Shearer Says: “See who makes my list of the Premier League’s star performers this season”
Coral Ambassador Alan Shearer tells us which players have caught his eye so far this season…
Blackburn, Newcastle and England legend Alan Shearer sat down with our very own John Hill this week to discuss an array of topics from the footballing world. In the below clip, he gives us his thoughts on who have been the outstanding performers so far in this Premier League.
It’s been an up and down season for most clubs, with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all looking strong early on, but their title chances have all taken a severe blow over the winter, with Tottenham possibly looking to be the only team who can sustain a challenge.
Romelu Lukaku, Diego Costa, Alexis Sanchez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and even Jermaine Defoe have been banging in the goals, while David Luiz’s return to Chelsea has been watched closely along with Shkodran Mustafi’s debut season for Arsenal.
So, who has made it in to Shearer’s list? Watch the below video to find out…
For those who would prefer to read, we’ve listed the players for you.
N’Golo Kante
Shearer feels Kante has been “absolutely superb”
Not a massive surprise here. N’golo Kante was pivotal in Leicester’s title challenge last season, something that has been highlighted all the more by the Foxes struggles since his departure for Chelsea in the summer. The Frenchman looks on track to become just the second player ever to win back to back Premier League titles with different clubs, after Mark Schwarzer became the first making the move from Chelsea to Leicester in 2015.
So, no huge surprise there. But what about the rest?
David Luiz
David Luiz’s return to Chelsea shocked many, but he’s done enough to catch Shearer’s eye
Brazilian defender David Luiz has been somewhat of a cult hero for Chelsea over the last 5 or 6 years. He made a sensational return to the west London club back in the 2016 summer transfer window and, despite not being your typical defender, he continues to make a significant impact in the Premier League. Everyone was reminded of what he’s capable of against Liverpool, when he took the Reds by surprise to score a brilliant free kick at Anfield.
Diego Costa
Costa has been banging in the goals for Chelsea
There’s a bit of theme here… Chelsea striker Diego Costa is next on Alan’s list after helping fire the Blues to an apparent unassailable lead in the Premier League table. The Brazilian-born Spain forward was heavily linked with a move to China in the January transfer window, something which both the player and club have denied. There are, however, plenty linking him with a move to the super-rich nation in the summer. Until then, he’s a Chelsea player and has a very good chance of landing the Golden Boot award.
Eden Hazard
Hazard is a player reborn at Chelsea this season
Next on the list is the man who makes it all tick for Chelsea going forward – Eden Hazard. The diminutive Belgian was the Blues’ Player of the Year during their title winning 2014 season, but badly struggled for form under Jose Mourinho last term with reports suggesting a rift between him and the Portuguese manager. Fast forward a year and Hazard looks back to his superb best and with plenty of time left in his career, could go on to even further heights.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic has impressed Shearer at Man Utd
Shearer breaks the mould with his final pick, Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The 6ft 5in forward, signed from PSG in the summer 2016 transfer window, hit the ground running for the Red Devils after many questioned his ability to make an impact in the Premier League at the ripe old age of 35, the same age Shearer retired from the game. The Swede maintains he still has a few years in him yet and could help United to a title challenge next season.
Arguably the easiest choice of all, Shearer is asked which manager has impressed him the most and he went for…
Antonio Conte
Conte has impressed Shearer with how he turn around a tough start
Conte, who had guided his Italy side to the Euro 2016 quarter finals in the summer, replaced Jose Mourinho in the hot seat and many didn’t know what to expect from the fiery manager at the time. Credit where it’s due, he looks to have gotten the best out of Diego Costa and, more notable, Eden Hazard since he took charge and is guiding the Blues to a facile-looking title success in his debut season in England. Not a bad start, it has to be said.
Do you agree with Shearer’s choices, or not? Has someone at your club stood out and demands recognition? Then leave a comment below and let us know, or tweet us @Coral!
Related
Check out other blogs from Alan in his archive here.
