Bargain Bafatimbi?

Swansea City have completed the signing of Bafatimbi Gomis on a free transfer from Lyon. Under appreciated at the club, Gomis has finally departed the Ligue 1 outfit after almost 5 years. Reported to have had a number of teams trialling the Frenchman, Gomis has opted for Swansea over options rumoured to include Shakhtar Donetsk and Fiorentina. On a free transfer, Gomis could be a absolute master stroke for Swansea and here is why.

One thing that must be underlined is, Gomis is not world class, not by a long shot. But, Gomis could prove to be a potent attacker for Swansea should he be given game time and could quickly repay the faith Swansea have shown in him. Regularly scoring in Ligue 1 for Lyon, Gomis is blessed with physical prowess due to his stocky build and is his main strength that aides him in the box.

Gomis arrives on a free transfer at Swansea

Don't expect Bafatimbi to be taking players on and scoring goals from outside the box, Gomis is a old fashioned striker that carries out most exploits in the box, getting flick ons and rebounds in and around the area. He has the potential to be a 10-15 goal a season striker under Gary Monk next year and his partnership with Wilfried Bony will be very interesting.

A Bony - Gomis partnership should they get the two working together could be a real handful for defenders. Similar in playing style and stature, the duo could become free scoring and the main source of goals for the Welsh outfit. These two upfront are both dangerous in the box and strong as bulls, especially with the likes of Michu, Hernandez and Dyer supplying them.

Gomis scored 62 times in 172 appearances for Lyon

Gomis could provide a side like Swansea with a steady supply of goals, helping manage the load with Wilfried Bony who was heavily relied on for goals last year. Gomis is a name that has always flirted with a move to the Premier League in the past, with Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham all having linked with the 12 times capped Frenchman in previous years.

On a free, Gomis is very good business. Swansea fans have something to look forward to next year in Gomis as Gary Monk looks to keep them in the top flight for another year. Gomis could become a fan favourite is he continues to be the steady supply of goals he has been at Lyon. Will Bafatimbi be the bargain of the season?

A Southampton exodus: Not the sinking ship some might think

Players gone, manager gone and players possibly still going, things may currently look like a desperate sinking ship as all involved at St Mary's' future remains uncertain. Ronald Koeman installed at the helm of Southampton after the impressive Manuel Pochettino left for Tottenham, things will certainly be different next year for the saints. However, although the club seem to be going through a period of exodus, it may not all be bad. 

£4m for Rickie Lambert, £30m for Luke Shaw and £26m for Adam Lallana. On paper, Southampton have lost two key players and a huge talent in Shaw, but financially have gained £60m which they can choose to reinvest alongside their original transfer budget in new players or can spend in a different way, placing faith and giving a chance to the impressive youth system Southampton have in place.  

Ronald Koeman faces one of the toughest, yet exciting jobs in the English league. He will be tasked with a total rebuild of the team yet produce results for the expectant Southampton fans, who have seen their team steadily improve since their promotion with the ambition of next year bettering last year's impressive feats.   

What can the fans expect from Koeman? Firstly, change. That is expected with the players that are leaving and a new manager coming in. The Dutchman preferences youth and has developed players that now feature in the national side such as De Vrijj, Jordie Classie and Martins Indi from his time at Feyenoord. Koeman's preference to develop youth bodes well with the policies Southampton have in place and something that made Pochettino so successful during his time at the club. Under Koeman, Feyenoord's academy was voted the best in Holland, ahead of other famous footballing institutions such as Ajax and PSV. 

Ronald Koeman arrives at Southampton having previously
coached sides like Benfica, Ajax and PSV

A £60m transfer kitty in more than enough to bring in some real quality and possibly in the long term be a blessing in disguise for Southampton fans. The money generated from the sale of star players could propel the club into realms which where unimaginable to some a few years ago, European football or even silverware. Koeman won't hesitate to delver into transfer funds either if he sees fit and could bring in talent like John Guidetti, Graziano Pelle or Divock Origi. Southampton fans could be on the verge of the beginning of a heavy Dutch influence in terms of talent, something that will excite the fans. 

The sale of Rickie Lambert came to a surprise to many, but due to his 32 years of age was let go relatively cheap for a 20 goal-a-season striker. However, Southampton would have found it extremely hard to keep hold of the English international considering it was his boyhood club Liverpool that wanted him. Keeping Lambert against his will could have been damaging for the side. 

Interest in Lallana was expected this summer following his previous year, where form has seen him handed his England debut. Although, Southampton getting a fee of around £26m for the attacker is very good business, they are making a huge profit of the man they got from Bournemouth, who receive 25% of the sell on fee from Southampton. His ability does not reflect the valuation Liverpool have of him and with the money Lallana has generated, Southampton can easily replace him with a top player.  

