Things are looking good for a June restart in the Premier League, and with clubs voting on full-contact training today, it could be as early as 19th June.
That’s a great boost to many fans around the UK and beyond, and the excitement will grow over the next two or three weeks as the anticipation of an exciting end to the season mounts. Liverpool are so close to winning the coveted title, while there are races on for European places and a six-way battle to avoid the three relegation spots.
There have been some stand-out performances over the 29 games played so far, and I’ve picked my best man in each department. Will my choices still be the top of the pile after another nine games? Only time will tell…but they won’t be far away!
Best Goalkeeper: Nick Pope – Burnley
Burnley’s Nick Pope has had an outstanding season between the sticks, registering more clean sheets (11) than anyone, beating Liverpool’s Alisson and Sheffield United’s young stopper Dean Henderson.
At 6ft 3in, he commands his area as well as anyone in the league, making the most high claims (37) when balls have rained down into the Clarets’ penalty area. He is quick off the mark too, making the highest number of sweeper clearances of any keeper.
Pope is middle of the road, at joint-sixth, in terms of saves made. But that’s no surprise when he’s protected by the centre-back partnership of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.
But he stands up to scrutiny whenever questioned and is a sure bet to make England’s Euro 2021 squad, alongside Henderson.
Best Defender: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
When inevitably the Premier League 2020 news announces Liverpool’s title – probably in late June – Virgil Van Dijk will be one of the main reasons for the Reds’ success.
He’s played every minute of Liverpool’s campaign as the league leaders have conceded fewer goals than any other side (21). Since his big-money move from Southampton, he has commanded the Reds’ defence with imperious displays and a commanding aerial presence.
Much of Liverpool’s creative play starts with Van Dijk, he has made the most successful passes (2,478) in the league.
Best Midfielder: Kevin de Bruyne – Manchester City
The Sky Blues are a different proposition when attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is in the starting line-up. Pep Guardiola’s team has such an array of attacking riches it would be easy for a top player to be overshadowed.
But not the world-class De Bruyne. He is the complete attacking midfielder with a stunning array of stats, and the Belgian ace has provided a constant supply of ammunition for City’s ever-hungry strikers.
He has the most assists in the league (16) and the most successful through balls (23), as well as the second-highest number of crosses (244). Assuming he stays at City, then SBOBET fans can expect more of the same next season.
Best Striker: Jamie Vardy – Leicester City
Jamie Vardy stunned the football world in 2015/16 as he fired Leicester City to the unlikeliest league title of all-time.
In that season he broke Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record to score in 11 consecutive top-flight games and finished with 24 for the season, level with Sergio Aguero and just one behind Golden Boot winner Harry Kane.
But he’s no one-hit wonder. Vardy’s at it again, leading the race for this season’s Golden Boot on 19 goals. The artful striker scored a brace in Leicester’s 4-0 annihilation of Aston Villa just before the break and is leading the pack.
Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in pursuit on17, and Sergio Aguero has 16, as well as hitting the woodwork four times, but it’s Vardy’s to lose.
Best Captain: Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
In his fifth season as Liverpool captain, since the departure of Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson has become widely respected as the best leader in English football.
The Reds need just two wins from the final nine games to win the league title, and Henderson is the man who has led them to the brink.
His leadership qualities, as well as playing influence to control the middle of the park, became even clearer just before the break. His absence, late in February due to a hamstring strain, coincided with Liverpool’s only league defeat, to Watford, and their FA Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea.
Now the skipper’s back normal service will be resumed.
Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp – Liverpool
With an honourable mention for Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder, whose team has exceeded all expectations, the Coach of the Year accolade must go to Jurgen Klopp.
Take a look at the Premier League 2020 betting odds to see what an amazing job the former Borussia Dortmund boss has done.
27 wins, one draw and one defeat…well that says it all, and Klopp is about to become an Anfield legend.
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