Top Goalscorer – Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea created a bucketload of chances last season, especially after Thomas Tuchel came in at the end of January. Unfortunately for them, they also missed a bucketload, with Timo Werner in particular enduring a difficult first season in English football in front of goal.
That should change now that they have re-signed Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian scored 24 goals for Inter Milan last season, helping them win Serie A for the first time in eleven years. He had a good Euros as well, scoring four goals as he secured his place in the team of the tournament.
Most importantly, he is a proven Premier League goalscorer, having scored 113 goals in 252 appearances across spells with Chelsea, West Brom, Everton, and Manchester United. The move to Italy has only developed his game further, meaning that if Chelsea create anywhere near the same amount of chances as they did last term, Lukaku will be scoring goals in his sleep.
In terms of his competition, Harry Kane will be up there as always, especially if he signs for Manchester City. Mohammed Salah will also not be too far behind. Nonetheless, Lukaku will be tough to beat.
Most Assists – Kevin de Bruyne
The most predictable choice in this category, de Bruyne is arguably the best player in the Premier League.
Since his arrival at City in 2015, the Belgian has recorded 77 assists in 177 games. This included the 2019-20 campaign when de Bruyne notched 20, matching Thierry Henry’s 18-year Premier League record for most assists in a single season.
The only thing that might derail de Bruyne’s numbers are his injuries. The Belgian is missing the start of this campaign with an ankle injury, and will likely miss later parts if his recent injury record is anything to go by.
Nevertheless, with wands for feet, he will create chances galore for those around him. And if City sign Kane from Tottenham, de Bruyne will be a near certain for this category.
One player who could potentially challenge him, though, is Jadon Sancho. 11 assists for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga last season, he will surely better that number if he can form a good relationship with Edison Cavani.
Golden Glove – Edouard Mendy
As well as creating chances galore after Tuchel’s appointment, Chelsea were also defensively solid, keeping twelve clean sheets in the German’s nineteen Premier League games.
Mendy was important in that record, as was the change of system to a back three. Helped by a return to form of N’Golo Kante, the Blues became so much harder to beat because they were impossible to play through, being far more compact in the middle areas of the pitch.
Since Chelsea have not invested in another centre half this transfer window, it looks as though they will continue to employ the same system. For this reason, Mendy is my favourite for the most clean sheets.
Realistically, though, any goalkeeper from the four main title favourites could win this award, with all four teams boasting great defensive options as well as great goalkeepers.
Player of the Season – Virgil van Dijk
Whatever club wins the league, their most important player will win player of the season.
Since Liverpool are my favourites, van Dijk is my pick.
After suffering a cruciate ligament injury in September, he was the main player Liverpool missed last year. If the Merseyside club are to overturn last season’s 17-point deficit to champions Manchester City, van Dijk will therefore be vital.
Moreover, with questions over whether the Dutchman will be the same because of the seriousness of his injury, any replication of the form he showed during Liverpool’s 2019/20 title winning campaign will only increase his chances.
Young Player of the Season – Mason Greenwood
Mason Greenwood could light up the Premier League this year.
The boy is a special talent. For 19-years old, his finishing is top drawer. Willing to take the ball on both feet, he is a nightmare to play against.
Another season learning from Edison Cavani will also help him to develop his movement. Anything around 15 premier league goals, a realistic target, and he will be favourite to win Young Player of the Season.
Elsewhere, Arsenal youngsters Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe could be in with a shout: if Arsenal have a good season, it will in large part be down to them. Last season’s winner Phil Foden will also be an important player for Manchester City once again, as will Mason Mount for Chelsea and Declan Rice for West Ham.
Featured image by Александр Осипов from Ukraine – Ромелу Лукаку / Romelu Lukaku, CC BY-SA 2.0; no changes made.