Southampton's academy system has to applauded, as they have created the most expensive British teenager in Luke Shaw's sale to Manchester United for £30m. Southampton fans will initially feel disappointed at the sale of Shaw, but the club know that it would have been impossible in today's modern game to keep a talent like Shaw at St Mary's for the whole of his career. When a 18 year old makes such a impact like Shaw has done, Southampton would have found it increasingly difficult to knock back transfer fees like Manchester United offered. Southampton have done very well to get £30m for Luke Shaw and it is hard to think of many 18 year olds that are actually worth that, but if Shaw continues his rate of growth at United, there is no doubt in 10 years time he will have justified that fee.   

Lallana will look to build on a year that saw him
feature for England under Brendan Rogers at Liverpool.

Other key players may also leave the club, with transfer bids rumoured to be submitted for Morgan Schnederlin, Gaston Ramirez and Dejan Lovren. The later has reported to have handed in a transfer request, whereas a move abroad looks likely to Gaston Ramirez who has failed to adjust to English football. Koeman faces a struggle to hold onto players as more and more start to think the grass maybe greener elsewhere.  

Whatever the situation is at Southampton, fans must be understanding this is the biggest transition the club has gone under since returning the Premier League. The faithful of Southampton will have to go through the pain of witnessing former fan favourites representing the colours of Premier League rivals, but Koeman will remedy the situation with his £60m war chest. It is going to be a very busy transfer window at Southampton this year! 

The 11 stars to watch this World Cup

With the World Cup fast approaching in Rio, football fever has certainly gripped Brazil's capital. But, who are the stars that could set the tournament alight this summer? Here is the top 11 stars that will entertain, shock and look to win the coveted prize.

11. Ciro Immobile, Italy
Following his stellar season as Serie A's top goal scorer, Ciro Immobile has more than earned his place in the Italian national team. Prandelli's wild card recently sealed a move to Borussia Dortmund from Torino and with his poacher instincts, he could well be battling for the golden boot.

10. Keisuke Honda, Japan
Alongside Shinji Kagawa, Honda is Japan's talisman. Considered one of the dark horses for the tournament, Japan always seem to do better than expected in major tournaments and Honda is a consistent performer in the side. Honda applies his trade at AC Milan but following his slow start to life in Italy, the midfielder will look to perform in Brazil. A dead ball specialist with aesthetically pleasing technique, Honda was one of the stand out stars last World Cup.

9. Daniel Sturridge, England
A prominent goal scorer next to Luis Suarez in a over achieving Liverpool side this season, Sturridge will look to replicate his sizzling form he has produced domestically. The forward will be England's first choice striker and is likely to be the national side's top scorer if the bookies are anything to go by. England will be reliant on Sturridge's direct pace and killer instincts in front of goal if they are to progress.

Sturridge will lead England's front line in Brazil this
summer and will want to grab a few goals under Hodgson

8. Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast
Considered the best African team in the tournament, the Ivory Coast will be hoping Yaya Toure performs this summer. Enjoying his best season to date with Manchester City, the Elephants will need Toure at his goal scoring best to do well in the tournament. Toure's midfield engine twinned with his long powerful legs allow him to cover the whole pitch and given the opportunity, he can punish with precision shooting.  

7. Romelu Lukaku, Belgium
With Christain Benteke out injured, Belgium's goals are likely to come from the young striker. On loan at Everton from Chelsea, Lukaku has once again impressed in England and each season looks more and more like the finished article. Strong, powerful and a aerial threat, Belgium's crafty wingers will look to feed Lukaku with plenty of goal scoring chances and if he gets them, will score.  


6. Diego Costa, Spain
A naturally born Brazilian, Diego Costa opted to choose Spain over Brazil when given the the choice of the two sides. Just the one cap to his name, Costa has already been told by Vincinte Del Bosque that he will be leading Spain's front line at the World Cup. Costa  has had the season of his life, winning the league and scoring a majority of Atletico Madrid's goals as they also got to the Champions League final. If he produces what has done all season following his injury, Diego Costa will be a defender's nightmare.

Diego Costa has enjoyed the finest of seasons with Atletico
Madrid and will want to add to the silverware gained this season

5. Mario Balotelli, Italy
The second Italian in the list, Mario Balotelli has got to number 5 for wrong reasons just as many as there are right ones. The frustrating Italian can either help or hinder and will feature against England in the group stages. Blessed with unbelievable talent and the potential to be one of the world's best, "Super Mario" often wastes his talent with immature and quite frankly stupid mistakes, childish sulking or poor discipline. Whether or not he produces, Balotelli is more than entertaining and certainly one to watch.

