Premier League Player of the Year: Top 5 nominees for the 2017/18 season

#1 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Will Kevin De Bruyne win the award for his all-round performances?

Yet another former Chelsea player who returned to the Premier League with another side is Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian's ability to turn the game on its head is the key characteristic that sets him apart from many other playmakers in the league.

The 26-year-old has matured during his time away from England. That one season with Wolfsburg saw him win the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2014/15 and City saw the potential he had to be a world beater.

He has consistently impressed since his arrival but Pep Guardiola has elevated his game to never-seen-before levels that can only leave Chelsea wondering what could have been had they retained him.

De Bruyne has 6 goals and 9 assists (season high) this season. What makes him stand out is that he consistently delivers against the top sides. Two assists against Liverpool, a winner against former club Chelsea, and a goal each against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Kevin De Bruyne: Has now registered more assists (9) than any other Premier League player this season

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 27, 2017

Even when City finally lost their first game against Liverpool, De Bruyne was the only player looking to do some damage at Anfield with his constant movement and vision. Even without his partner-in-crime David Silva, De Bruyne is still capable of running the midfield on his own.

And nobody has created more chances in the league than De Bruyne - 69 chances so far - ahead of Cesc Fabregas, Mesut Ozil, and Christian Eriksen.

With City on course to win the Premier League title - what with a 12-point lead with 15 games left - nobody will question De Bruyne if he wins the Player of the Year award.