Shearer Says: “See who makes my list of the Premier League’s star performers this season”

So, no huge surprise there. But what about the rest?

David Luiz

Brazilian defender David Luiz has been somewhat of a cult hero for Chelsea over the last 5 or 6 years. He made a sensational return to the west London club back in the 2016 summer transfer window and, despite not being your typical defender, he continues to make a significant impact in the Premier League. Everyone was reminded of what he’s capable of against Liverpool, when he took the Reds by surprise to score a brilliant free kick at Anfield.

Diego Costa

There’s a bit of theme here… Chelsea striker Diego Costa is next on Alan’s list after helping fire the Blues to an apparent unassailable lead in the Premier League table. The Brazilian-born Spain forward was heavily linked with a move to China in the January transfer window, something which both the player and club have denied. There are, however, plenty linking him with a move to the super-rich nation in the summer. Until then, he’s a Chelsea player and has a very good chance of landing the Golden Boot award.

Eden Hazard

Next on the list is the man who makes it all tick for Chelsea going forward – Eden Hazard. The diminutive Belgian was the Blues’ Player of the Year during their title winning 2014 season, but badly struggled for form under Jose Mourinho last term with reports suggesting a rift between him and the Portuguese manager. Fast forward a year and Hazard looks back to his superb best and with plenty of time left in his career, could go on to even further heights.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Shearer breaks the mould with his final pick, Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The 6ft 5in forward, signed from PSG in the summer 2016 transfer window, hit the ground running for the Red Devils after many questioned his ability to make an impact in the Premier League at the ripe old age of 35, the same age Shearer retired from the game. The Swede maintains he still has a few years in him yet and could help United to a title challenge next season.

Arguably the easiest choice of all, Shearer is asked which manager has impressed him the most and he went for…

Antonio Conte

Conte, who had guided his Italy side to the Euro 2016 quarter finals in the summer, replaced Jose Mourinho in the hot seat and many didn’t know what to expect from the fiery manager at the time. Credit where it’s due, he looks to have gotten the best out of Diego Costa and, more notable, Eden Hazard since he took charge and is guiding the Blues to a facile-looking title success in his debut season in England. Not a bad start, it has to be said.

Do you agree with Shearer’s choices, or not? Has someone at your club stood out and demands recognition? Then leave a comment below and let us know, or tweet us @Coral!

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Check out other blogs from Alan in his archive here.