4. Luis Suarez, Uruguay
Public enemy number one in South Africa for his hand ball on the line that robbed Ghana of progressing into the next round, Suarez will also feature against England with PSG's Edinson Cavani upfront.  The top scorer this year in England for Liverpool, Luis Suarez will need to be watched very closely due to his close control dribbling, clever flair and deadly long shots. However, Suarez is more than a controversial character and is not exactly beloved in England for the number of high profile incidents he has been involved in. Hopefully he will keep his behaviour in check but if he doesn't he can expect a torrent of abuse.

3. Lionel Messi, Argentina
A man that needs no introduction, Messi has not enjoyed the best of seasons by his exceptionally high standards and will look to rectify the disappointing season he has suffered at Barcelona in the World Cup. Messi will also be out to prove critics wrong, as he is often accused of being unable to produce his Barcelona form for the national side. Argentina's squad are blessed with a abundance of attackers and Messi will not be short of service. Argentina will be relying heavily on their talisman in Brazil as they look to add yet another World Cup title and there will be nothing sweeter than winning it in their own rivals' backyard.

Messi was part of a disappointing campaign
with Barcelona under Gerard Martino

2. Cristano Ronaldo, Portugal
This year's Balon D'or winner, Cristano Ronaldo has the weight of a nation on his shoulders. Portugal will be heavily reliant on the attacker in Brazil and will need to produce if Portugal are to do well. Having just won the Champions League final, Ronaldo will be trophy hungry and the World Cup is a title that has eluded him in previous years. At the peak of his powers, if Ronaldo is to win the World Cup, now is the time.

1. Neymar, Brazil
The nation's golden boy, Neymar is Brazil's icon for this tournament. All eyes will be on Neymar and much of Brazil's attacking moves will come through the pace, flair and skill of the tricky left sided forward. Anyone that watched Brazil during the Confederations Cup will have seen how Neymar produces for his national side and can be incredibly potent for manager Scolari. The country expects the World Cup trophy to be won on home soil and if Neymar does not produce, this task will become a lot harder.

Lampard: Gone, but still a role to play

Jose Mourinho has spoken of how Frank Lampard will one day return to Chelsea in "any way he wants." Lampard left the club on a free transfer this summer after his contract expired at the club, but Mourinho has said the midfielder could become his assistant in the future.

A Chelsea legend and the club's all time top scorer on 211 goals, Mourinho has spoke about how the door at Stamford Bridge is always open for a return. Lampard is a fine representative of the club's image and has embraced the club's values since his arrival from West Ham. Adored by the Chelsea faithful, it has been hard for fans, staff and team mates to see such a figure leave the dressing room.

"You can't imagine how difficult it was for him to leave," said Mourinho in a recent interview. "But at the same time I can feel some happiness in the process because for sure he comes back to Chelsea one day. For sure."

"He can come back the way he wants. Mr Abramovich has left the door completely open for him on the understanding he can do anything he wants at the club: he can try things, feel where he is better suited, we can feel as a club where he gives us more, but he can come back when he wants and, to repeat Mr Abramovich's words, the way he wants."

Frank Lampard has left Chelsea on a free transfer
and is rumoured to be on his way to the USA.

"He can be a coach, he can start at the academy, he can start being my assistant at the same time as he is doing his coaching badges, or he can start in a different role." A return to Chelsea seems to be written in the future for Lampard and will be interesting to see how he returns to the club.

Vice captain of the club for under the many mangers that have been in charge, it is clear that Lampard has the leadership qualities needed to be a coach or assistant, twinned with his years of playing top flight football at the club.

A coaching role is likely for Lampard in the youth set up to gain management experience to which if he feels he is ready a more advanced role, possibly as Mourinho has suggested, as his number two. A replication almost, of Ryan Giggs at Manchester United who was recently given a management role after his years of experience at the club.  

Could Frank Lampard become Jose Mourinho's
number two in the future? 

Another possible avenue to go down is to become the club ambassador. "Super Frank" represents the clubs values and morals and would be a perfect role model given the things he has done at Chelsea. This a route similar to the role Javier Zanetti has taken up at Inter Milan as sporting director of the blue half of Milan.

But a return to London is some way in the future, as Lampard embarks on the latest chapter in his playing career. Promising to never play for another Premier League club, it seems a journey abroad is what the English international faces after the World Cup.

 

A farewell to Fabregas

Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas looks set it to leave the Nou Camp with a return to England looking increasingly likely. Just 3 years ago, Barcelona worked so hard to bring back their former youth product from Arsenal but his return has never been what he expected. So how did it get to this?

Xavi, Neymar, Pique and co all modelled the new Barcelona kit at their release photo shoot but there was one high profile absence, Cesc Fabregas. Although small, this is was the first real sign that Fabregas could potentially leave. Sure, there could have been a hundred reasons why Fabregas was unable to attend the photo shoot, but Fabregas has never been truly appreciated.

