There have certainly been a few surprises throughout the first half of the 2015-16 season. In fact, this is perhaps one of the most unpredictable starts to a Premier League season in recent memory. Now that the first half of the current campaign is in the books, let’s take a look at the top five standout players of the current campaign. Much like the season so far, there may be a few surprises.
5. Odion Ighalo (Watford)
The Nigeria international, who has been a smash hit since joining Watford in the summer of 2014, is the main reason for a surprising first half for the Hornets. Ighalo has already netted 14 goals, third most in the league, and 13 of these goals have come in his last 15 appearances. The striker has also scored important goals, as his name was recently on the scoresheet against big clubs Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham. Ighalo’s six Man of the Match awards (according to whoscored.com) rank second-best in the league.
SEE MORE: Watford’s Quique Sanchez Flores has been the Premier League’s best manager.
4. Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Vardy has been the talk of the Premier League for much of the first half of the season. After all, the England international has a fascinating background and also broke the Premier League record for consecutive matches with a goal (11). After 19 matches, Vardy’s 15 goals are joint top of the league and his scoring abilities are obviously a significant reason behind Leicester City’s amazing climb to second place in the table.
SEE MORE: Vardy’s success shows hard work can beat natural talent.
3. Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Lukaku just edges Vardy in this list. Although the Belgian international and Vardy both have 15 league goals during the current campaign, none of Lukaku’s goals come by way of the penalty spot, while Vardy has three penalty goals. Another area where the Belgian international nicks the Leicester forward is in the passing department. Lukaku has registered more assists, chances created, and key passes than Vardy. At just 22-years-old, the former Chelsea striker is only going to improve, which is a scary thought for Premier League defenses.
SEE MORE: Romelu Lukaku is only going to get better.
2. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
The Leicester City winger has been mesmerizing on the pitch this season. He ranks fourth in goals (13) and third in assists (seven) over the first 19 matches and has formed an almost telepathic relationship with teammate Vardy. While his teammate received much of the attention during his goal-scoring barrage (and rightly so), Mahrez is most likely the superior player. The Algeria international moved to Leicester in a deal worth around £600,000 from French club Le Havre just about two years ago; however, top teams are reportedly willing to shell out £25 million for Mahrez now.
SEE MORE: Riyad Mahrez is the engine behind Leicester’s table-topping success.
1. Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Mahrez could have been given the top spot; however, the Arsenal midfielder is the cream of the Premier League crop since the start of the season. Not only has Özil racked up an astounding 16 assists in just 18 league appearances so far, just four off the record for an entire season, but the midfield maestro has led the Gunners to the top of the table as well. The German international is leading all Premier League players in assists (eight more than his nearest competitor), chances created, key passes, passes in the final third of the pitch, and crosses. While some have been slow to praise Özil during his time in north London, no sane human would dare doubt the playmaker’s ability now.
