although the striker has been heavily criticized this season he has still put up a respectable 13 goals so far.
SOUTH
Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City)
Lukasz Fabianski has been a very decent keeper during his time in Wales and if the club has any hope of staying up the Polish stopper will have to be at his very best. He has made the most saves this season with 102 and will need to keep that up to ensure Swansea’s survival.
Nathan Aké (Bournemouth)
Nathan Aké is a decent little player who has been very important at the back for Bournemouth in their bid to keep their Premier League status. Aké has 2 goals and 2 assist to his name this season.
Luka Milivojevic (Crystal Palace)
To stay true to my world of picking at least one player from every team Luka Milivojevic has been chosen to represent Crystal Palace. With a team-best 7 goals so far this season Milivojevic’s strikes have been key to Crystal Palace’s surprise resurgence under Roy Hodgson and he will have to continue to tuck away those penalties to keep Palace up.
Pascal Groß (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Signing for the newly promoted Brighton this past summer, Pascal Groß has fired the Seagulls to a surprising 11th with his 5 goals and 7 assists. Groß is an excellent playmaker and is the main reason Glen Murray has 10 goals.
Richarlison (Watford)
His form may have dropped a bit in the last few months, but that doesn't change the fact that Richarlison has had a great first season in Europe. He hasn't scored or assisted in his last 13 games, but 5 goals and 4 assists is good for a 20-year-old embarking on his first journey to Europe and at his young age the potential he has is clear to see.
Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Wilfried Zaha is too good to play for Crystal Palace and should be lining up with one of the top teams in the league right now. His spell at Manchester United came too early in his career, but he is now ready to take a leap like that again.
He only has 4 goals and 1 assist, but Zaha has suffered from injuries this season. When he does get on the pitch he is clearly Palace's best player and if he can stay fit then Palace will most likely stay up.
Jordan Ayew (Swansea City)
Jordan Ayew is Swansea’s top goal scorer with 6 goals, all of which have come in the last 11 games. It is key to Swansea’s survival that Ayew continues in this form for the remainder of the season.