The Premier League, our beloved pinnacle of English football, is here glaring at us. With this pyramid of sports excellence comes the often unsung builders: the players who make this league superior to others.
We’ve all been waiting patiently since late May and thanks to the Russia World Cup, witnessing the finesse of some players has only amped up our excitement.
It’s important, fulfilling even, to count one’s blessings during times of joy and excitement. In this case, it’s counting down the 18 best Premier League players in the 2018-19 season.
18 Best Premier League Players 2018-19
Goalkeepers
First thing’s first, the backbone of the team, the goalkeeper.
David De Gea, Manchester United
The 27-year-old Spaniard has been a consistently powerful goalkeeper since joining the Red Devils in 2011. Other than being Edwin van der Sar’s successor, De Gea rocked Manchester United’s expectations with three consecutive Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards.
7 years ago, we spent £18.9m on a young man called David De Gea and have since seen him grow into one of the greatest keepers we’ve ever had. pic.twitter.com/LVQ3KOUCnq
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) August 7, 2018
The 2017-18 Golden Glove recipient is a brick wall with the stats to prove it. Throughout all his seasons with Manchester United, De Gea has a total of 650 saves and 93 clean sheets, not to mention three Community Shields (2011, ’13, ’16), one FA Cup (2015-16), a UEFA Europa League (2016-17) and a Premier League title (2012-13).
If Liverpool’s Alisson and Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga broke world record transfer fees, De Gea would probably cost a chunk of the moon, a jar of gypsy tears and probably over $100 million.
#OnThisDay in 2011, David de Gea made his Manchester United debut. pic.twitter.com/s3OLvUF05W
— Man Utd Empire (@Empire_Mu) August 7, 2018
Hugo Lloris, Tottenham
Other than his 51 clean sheets since the 2014-15 season, second only to De Gea, the Tottenham Hotspurs goalie and captain is a World Cup winner. Lloris captained France and despite conceding two goals against Croatia in the final, his impeccable saves kept Les Bleus at the forefront of the tournament.
First-class saves is the norm with Lloris and the leadership qualities make for a once-in-a-lifetime goalkeeper.
Bon on va mettre fin au débat.
Quel est le meilleur gardien du monde?RT pour Hugo
Fav pour Lloris pic.twitter.com/x9d3PwU3yd— Stanefix (@Mega_Papilusion) August 3, 2018
The 31-year-old will surely keep Tottenham’s posts a challenge for any daring striker.
Petr Cech, Arsenal
The Czechoslovakian monster who wears a head-guard for the protection of others is a Premier League veteran — and the cannon of Arsenal. The 36-year-old is the king of clean sheets and holds 977 saves under his belt. The four-time Golden Glove winner and four-time EPL champion is what’s keeping Arsenal from collapsing.
Petr Čech was born a triplet along with his sister Šárka and a brother named Michal, who died aged two after contracting an infection in the hospital. Čech has a weaker skull as a result of being a triplet. #HistoryVille pic.twitter.com/PqNaJhdy7r
— HistoryVille (@HistoryVille) August 9, 2018
Chelsea does have a peculiar way of losing great goalies but luckily for Arsenal, Cech’s presence gives the Gunners a fighting chance still.
Ederson, Manchester City
Manchester City’s Brazilian goalie has only played one season so far, but the 24-year-old’s future is promising. He has 16 clean sheets, 58 saves and a record-breaking championship all under his belt in his first season. The clean sheets are mostly a testament to City’s defense, but the kid’s keeping instincts are more than present.
Another trophy for Ederson pic.twitter.com/8nW7YsnYE2
— Brazil Football (@BrazilEdition) August 5, 2018
If Kepa and Alisson are truly worth their money, we’ll be seeing a whole new caliber of goalkeeping this season making the competition even harder.
Defenders
We’ve come to the world’s eighth wonder: the great wall of football. Some refer to it as Harry Maguire’s forehead or, previously, Rio Ferdinand’s nose. One thing we all know about defense is without a decent one, the whole team is screwed.
Dejan Lovren, Liverpool
Liverpool’s center back is a difficult opponent for any who dare approach the Reds’ box, especially after his World Cup performance with Croatia. Lovren knows how to intelligently tackle with zero red cards so far and has a goal-scoring capability despite being a defender.
