Throughout the 2016-17 Premier League campaign, we’ll pick out a handful of standout footballers after each matchday concludes based on five different categories: The Gamechanger (MVP), The Finisher (most important goal-scorer), The Playmaker (creator of goals/chances), The Protector (standout defender) and The Stopper (top goalkeeper).
Here are our five selections from Matchday 21, including hat-trick Harry and another January goal-of-the-year candidate.
THE GAMECHANGER
Harry Kane, Tottenham
Fresh off their streak-stopping win over Chelsea two weeks ago, the red-hot Spurs hammered West Bromwich Albion in the early game Saturday to continue a streak of their own — Mauricio Pochettino’s side have now won six straight Premier League matches.
So what’s the difference between this team and the squad that struggled in October and November? It’s simple, really.
Harry Kane.
The English striker was at his very best against the Baggies, getting off 11 shots with seven of them on target and three finding the back of the net — Kane’s fourth Tottenham hat trick.
Also, a shout out to Victor Wanyama, who continues to be vital in Tottenham’s midfield and may be the most underrated Premier League summer signing.
THE FINISHER
Andy Carroll, West Ham United
It’s been a tough week for the London club in the wake of Dimitri Payet’s shock refusal to play for the Hammers any longer, instead trying to force a move to Olympique Marseille.
But during a moment of pure brilliance on Saturday, West Ham fans were able to forget all of that and bask in the glory of an early goal of the year candidate from the pony-tailed English striker.
Of course, there are still 11 and a half months left in 2017, but Premier League fans have already seen a stunning scorpion-kick goal and this beauty from Carroll.
Can anyone top these? We certainly hope so.
THE PLAYMAKER
Ross Barkley, Everton
Barkley has been a frustration for Everton and England fans alike in his young career, displaying glimpses of his great potential but never really able to consistently capture it.
It may be a bit much to suggest Barkley’s turned the corner, but the 23-year-old played a key role in Sunday’s dominant win over Manchester City.
Barkley’s pair of assists equalled his total in every other game this season combined. The first was a shallow through ball collected from a failed City interception at the top of the box to Kevin Mirallas, who finished spectacularly. The second was another perfectly-placed through ball, this time finding Tom Davies, who created the chance initially and made no mistake.
Everton are now unbeaten in four Premier League games and have won three league games in a row at home.
THE PROTECTOR
Marcos Alonso, Chelsea
The biggest question coming into Saturday’s clash against Leicester City at the King Power: who will make up for the absence of Diego Costa?
Well, the answer was obvious. Marcos Alonso, of course. (Note sarcasm.)
In Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3, the wing backs play a versatile role as they are relied upon in both defence and attack. Alonso made the most of his offensive opportunities, converting two of his three shots into goals and nearly completing the hat trick with his third.
And the 26-year-old Spaniard also held his own in Chelsea’s third of the pitch. Alonso had three interceptions, two clearances and a pair of blocks as the Blues kept the Foxes off the score sheet, Chelsea’s 12th shutout in their last 15 league games.
THE STOPPER
Tom Heaton, Burnley
Joey Barton’s first goal since his return to Burnley was the highlight of Saturday’s win over Southampton at Turf Moor, but Heaton saved the three points for the Clarets with a crucial double save in the dying minutes of the game.
Heaton stopped all five shots the Saints put on target, the two most crucial of which came in the 89th.
