Hello. As we say goodbye to a fabulous 2018, let’s pause and take a moment to observe the best forwards of the season so far and conclude EPL Star Focus.

Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah.

These, to PL Analysis, have been the best trio of forwards the PL has had to offer so far. Raheem Sterling, despite his other matches where City were cursed with the injury of their beloved Fernandinho and a tight match at good old Stamford Bridge, has been sublime.

Under Guardiola’s superb tutelage, especially in City’s prime when they won the title in style, breaking countless of records, Raheem has taken his game to a new level, combining his Sonic-like pace, fast feet, his small frame and his decent vision with clinical finishing and unselfishness to lay it on for others to score.

Sterlz has been a Guardiola regular, and has repaid his manager’s faith with goals, assists and a Player of the Month award as well. If only City hadn’t crumbled in December. Who knows? Raheem could have been an early contender and snatched that Player of the Year Award out of Mo Salah’s hairy hands.

Contenders to Sterling’s crown: Son, Hazard, Richarlison, Deleufou.

“Man that is a good pic of me!”

Roberto Firmino, or Bobby, as he is called by the Kop, is not your typical striker. Frankly, till about last week, PL Analysis were looking at Aubameyang, Harry Kane or Raul Jiminez to snag this place, as they do what strikers are expected to do: score goals.

As we took time off to buy hot-dogs and watch the league leaders stroll past Newcastle, then Arsenal, we saw this weird-haired lanky guy, working his socks off to get himself space, to create chances so his colleagues could score,  striding back into his own half to steal the ball from his opponents,  leaving defenders on their backs with some expert trickery before scoring a Henry-esque goal, we knew that Berbeto deserved this position.

He’s one of the key players who’ve gotten Liverpool to where they are now. So Bobby, this is for you. Nope, still no award. Not there yet bro.

Contenders to Bobby’s crown: Aubameyang, Kane, Jiminez, Aguero, Wilson.

“Boss mode on”

And finally, the man himself. The man who scored 32 record PL goals last season, earning himself the golden boot and Player of the Year Award. The man who was tagged a one-season wonder, but is leading the goal charts with 13 goals, and has a decent number of assists.

The man who lives up to his chant sung by his faithful fans, running down the wing, before bamboozling full-backs then scoring great goals. The man who gave up the chance of ending 2018 as the sole leader of the most goals, by handing a penalty he could’ve scored to Roberto Firmino, who was on a hat-trick.

The man who is learning the dark arts of diving. The man who seems not too pleased with having to battle his way to the first team with the Alpine Pele. Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for the man: Marcus Rashford.

Oh wait, it’s not Rash. Ohhhh, sorry. I meant Mo’ Salah everyone. Mo Salah it is. #SteveHarvey.

Other options to The Egyptian King’s crown: Riyad Mahrez, Willian, Shaqiri, Helder Costa.

So that’s it for EPL Star Focus. For now at least.  Happy New Year to all of you loyal followers and new fans. Spread the word and keep reading.

Happy Sundays people. Welcome to part four of the beloved EPL Star Focus, where we toil as hard as we can to present to you who we feel have been the best players of this season so far. Disagree with our picks all you like. We run the show here. So get ready for EPL Star Focus IV!

Andre Gomes (Central Midfielder)

This guy is one of the privileged few who can tell their kids that they’ve had the opportunity to play with the best soccer players in the world for the past decade: CR7, or C. Ro as they call him in Ghana, and Leo Messi.

The Portuguese enjoyed a rapid rise to professional footy, playing at a young age for Valencia C.F., dominating the midfield for Portugal as they took Europe by storm in 2016, and signing for one of the best clubs in the world.

But, unfortunately, there’s always someone who will be better than you, and Gomes experienced that quote by playing second fiddle to Iniesta and Rakitic.

After 2 years, he couldn’t warm the bench forever, and with the thought of his career slowly rotting away (like that of Arda Turan and Jeremy Mathieu), he choose to join the Toffees and show the world the silky midfielder he was once admired for being.

Fast forward to today, and you can just about say that Gomes made the right decision. He has impressed Goodison Park with his supreme attention to detail, his vision and his ability to create space and chances for his teammates.

He has had one assist so far, 623 passes and a pass average of about 52 per game. (He’s played only 12 games, mind you).

He’s created chances and has played 54 accurate long balls. He is not afraid to take a pop at goal, as his 12 shots show. He’s not shabby in defence, as his 44% tackle success rate, 88 recoveries, 21 successful 50/50s and his 17 successful aerial duels show.

As the end of the season approaches, Everton might have two things on their short-term to-do list: qualify for Europe and sign the Portuguese flair man permanently.

David Silva (Central Midfielder)

Jamie Carragher made a bold claim when he said David Silva will take home the Player of the Year Award, especially with the performances of Liverpool’s frightening front three, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, who to me is the third best ‘keeper in the league. (It takes a lot more than positioning and good distribution to overthrow DDG and Ederson pal).

