Top 5 improved players in the Premier League this season
After 14 games, the Premier League table is finally starting to shape up in England. The 2014/15 season has seen many players take the EPL by storm and helped their clubs with some noteworthy performances. Be it in defence, midfield or attack, a number of players have impressed managers and fans alike.We take a look at the five most improved players this season in the league.Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author and do not reflect those of the site
#1 Marouane Fellaini - Manchester United
When £27 million was splashed to buy the Belgian from Everton on deadline day last season, many expected him to hit the ground running immediately. But various reasons prevented the midfielder from settling at United. Neither did the team’s playing style suit the giant midfielder nor did the constant injuries help his cause. The deadline day signing was tipped to leave the club in the summer but an injury he suffered at the end of the window prevented him from moving to Napoli.
Glimpses of his abilities were witnessed in victories at West Ham United, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion last season. However, that was not enough to win the fans back on his side. So when Louis van Gaal took charge, he inevitably lost his place in the starting lineup and had to warm the bench. Finally, the chance came for the midfielder to shine when he replaced not-so-fully-fit Ander Herrera as a half time substitute against West Bromwich Albion. Within minutes after coming on, the Belgian scored a wonder goal, which happened to be his first for the club.
His good performance earned him a place against league leaders Chelsea, where he repaid his managers faith by putting in a man of the match performance. Fellaini covered 12.17 km on the pitch, which was the most by any player. It was not just the distance he covered, but also the great job he did on marking Cesc Fabregas. Fellaini closed down the Spanish maestro so quickly that the Catalan born player managed to complete only three passes in the first 20 minutes and a mere 11 in the entire first half.
He then carried on the solid performances against Manchester City, Crystal Palace and played a key part in helping United's revival against Arsenal. He started to win the ball from midfield to relieve pressure when the team was being slaughtered by Arsenal in the first half hour. Notably, Fellaini’s pass helped Angel Di Maria run free at Arsenal’s defence from which Rooney scored the decisive second goal of the game. He continued his good work and scored a header against Stoke City to get his first Old Trafford goal.
The Belgian is offering something different to the United midfield with his physical approach as most of the United midfielders are soft with their challenges. If Fellaini can keep this form going, then he can become the ideal box-to-box midfielder which United were craving for so long.