Central midfielder: Idrissa Gueye
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Everton finished seventh this season after a fine performance by the Toffees and much of the credit had been given to Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku for his 25 goals. However, one player whose performances went under the radar because of Lukaku’s performance was Idrissa Gueye.
The Senegalese international was signed by Everton for a fee of £7 million last summer after the defensive midfielder failed to make much impact last season for as his former side, Aston Villa – who were relegated. However, that wasn’t to be the case this time round. Ross Barkley has often criticised for his defensive shortcomings, and with Gareth Barry possibly in his last few years, Gueye fit in perfectly in Ronald Koeman’s eleven.
The 27-year-old provided the perfect defensive cover for the likes of Barkley and Lukaku and protected his back four. The fact that Gueye had more successful tackles than N’Golo Kante, proves his worth to the Merseyside club. Apart from that, the Senegalese international recovered the ball more times than the Premier League Player of the Year and had a better tackle success percentage.
While Everton might have trouble in front of goal with Lukaku rumoured to leave them. Their midfield is well secure with the Gueye and his everlasting energy.
Centre midfield: Oriol Romeu
Romeu spent his first season at Southampton under the shadows of Victor Wanyama, who was their chief central destroyer at that time. But Wanyama’s move to Spurs meant that the Spanish midfielder would now have to play a more important role at the heart of the midfield.
The 25-year-old stepped in and fulfilled what was asked of him. Along with Virgil van Dijk, he made sure that the Saints reach the EFL Cup final. A product of the famous La Masia academy, Romeu made the third highest amount of tackles after Idrissa Gueye and N’Golo Kante in the Premier League season.
For a player who was not guaranteed first team football two years ago, his rise has been phenomenal. The Spanish midfielder was rightly awarded as the club’s Player of the Season award. Should he continue with his fine performances, a call-up to the national call-up may not be far off.
Right-wing: Matt Phillips
Matt Phillips’ first season in the Premier League season with QPR was a disappointing one, as the team from London got relegated. However, his performances caught the eye of Tony Pulis who snapped up Phillips and Nacer Chadli in order to solve the team’s attacking woes last summer. While Chadli was West Brom’s marquee signing, it was Phillips who turned more than a few eyeballs.
The Scottish international impressed everyone on his return to the Premier League. With four goals and eight assists to his name, he was one of the best in the league in created opportunities – better than Philippe Coutinho and David Silva in terms of numbers.
His progress from League Two to a regular premier league starter has been inspirational and the 25-year-old would look to carry on with his fine form for the Baggies next season.
Left Winger: Son Heung-Min
Tottenham have had an impressive couple of seasons, finishing in the top three under the watchful eyes of Mauricio Pochettino. And one man imperative to their success in 2016/17 was South Korean international Son Heung-Min.
Signed from Bayer Leverkusen at the start of the 2015/16 season, Son was expected to partner Eriksen and Harry Kane upfront, but he struggled to get into the starting XI.
Son made 28 appearances in his first season at White Hart Lone with 15 of those coming from the bench. Compared to that, he made 34 appearances last season, starting in 31 of them. The winger scored 14 and assisted six goals as Hotspurs had the best home record in the Premier League.
Son was easily the most improved player in the Premier League this season, and not many would have expected him to deliver with such consistency.
