League’s best player: Best EPL players outside the ‘big six’
Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
The obvious choice, and the prime candidate for many fans as the league’s best player outside of the top six. The mercurial Crystal Palace forward may not be outside the cream of the Premier League sides for much longer after requesting a move but, after the Arsenal connections faded, Zaha remains an Eagle... for now.
If he does leave, however, Everton looks his most likely destination. Now, perhaps eager to impress more so than ever before, the 2019-20 campaign could be the Ivory Coast international’s biggest to date.
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Youri Tielemans (Leicester)
After his breakthrough period in English football, Leicester were wise enough to follow up on their loan of the powerful Belgian midfielder and turn it into a permanent £40 million (Sh5 billion) deal.
Manchester United were sniffing around regarding a potential deal, but Leicester got the switch completed and will build their midfield around the versatile star this season.
Declan Rice (West Ham)
The previous campaign saw everything click into place for Rice, who seized the role of defensive-midfield anchor at West Ham for his own. After declaring his international allegiance, Rice was immediately picked up by Gareth Southgate and integrated into the senior England ranks.
Another year of promise beckons for 20-year-old Rice, who will no doubt be attracting the attention of Europe’s elite should he continue to patrol midfield with the same degree of poise and power.
Ruben Neves (Wolves)
Was it all hyperbole surrounding the precociously gifted Neves? That was the question on many lips when Wolves made the jump up into the Premier League.
The Portugal international answered those questions immediately, and was both a calming and artful presence in the midfield at Molineux as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side powered all the way into Europe in their first season.
A repeat performance, particularly on the Europa League stage, could see Neves star as a huge-money purchase next summer.
David Brooks (Bournemouth)
The Welshman was unfortunate last season as injuries began to niggle, but the time he spent on the pitch was a joy to behold. Playing with a confidence and maturity beyond his years, Brooks’ influential performances for Bournemouth immediately showed him to be Premier League level.
Links with both Manchester clubs surfaced, but the Cherries have managed to keep hold of their gem. Another top-flight campaign under the guidance of the meticulous Eddie Howe should work wonders for his progression.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford)
The Frenchman was a relatively unsung hero last season, as he featured as the metronome of the Watford midfield and showcased his impressive athletic abilities.
Doucoure, on his day, has a lovely contrasting blend of aggression and subtlety, along with a graceful style on the ball which almost appears out of kilter with his gangly frame.
Not short of links to top teams, Doucoure’s name has been heavily mentioned during the transfer window but he has remained at Vicarage Road. Watford, should they harbour ambitions to go bigger and better this season, must ensure things stay that way.
Ben Chilwell (Leicester)
Another Leicester star who made huge strides last season, Chilwell appears nailed-on to become an England regular and pin down one of the full-back positions as his own. His aggressive forward play is offset with a solid understanding of the game, along with a high degree of defensive competency which appears to be growing all the time.
Chilwell was earmarked as a hugely important piece in the jigsaw by manager Brendan Rodgers when he arrived from Celtic, and the Northern Irishman fully plans to cultivate the 22-year-old into the real deal under his guidance.
Ruben Neves (Wolves)
Was it all hyperbole surrounding the precociously gifted Neves? That was the question on many lips when Wolves made the jump up into the Premier League.
The Portugal international answered those questions immediately, and was both a calming and artful presence in the midfield at Molineux as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side powered all the way into Europe in their first season. A repeat performance, particularly on the Europa League stage, could see Neves star as a huge-money purchase next summer.
Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Newly-promoted with his boyhood club Aston Villa, Jack Grealish needs no introduction. The hard-working playmaker, 23, was comfortably the best player in the Championship last season, and took on the captain’s armband with passion and dignity. Grealish said it was a ‘dream come true,’ and he certainly meant it.
Helping Villa regain their status as part of the English top tier, Grealish has a huge task ahead of him this season. Gareth Southgate, more than anyone else, will be keeping a close watch on him in the coming months.
Richarlison (Everton)
Questions were asked when Marco Silva paid big money to bring Richarlison to Goodison and link back up with the Brazilian from their Watford spell. Those questions, however, were soon brushed aside. Richarlison offers the Toffees a dynamism in the final third which has been lacking for many a season, and has many strings to his bow.
One moment he may come across as a passionate streetfighter, the next a nimble creator exuding flair in abundance. It’s exactly the kind of mix desired in a Premier League forward, particularly in one who has proven he can handle the rigours of the division.
Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)
It was no coincidence that Chelsea had England international Wilson as a prime candidate to fill the void left by Alvaro Morata, only to be scuppered by a transfer ban. The 27-year-old is arguably one of the best finishers in the division, with the movement and work-rate to match.
Wilson is key to the ambitions of Bournemouth this year, who are looking to better their 14th-placed finish from last season. Whether Wilson can spend as little time as possible outside of the treatment room will be the pivotal issue.