Salah and Van Dijk giving Lovren a hard time on his return to Melwood pic.twitter.com/2vcCymN006
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) August 7, 2018
The 29-year-old’s successful aerial battles and headed clearances make him a great weapon for Liverpool on and off the ground. Lovren isn’t all that when it comes to crossing, but his dueling tactics make him a formidable addition to any team. Having Virgil van Dijk on your side always helps as well.
Antonio Valencia, Manchester United
Manchester United’s Ecuadorian right back, often right winger too, is surely on the list. The captain of both his club and national team, Valencia plays a vital role in the Red Devil’s formation. The 33-year-old has a total of 24 goals with almost double in assists at 46. Valencia has also won the league with Man United twice (2010-11, 2012-13).
Other than putting fellow Red Devils like Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to shame, Valencia is known for his Super Saiyan goals.
Happy 33rd Birthday to Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia. Throwback to when did this last season. Absolute banger. pic.twitter.com/1358aD4XeM
— Red Devil Bible (@RedDevilBible) August 4, 2018
Harry Maguire, Leicester City
We all came to know Harry “Slabhead” Maguire in the Russia World Cup as the force behind England’s defense. But for Leicester City fans, the slab-wagon rolled into town in 2017, especially after Maguire’s headed goal against Brighton & Hove Albion. He won international hearts though after heading a goal against Sweden in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Maguire broke his silence about the long-speculated transfer to Manchester United on Twitter, claiming his readiness for the league’s start. Ironically, his first match was against the Red Devils.
Can’t wait for the season to start tomorrow. #lcfc
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) August 9, 2018
Kieran Trippier, Tottenham
Another English World Cup defender to grace the league this season is Tottenham’s right back Trippier. Spurs started investing more in Trippier during last season, two years into his career with the club, as he got twice as much action as the 2016-17 season.
Playing for England at the grand level also helped develop the 27-year-old, especially after his free-kick goal against Croatia.
A young England side against all odds reached the World Cup semifinals and Trippier steps up to score this brilliant free kick but Peter Drury makes it extra special. pic.twitter.com/CssPXPPtGH
— EL CAPITÁN SR4 (@PPM1510) August 8, 2018
Midfielders
Step into the dojo of the playmakers who prove either a make-it or break-it factor in team formations. The defenders call them snobs and the strikers call them sidekicks; nonetheless midfield is where all the action takes place anyway.
N’Golo Kante, Chelsea
Chelsea’s defensive midfielder and recent World Cup winner with France is a refining addition to any football team. The 27-year-old is a trophy magnet, having won the league with Leicester in 2016 then again with Chelsea in 2017 making him the first to win two English league titles consecutively with different clubs since Eric Cantona in 1992-93.
Other than being a master of interceptions and duels, when Kante scores he makes it seem easier than breathing.
WHAT WAS THAT
PHENOMENAL GOAL FROM N'GOLO KANTEIF LIKED #FACup #CFC #MUFC #PL #CHEMUN #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/jLXfnXkbHw
— Makalo|official (@makalofficial) March 13, 2017
Juan Mata, Manchester United
The Red Devil’s Spanish midfielder is best utilized when attacking. The 30-year-old has a total of 48 goals in the Premier League, having played for Chelsea as well. He’s especially efficient when given a chance to shoot and when recovery is necessary.
Mata isn’t that effective with duels or aerial battles, but given his 48 assists in the league, the one-to-one assist and goal ratio makes him a priceless asset for United.
He was speculated to join Inter Milan but in an interview with United, Mata did express his future goals with the club, insinuating a stay at Old Trafford.
Granit Xhaka, Arsenal
Switzerland’s captain and Arsenal’s sawed-off shotgun, who is also one of Arsenal's five captains, is naturally on the list. Not only did Xhaka outdo himself in the World Cup, but he has also shown consistent growth with Arsenal.
Our captain tonight?
That’ll be Granit XhakaWelcome back, Granit pic.twitter.com/8hkTYxaKjX
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 4, 2018
In May 2017, after a topsy-turvy with red cards, Xhaka hammered in a goal against Manchester United, ending United's 25-match unbeaten streak. The 25-year-old remains an evolving player with the leadership qualities necessary for a brighter future.
With teammates like Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette, Xhaka is a pillar of hope for the Gunners. Let’s just hope Unai Emery knows how to use this Arsenal properly.
