Premier League 2018/19: 5 players who have made great starts to the season

Cardiff City v Newcastle United - Premier League

The Premier League has started off on a remarkable note once again and even after five exciting game-weeks, the frenzy hasn't died and everything seems to be fresh. It was probably very easy for people to point out teams that would excel, teams like Manchester City, Liverpool or maybe even Chelsea and Manchester United but very few would have expected certain players from certain clubs to have solid starts that would probably define their season.

Heading into game-week six of the league, here are five players to watch out for, for the rest of the season as they've kicked off their campaign in a stupendous fashion.

#1 Neil Etheridge - GK - Cardiff City

Cardiff City do find themselves near the bottom of the table, just a place off the relegation spots but their silver-lining in this tough start has been their keeper Neil Etheridge. Time and again he's flown off of his line and made some commendable saves.

He started the season by saving a penalty and went on to play a humongous role in Cardiff's draw against Newcastle by keeping his first clean-sheet and saving another penalty. He kept another clean-sheet against Huddersfield but couldn't do much against the London giants Arsenal and Chelsea.

Etheridge has shown that he can be a brick wall for Cardiff and produce brilliant saves but the team's fate does depend on how well they complement and shield their keeper. Etheridge is a must watch as the season progresses.

#2 Marcos Alonso - LB - Chelsea FC

Chelsea FC v Cardiff City - Premier League
Chelsea FC v Cardiff City - Premier League

As Antonio Conte departed from Chelsea and Maurizio Sarri arrived, it was expected that Chelsea will indeed shift to a back-four but grey clouds did exist over Marcos Alonso's involvement as the left-back faced criticism last season for being slow and out of position.

Under Sarri's reign however, no other Chelsea player has gotten off to a flyer quite the way Alonso has apart from Eden Hazard. The adventurous left-back has played a part in over four of Chelsea's goals already in the league and his presence as a goal-threat as well as his clinical nature has been of massive favour.

Alonso, with his crisp passing and runs forward, has cemented his place In Sarri's side and there's no doubt that he provides another dimension from the left.

#3 Roberto Pereyra - MID - Watford F.C

No one had an idea as to how Watford would begin their season and what their tactics would be but it seems like Roberto Pereyra has made an open statement regarding that with the performances on the pitch.

Apart from Troy Deeney, Pereyra has become a major asset for the team and he's begun the campaign in a stunning way. Two goals on the opening day followed by one against Crystal Palace have definitely helped his side but more importantly, he's added width, pace and trickery as well.

He's going to be one key pawn on Garcia's board and it will be interesting to watch Pereyra's development.

#4 Ryan Fraser - MID - A.F.C Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City - Premier League
AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City - Premier League

No player has had a greater start to the campaign than Ryan Fraser in my eyes. Grabbing three goals and two assists already, the midfielder has started his campaign in a sublime fashion by perfectly blending into Eddie Howe's system.

Drifting in from the left, Fraser has found himself in some fantastic positions and his work-ethic is something that needs to be complimented as well. Many pitted Bournemouth to have a tough relegation battle but they've even bounced ahead of top clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal and find themselves in a very good position.

Much is expected of Fraser as the season progresses.

#5 Aleksandar Mitrovic - ST - Fulham F.C

Fulham FC v Burnley FC - Premier League
Fulham FC v Burnley FC - Premier League

When Fulham roped in Mitrovic last year from Newcastle on loan, Slavisa Jokanovic, the boss of Fulham did not hesitate to make a target man out of the Serb. Fulham paid millions and got Mitrovic back ahead of this campaign and it became crystal clear that he would feature and be the vital man that Fulham need.

However, one major doubt remained and that was the rough history Mitrovic has had in the top-flight, but the Serb has begun his campaign by pelting in some well-taken goals. Two crucial goals against Burnley, one each against Brighton and Tottenham have shown how suitable Mitrovic is for the Fulham side.

He's scored four goals in five games and he's already competing with much-fancied strikers such as Aguero and Lukaku. Fulham's season heavily relies on how well Mitrovic plays and he's gotten off to a wonderful start. All eyes will be on him at Craven Cottage as the season progresses.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram
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