Premier League 2015/16: 5 Players who have impressed so far
The 2015/16 Premier League season is now a month old, and what has been really surprising to see so far is the bridge in the gap between the so-called ‘Big 6’ and the rest of the teams.No one would quite have anticipated Crystal Palace and Leicester to currently occupy the Champions League places. Claudio Ranieri has improved the dynamics of the Leicester City squad which has helped them fetch impressive results early in the Premier League campaign.Alan Pardew, much loved and respected at Selhurst Park, has been absolutely spot-on with his new signings, and the evidence of that can be seen from their work-ethics on the field. His side will right now be cock-a-hoop after overcoming defending champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge- inflicting only a second home defeat for Mourinho in 100 league games.But what really has stunned most Premier League followers is the indifferent start defending champions Chelsea have suffered during their early weeks of this season. An un-inspiring draw against Swansea followed by a thrashing at the hands of league leaders Manchester City prompted Jose Mourinho to snatch the services of Barcelona surplus Pedro from Manchester United.Though he showed an instant impact in Chelsea’s 3-2 win at West Bromwich, questions were being repeatedly asked about their exposed and unstable defence. Further doubts were cast on that part of the pitch when they suffered a second defeat in 3 games at the hands of Palace at home. Currently 8 points adrift off the top of the table, it will take a real Mourinho master-mind to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around if they have to pose a serious challenge to the other Premier League contenders.As we head into the international break, we look at 5 players who have stood out beyond expectation, and are the early front-runners for the PFA Player of the Year. Let’s take a closer look at their strengths and contributions to their teams:
#1 Bakary Sako - Crystal Palace
This Malian attacking-midfielder, brought in on a free transfer following his release from Wolverhampton Wanderers, has been absolutely sensational in the final third for Crystal Palace. His presence has provided a threat towards the opposition goal that Palace lacked over the last season. Two goals and an assist in his first two starts for the Selhurst Park outfit has proven the positive influence he provides to the team.
In addition to this, he also has the highest pass completion rate (88.7%) than any of his Eagles’ team-mates (min. 150 minutes played), showing that he creates key chances up-front. which has made him the player to fear as far as opposition defences are concerned.
With an attacking line-up of Sako, Wilfried Zaha, Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon, Palace fans can expect their side to find the back of the net on more occasions than in previous seasons.
Although manager Alan Pardew has played down his side’s chances of challenging for a European spot this season, it definitely appears as if the Palace faithful could be treated to much more than just the objective of staying in the Premier League by achieving the benchmark of 40 points. With goalscoring defenders like Joel Ward in their tank as well, expect goals galore at Selhurst Park over the course of this season.
Crystal Palace pass completion rates (min. 150 minutes played)
| Player | Pass Completion (%) |
| Bakary Sako | 88.7 |
| James McArthur | 88.7 |
| Yohan Cabaye | 87.3 |
Crystal Palace shots/game(min. 2 games played)
| Player | Shots/Game |
| Bakary Sako | 5.5 |
| Yohan Cabaye | 2.5 |
| Jason Puncheon | 2 |