Best of Premier League’s starting XI this season

Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

There was no way that the Garden of Eden (yup, coin that as a new nickname for the lad) was not going to make the list. Undoubtedly one of the finest young talents in the game, Eden Hazard is back to his best after failing to perform to his expected heights last season. At the end of the 2014-2015 season, Chelsea was crowned Champions of the Premier League and Eden Hazard, in turn, was declared the PFA Player of the Year.

With ten goals to his name this campaign and 49 created chances, Hazard is a definite on this list. Perhaps his most impressive statistic though is the fact that Hazard has won 70% of his aerial duels. Hazard isn’t much bigger than the highlighter in my desk but for him to win such a high percentage of balls in the air, that’s quite impressive.

Perhaps secondly only to N’Golo Kante, Hazard is one of the biggest reasons that Chelsea are back to their winning ways. He helps the team by cutting open space, bringing defenders square to him and his ability to quickly release a quality shot on target. An injury to Hazard could see Chelsea’s hopes to win the league falters, though I don’t believe anyone can catch them still at this point. It just goes to show that in a team of individuals, one player really can mean the difference between good and great.