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 11, including a pair of statement blowout wins that announced the two early favourites to lift the trophy come season’s end.
THE GAMECHANGER
Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Since a lambasting at the hands of Arsenal on Sept. 24, Chelsea have been virtually unstoppable in the league. The Blues switched to Antonio Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 formation following the loss at the Emirates and haven’t lost in the Premier League since. In fact, Chelsea has outscored opponents 16-0 during the five-game winning streak.
The starting front three in that formation have benefitted massively from the switch. Hazard, Diego Costa and Pedro have either scored or assisted 14 of those goals, including all five Saturday afternoon against Everton.
Pedro had a goal and two assists, Costa chipped in with a goal and assist, but it was Hazard who once again stole the spotlight at Stamford Bridge.
https://twitter.com/HazardStuff/status/795037400397443074
Hazard continued his world-class form against the Toffees, scoring twice with three shots on target, completing 95 per cent of his passes with one key pass and five crosses.
We all knew the Belgian midfielder was capable of magic — his 2014-15 season earned him player of the year honours — but a dreadful 2015-16 campaign called his future into questions.
It’s past time we put those questions to bed.
THE FINISHER(S)
Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United
The Premier League hasn’t been so friendly to Jose Mourinho’s squad over the last two months.
Heading into this weekend’s action, Man United had earned just one win in the league since the start of September, accumulating just six of a possible 21 points and dropping well behind the group of teams at the top of the table.
Needless to say, a win on Sunday in Wales was much-needed and it was the Red Devils’ big summer signings who answered the call.
Pogba and Ibrahimovic scored a pair of stunning outside-the-box goals within six minutes of each other in the first half. Pogba’s volleyed rocket was just his second league goal since becoming the world’s most expensive player, while Ibra’s was the 25,000th goal in Premier League history and ended the Swede’s league scoring drought that lasted more than 600 minutes. Ibrahimovic added another goal 12 minutes after his first.
And if their two big-money signings rounding back into form wasn’t good enough, United’s much-maligned captain had his best game of the season.
Sitting eight points back of leaders Liverpool, United have dug themselves quite a hole from which to climb out of. But Sunday’s win, even though it came against 19th-placed Swansea, is as good a place as any to start their ascent.
THE PLAYMAKERS(S)
Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool
Chelsea’s wasn’t the only front three giving opposition fits over the weekend. Liverpool’s lively trio was simply dominant in Sunday’s bludgeoning of Watford at Anfield.
The Reds moved top of the table with their third straight league win and the threesome was involved in all but two goals, combining for seven shots on target (13 total) and 11 key passes for four goals and three assists.
Nearly 13 months after taking over at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has his team firing on all cylinders — Liverpool lead the league with 30 goals scored, a 2.7 per game clip — largely thanks to his newly-formed three-headed attack. And boy are they fun to watch.
THE PROTECTOR
Michael Dawson, Hull City
Heading into Sunday’s action, the Tigers hadn’t won a game in the Premier League since Aug. 20 and it took just two shocking minutes against Southampton to turn their fortunes.
After giving up a goal just six minutes into the contest, it was not-fully-fit super sub Robert Snodgrass who brought Hull back to life. The Scot drew his team level in the 61st minute and assisted the eventual winner, headed into the back of the net by the aforementioned Dawson.
And while Snodgrass was pivotal in securing Hull’s first league points since Sept. 10, it was Dawson who led the defensive charge.
Along with scoring the match winner, Dawson racked up seven clearances, blocked six of Southampton’s 19 shots while chipping in a pair of tackles and an interception.
Talk about coming up big at both ends of the pitch.
THE STOPPER
Victor Valdes, Middlesbrough
Boro snatched a draw from Manchester City thanks to a stoppage-time stunner from the head of Marten de Roon, but the opportunity to salvage a point wouldn’t have been within grasp if not for the play of their ‘keeper.
Middlesbrough frustrated City’s attackers throughout the game, but the Citizens dominated play with 71 per cent possession and 25 shots, seven of which were on target and six of which Valdes kept out.
Even more impressive was Valdes stayed in the game after suffering a gruesome injury near the end of the first half after Jesus Navas caught him in the thigh with the studs of his cleats.
(Warning: Below picture is graphic)
Valdes’ heroics garnered the praise of Boro fans who made the trip to Manchester, and rightfully so.
https://twitter.com/azymanzur/status/794927445891837952