Paul Pogba, Manchester United
He’s a World Cup winner, a four-time Serie A champion with Juventus and a UEFA Europa League champion with Manchester United. He’s the French Red Devil who’s undeniably one of the biggest names in today’s midfielder category.
.@PaulPogba's first #MUFC goal came against tonight's opponents, Leicester, back in 2016! pic.twitter.com/pKXW0Bxalo
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 10, 2018
The 25-year-old Pogba is well-rounded machine. When attacking, he’s a more-than-capable shooter with six goals last season. When defending, the 6-3 Frenchman has the upper hand in aerial battles, shot-blocking and headed clearances.
Watch out for this one. The World Cup confidence will definitely transform him into a proper Red Devil reminiscent of players in Alex Ferguson’s locker room. With Marouane Fellaini also returning with that World Cup high, United’s midfield looks scarier by the day.
Forwards
Call in the big boys, the trailblazers and the ball-punting goal scorers.
Harry Kane, Tottenham
England and Tottenham’s wonder boy never ceases to amaze the world of football. He’s a two-time Golden Boot winner in the EPL and the Golden Boot winner for the 2018 World Cup with six goals. The 25-year-old striker has also been awarded six Player of the Month awards, a record shared with Steven Gerrard.
Harry Kane hits The Cross Bar Form His Own Penalty Area! pic.twitter.com/AYLdQULQaT
— Betting Bad (@BettingBad_) August 4, 2018
Kane scored 30 goals last season with impeccable accuracy and the ability to score with both feet. Spurs have a threatening element with Kane this season, as if Hugo Lloris wasn’t enough.
Raheem Sterling, Manchester City
The Jamaican-born Sterling proved himself an asset to both England and Manchester City. With England, Sterling and Gareth Southgate’s boys managed to reach fourth place in a chaotically unpredictable World Cup. With Man City, Sterling scored 18 goals last season as the Sky Blues rocked the league with 100 points.
The 23-year-old is a world of untapped potential.
Romelu Lukaku, Manchester United
Yes, another Red Devil. No, United fans, he shouldn’t be No. 1 on the list, let alone top 3. Also, for the last time, he’s Belgian, not French.
The 25-year-old scored 16 goals last season and four beautifully netted balls for Belgium in the World Cup. He’s young, he plays like a mythical creature and damn does he have style.
Summer 18’ LA
@paulripke pic.twitter.com/awdv4v1mA4— R.Lukaku Bolingoli9 (@RomeluLukaku9) August 3, 2018
Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, which is no surprise having won the World Cup Bronze Boot. Definitely future Golden Boot material, at least at the EPL level.
Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal
Even though France’s national team abandoned Lacazette for the World Cup, the 27-year-old’s Premier League debut last season surely has them crying still. Arsenal’s secret weapon scored 14 goals last season with four assists.
Great disguised pass from Özil in the build up to Lacazette’s goal. (@EmeryTactic) pic.twitter.com/YPE1YT0T5s
— GoonerViews (@GoonerViews) August 1, 2018
He also scored three in the International Champions Cup for Arsenal. He’s a priceless asset if Arsenal ever want to be taken seriously again.
Sergio Aguero, Manchester City
The Argentinian international has won the league with the Sky Blues three times with a total of 143 goals. Last season Aguero racked up 21 goals and six assists, almost reaching a one-to-one goal-to-match ratio. Now that is consistency.
Top finish from Aguero after a great run from Phil Foden pic.twitter.com/Bu3242kOyc
— City Lens (@MCFCLens) August 5, 2018
On Nov. 1, 2017, against Napoli, Aguero became City’s all-time highest goal scorer at 178 goals. Not to mention, Kun is the highest non-European scorer in EPL history. Fun fact: Aguero has a tattoo of his name in Tengwar — a fictional language from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
The Scouse Pharaoh won the league’s Golden Boot and Player of the Season in the 2017-18 campaign for one reason only: His feet are enchanted by King Tut himself.
There’s no factual evidence for that, but let’s remember Salah scored 32 goals in 36 appearances last season — his Liverpool debut! Salah also scored two goals for Egypt in the World Cup proving effective for his national team as well.
Ever wonder what an overdose of awesome might feel like? Take a look:
All Mo Salah’s 44 goals for Liverpool in under a minute
RTs appreciated pic.twitter.com/DNsPkZL4Ik
Follow me for more— Football updates LFC (@TatendaMahach17) August 10, 2018
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