But we here can say that as the year draws to a close, David Silva has been the best midfielder in the PL this season.

With the absence of Kevin de Bruyne’s, a man crucial to City’s tital defence, Silva and Bernado Silva have had to take on the responsibility of creating constant chances whilst bossing the midfield, and the Silva brothers have done it without cease. Particularly David, who combines dazzling dribbles, his low centre of gravity and his vision to keep City’s title dreams alive.

He’s had 6 goals, one more than Alvaro Morata, including a whizzer of a free-kick. He’s set up two goals, and in 16 matches, the smallish Spaniard has made close to 1,000 passes. He’s created 7 big chances and has whipped in over 40 crosses. The pass king, as he referred to by young City fans, has had 5 through balls and 17 accurate long balls. But these stats only belittle his genius.

If you want to see pure Silva, watch his highlights against Huddersfield or Southampton at the Etihad in 2018. You’ll be awed. I guarantee.

Other options: Fabinho, Rejuvenated Paul Pogba, Kante, Eriksen, Bernado Silva, Joao Moutinho

That’s it for EPL Star Focus IV. Come back to see the final three spots up for grabs, and a glance at the full team. And take a peep at earlier posts as well. Merry Christmas and keep on reading.

Buena noches readers and welcome to part 3 of EPL Star Focus, where we work our striped socks off to present to you who we think deserves the title of best player in their various positions in the PL so far. And if you disagree, write us a letter or an email. We will happily not read it. So, without much ado, EPL Stars III.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right-back)
Forget it Liverpudlians. Those of you who thought Alexander-Arnold will easily top this list were wrong. The English international may be good, scoring free-kick beauties and superbly marking Neymar in the Champions League, but he is not someone you can confidently tag as Mr. Consistent.

So we turn our heads to arguably one of the best center-backs of last year, who is now playing his former trade as a full-back to suite Sarri’s needs.

And, in a team who are trying to find constant success in their individuals, with David Luiz sometimes sluggish, N’golo Kante confused, Jorginho tired and Morata and Giroud lacking the strikers touch, Cesar has still maintained the levels his 86 rated card in Fifa 19 recquires of him.

He’s been vital to Chelsea’s 8 clean sheets, where only 16 goals has been shipped into Basque-born Kepa’s net. He has an impressive 62% tacking success rate, has blocked 2 shots, 18 interceptions and 35 clearances.

He’s won 89 duels and has had 6 successful 50/50s. An excellent defender like him hasn’t had any own-goals, nor any errors leading to goals. His attacking side boasts of 2 assists, 1306 passes, has created 4 big chances, 68 crosses, with a 22% successful crossing rate. He’s also had 19 accurate long-balls.

These stats should have won you hater to Cesar’s side. He deserves this. Felicidades Cesar. Yeah, I know. Yo hablo Espanol.

Other options: Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Diogo Dalot.

Fernandinho (Central defensive midfielder)

Karma exists. Let me tell you why. Almost a year ago, Pep Guardiola told the press that Spurs is a Harry Kane reliant team. Though that may have been true last year, it certainly is not the case now, as Spurs are thriving as a team as they chase Liverpool for their first ever PL Crown. City however seem to be crumbling.

This is partly due to fatigue, and the absence of certain players, including David Silva and this certain Brazilian baldie called Fernandinho.

Fernandinho is confidently now the best dirty business man in the PL as the former heir to that crown, Kante, is now the victim of change. He does the work of two men, and is vital to the way City plays.

Before we move on to his dirty work, we must say he is a pretty decent attacker, with a goal to his name and five shots on target. He’s had 3 assists and over 1200 passes. He’s created 3 big chances and has had over 46 long balls find their man.

Now to what he does best. He’s made 36 tackles, and has a stunning 83, yes 83%, tackling accuracy. He’s had 26 interceptions, 45 clearances, a 106 recoveries, 101 duels won and successful 50/50s.

He’s truly a man to marvel. However He’s 34 years and can’t be doing this forever. So this might be his first and last time he might be on this list as a young Uruguayan prepares to take the mantle of the best defensive midfielder.

Other options: Lucas Torreira, Gana, Sissoko, Doucoure.

So that’s part 3 of this show. Visit frequently to get updates on the full lists of stars. Formation is 4-3-3. (And one. Keepers. Forgive us.) Merry Christmas. Keep reading.

Y’ello. Welcome to Part 2 of EPL Star Focus. Today you’ll have an insight into the best center-halfs in the PL so far. So without further ado, focus your eyes to the rest of the story.

1. Virgil Van Dijk (Center-Back)

Around last year at this time, Virgil van Dijk was being pursued by Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea to be their center-back as each team sought the Dutch-born, pony-tailed, buff defender to be the rock of their team.

