With the Premier League campaign about to start, FanSided have named their top 50 players in the league. Ten Chelsea players make the cut.
Who is the best player in the league? Chances are that each person you ask will give you a different answer, based on their favourite team. Well, Chelsea fans can take comfort that Eden Hazard has been recognised as the Premier League’s best in at least one list.
FanSided have put together their first annual Premier League 50 list, counting down the best players in the English top flight. 10 Chelsea players feature in the 50, with Hazard claiming the number 1 spot.
Despite the fact that he hasn’t yet played in England, Tiemoue Bakayoko scrapes into the rankings in 49th place. The Frenchman arrives with a lot of promise and a lot of expectation. Blues fans will be hoping that he can prove that he belongs in these discussions.
Thibaut Courtois, meanwhile, is one of only two goalkeepers to make the cut. The Belgian edges out Hugo Lloris to take 45th position. Courtois pulled off some smart saves last season and helped Chelsea avoid some slip-ups.
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However, he is some 25 places behind David De Gea. Few Blues fans can argue with the Spaniard being the league’s best goalkeeper, but Courtois has the ability to give him a run for his money. With Chelsea already looking shaky, he may just need to up his game even more this campaign.
Wing rivals Willian and Pedro come in at 36 and 27 respectively. The Brazilian started last season strongly, before personal issues hampered his performances towards the end. Pedro, meanwhile, took his opportunities to play and thoroughly impressed. Is the Spaniard 9 places better than his teammate? That is certainly debatable.
Another new signing in Alvaro Morata comes wedged in between the duo. Spot 31 may be a bit generous to the striker. He evidently has talent, but he has not yet been given a platform to fully express himself. He may well be in the top 10 at the end of the season, but putting him so high at this point is questionable.
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David Luiz’s ranking at 25 is another indication of just how far he has come. His return to Chelsea was labelled a panic buy last summer, but the Brazilian has shown that he has matured significantly. He will be key to any trophy push this season.
His fellow defensive partner, Cesar Azpilicueta is at number 16. The Spaniard has for long been that player who has been consistently underrated, but he is now receiving due recognition. Countryman Cesc Fabregas is three places higher than him. With several midfield exits and only one signing, Fabregas will be expected to play regularly this term. Hopefully, he can raise his game and prove his critics wrong.
Two Blues then make the top 3. N’Golo Kante, the back-to-back winner of the Premier League is the third best player. The Frenchman confirmed his status as a midfield maestro last season, holding Chelsea together with his break-up player and work ethic.
Hazard then sits at number one, just in front of Alexis Sanchez. Arsenal fans will be enraged by this decision, but Chelsea fans know that the Belgian is better. Injury will see him sit out the start of the season, but his return will be greatly anticipated.
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What do you think of the list? Should any other Chelsea players feature? Let us know in the comments below!