Given the number of incredible players in the English Premier League, as well as its incredibly competitive nature, it should come as a surprise to many that a Premier League star hasn’t been in the FIFA Team of the Year for a long time. In fact, the last time a Premier League player was in the FIFA Team of the Year was in FIFA 15, with Angel Di Maria getting in; but even then, the Argentine maestro had spent the majority of the year with Real Madrid. The last true Premier League selections came in FIFA 12, with Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney making the cut.
Now, as we approach the announcement of the FIFA 18 Team of the Year and see all of the incredible performances from Premier League teams and players alike, it’s still predicted that none of them will get in. Here are a few star players who could finally breakthrough for their 2017 efforts.
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City are flying right now, and are seen as contenders to go on to win everything this season. Their defence is holding up far better than expected, the midfield is stuffed with creative minds, and the attack is simply incredible. While Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have had decent seasons for Real Madrid, few in world football can match the playmaking ability shown by Kevin De Bruyne.
Throughout 2017, the Belgian ball-mover put up 11 goals and 22 assists through 52 games for his club, proving to be pivotal to the Manchester City’s rise this season. It’s because of his consistent and often mesmerising play that Manchester City are serious contenders to win it all.
There’s no doubt that he’s one of the best in the world, but will FIFA finally buck the trend of ostracising Premier League players?
Harry Kane
Anyone who has watched the Premier League over the past three years, let alone through 2017, knows that Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world. His rate of scoring in such a tough.
Anyone who has watched the Premier League over the past three years, let alone through 2017, knows that Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world. His rate of scoring in such a tough league is simply incredible, and even rivals other top players who are competing in far less competitive leagues. In 2017, Kane outdid himself and everyone else, outscoring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in a record-breaking 2017 that saw him score 48 domestic goals (56 goals including his strikes for England) and nine assists.
The Premier League may be seemingly beyond Harry Kane and Tottenham Hotspur now, but he’s still gunning for a third consecutive Golden Boot and will be key if Spurs want to claim a trophy. Quite possibly above all others, Harry Kane deserves to be in the FIFA 18 Team of the Year.
Mohamed Salah
Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah has had an almighty 2017. First, he saw off his spell with AS Roma in 2017 with plenty of scoring and assists, even scoring two goals and two assists to help Egypt finish second at the 2017 African Cup of Nations. Then, for just £36.9 million, he signed for Liverpool and currently stands as the top scorer in the Premier League with 17 goals and six assists. He’s also won the African Player of the Year award for his valiant efforts in 2017.
The surprise package of the season, Mohamed Salah’s explosive play has seen Liverpool’s attack more than make up for their lackadaisical defence and goalkeeping, allowing them to contend for the top four. It has been an incredible year for the Egyptian, and he looks to continue his high- scoring play well into 2018.
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