Virgil went to Anfield for a record 75 million pounds. He had the perfect debut, playing a vital role in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over their Merseyside rivals Everton, and even snagging a late goal for himself.

We all know what happened next. VVD is now the rock of the Reds, his self-imposed leadership and his great performances have seemingly inspired his defensive teammates around him, and is not afraid to get the goals if he is in the position to do so.

Van Dijk is even tipped to be the player of the year this season, but we’ve seen so many Liverpool players perform awesomely then wither, almost “slip up”, when it matters most: Torres back in 2009-10, Gerrard in 2013-14.

We can’t assure that now, but we can confidently say that Virgil is the best center back in the PL right now.

“Darn it! I got a booger in my nose”

2. Aymeric Laporte (Center-Back)

Like David Luiz, Aymeric is not the best old-fashioned aggressive center-back you’ll expect, sticking his head into any duel, barging players off the ball almost every time, and punting balls anywhere after nicking it back from strikers.

But, like the afro-haired Brazilian, Aymeric is confident to play football. So calm and composed on the ball, the French international has this Koeman aura around him, playing constant diagonals to his fellow full-backs, unafraid of taking on his opponents, and has the ability to play sensational passes that lead to goal-scoring opportunities.

And despite City’s poor run of results so far (Partly due to Fernandinho’s unavailability), Laporte must be singled out for his great contributions and his all-round performances as City hold  clean sheets so far.

Don’t worry big guy. Deschamps will notice you. He will.

Other options: Alderweireld, Joe Gomez, Mina.

Come back tomorrow to see Part 3 of EPL Star Focus. The formation is 4-3-3. (And 1. Keepers. So sorry you’ve been forgotten). Merry Christmas. Keep reading.

Merry Christmas folks. Hoped you enjoyed yesterday’s preview to 26th’s hottest matches. Today we shall use the relaxed holiday atmosphere to select a pick of 11 solid players who’ve impressed us so much. Drum roll please: BUM-DA-BUM-DA-BUM: PL Analysis’s EPL Star Focus!

“Better hope I’m in this list, for your own sake”

1. Ben Foster (Goalkeeper)

In our goalie position, we’ve thought long and hard and come to the conclusion that not Alisson, not de Gea, not Ederson and not Rui Patricio deserve this spot.

Though they’ve all individually played an important role in their clubs so far, 35 year old Benny Foster deserves to be goalie of the 2018/19 season as it stands.

Gareth Southgate must be chewing furiously on his waistcoat that Big Ben doesn’t want a shot at international footy anymore, especially after Jordan Pickford’s recent poor form, because Foster has played an instrumental role in Watford’s current success and their hunt for a European place.

He’s now the Hornets no.1; Gomes now out of the spot, as his 18 appearances suggest. He’s made a whopping 49 saves, more than Kepa, Ederson, Alisson and Lloris, though these four don’t suffer the curse of playing with a back four of Kabasele, Cathcart and co. ( No offense big guys.).

Foster’s also made a penalty save, one that shocked Gylfi to the core, with his outstretched leg thumping the Iceland international’s kick away.

He’s had no errors leading to goals, has showed his ability to be a modern keeper with 20 sweeper clearances and his 165 accurate long balls.

But mere stats don’t show how good Ben is. His all-round performance against West Ham, including a De-Geaesque save to Snodgrass’s bullet header. Kudos Ben. You’ve deserve this. No award though. We’ve not got there yet.

Other decent options to this throne: Alisson, Rui Patricio and Joe Hart.

2. Andy Robertson. (Left-back)

If gwara-gwara dancing, World Cup winning Benji Mendy was still fit, this spot would have been all his. Alas, Injuries came to tango with the Man City left-back, so the Scotland captain will take his place instead.

Andy has been an absolute revelation following his move to Anfield from KCOM Stadium. He’s been the left back right wingers and right-backs fear, with his explosive pace, stamina, decent control and his pinpoint crossing.

He’s been a factor in Liverpool’s 11 clean sheets, with only 5 goals being shipped into Alisson’s net. He has a tackling accuracy of 62%, a 104 recoveries and has won 64 duels. He’s had no errors leading to goals and despite his short frame has won 7 aerial duels. But these are his defensive stats. He’s had 3 assists, over a 1000 passes, has created six big chances, 53 crosses, a 15% cross accuracy, and 33 accurate long balls. He’s also hit the wood-work once.

This is Andy Robertson. At least for Liverpool. For Scotland he’s been far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, poorer. But this is a PL analysis site, not a UEFA Nations League one, so congrats Robby. This place is for you.

Other reasonable options: Chilwell, Shaw, Mendy, Marcos Alonso.

“Why so shocked bruv?”

Come back tomorrow to see who made the center back positions. The formation for this team is 4-3-3. (And one as well. Never leave out the goalie.)

Merry Christmas. If you haven’t got a gift, then treat yourself to other articles on PL Analysis. Tchau Tchau.