In a recent interview, team mate Gerard Pique said that Fabregas was "not valued as he deserves" at the club. There is truth to this statement, as Fabregas has never been one of the first names on the team sheet like he was at Arsenal. Although there is much more fierce competition at Barcelona than there is at the Gunners, Fabregas still finds playing time sparingly.

Cesc Fabregas is currently with the Spain squad in preparation
to retain the World Cup title they won in South Africa . 

In what was a disappointing campaign under Gerard Martino, the Catalan giants decided to install Luis Enrique, a former player at the club, as their new manager. In his first interview as head coach of Barcelona, Enrique gave away the biggest hint that Fabregas was not in his plans. When asked questions about individuals like Neymar and their futures, Enrique was more than happy to comment on the matter. However, as soon as a question regarding Fabregas at the club, Enrique did not want to comment.

The news soon broke that Fabregas was available for transfer and to the displeasure of Arsenal fans, his destination is not going to be a reunion with Arsene Wenger. Fabregas, currently on international duty with Spain, is the focus of local rivals Chelsea and money bags Manchester City. Where ever it is revealed that Fabregas is going, Pique let slip in a interview that a deal was already done.

It is reported that while Pique was in a press conference with manager Del Bosque, he did not realise that his microphone was still on and revealed a deal was done. He is supposed to have said: "He told me a deal was done. He is already leaving, he told me it is 33 million." Del Bosque replies: "Poor president (in reference to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu). He can't win for losing."    

Pique, a close friend of Fabregas, let slip about
a potential "done deal." 

Could this be a wind up from Pique and Del Bosque? Pique is a notorious prankster and as soon as they spoke, they start smiling and cover up their mouths. Pique fails to mention which club Fabregas is heading so could merely be stirring the pot. 

This maybe one of the biggest deals of the summer transfer window and is sure to be tracked by every sporting media outlet. Where could Fabregas end up? And what for what fee? This could turn into a hugely played out saga that goes on for some time, but will surely be interesting! 

WorldWideFootball's Premier League Rankings

In what can only be described as an incredible season from start to finish in the Premier League, here is a look at my heroes and zeros of the campaign. Who will be at the top of the table and will who will be in relegation zone?

1st - Manuel Pellegrini
In what has been his debut season in England, Pellegrini has delivered. His attacking philosophies have torn teams apart at times this season and ultimately won the Premier League title, becoming the first South American to do so.

2nd - Luis Suarez
What a campaign it has been for Luis Suarez. With questions surrounding his future at the beginning of the season, Suarez has been the best player in England. A mixture of wonderful solo efforts, cannon ball long shots and unthinkable creativity he has scored 31 goals this term and assisted in 12 making him the PFA Player of the Year.

3rd - Yaya Toure
The midfield powerhouse has been the stand out player for Premier League champions Manchester City. Having been given more attacking freedom under Pellegrini, Toure has scored 20 goals from midfield this term. Some of his goals have been out of this world and is just pipped by Luis Suarez.

4th - Eden Hazard
Building on his impressive debut season at Chelsea, Eden Hazard has thrived under the returning Mourinho. Winner of the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, the tricky Belgian's dribbling has seen him earmarked as one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League, scoring 14 and assisting 7.

5th - Tony Pulis
Taking over from the disappointing but ever entertaining Ian Holloway during the season, Pulis has steered the club to Premier League survival and claimed a few scalps along the way such as a 1-0 win against Chelsea and of course, that 3-3 draw with Liverpool. Pulis' impressive signings in the January transfer window has aided him in turning Crystal Palace into a tough side to beat.

The former Stoke City boss has been excellent this year.

6th - Brendan Rogers and Co.
Even the most optimistic Liverpool fans would not have predicted such a season. In a squad at the start many wrote off making Europe, under Rogers pushed City to the final day of the season. Sterling, Henderson and Sturridge have been sensational and earned England World Cup spots. Gerrard's new tactical role sitting in deep has also been a master stroke and he has had a great season.

7th - Gus Poyet
Miracles do happen! For much of the campaign looking doomed to be playing Championship football, Gus Poyet managed to save the club from the drop and really rallied the Sunderland troops towards the end of the season.

8th - Southampton's English stars
Thanks to the Saints, England seem to have a very bright future and an exciting squad for Brazil. This year Lambert, Lallana and Shaw are all going to the World Cup where as Rodriguez made his England debut. Clyne, Ward Prowse, Cork and Chambers all look very exciting and have shown their potential too. Special commendations to Luke Shaw as well, going to the World Cup at my age whereas I still struggle to do my washing up!

9th - Roberto Martinez
The Martinez revolution has had its desired effect at Goodison Park. Having introduced a new style of football at Everton, installing his passing philosophies into the side, he has turned Everton into a side that came so close to Champions League football. Martinez's loan dealings in the window also have to be applauded, bringing in Lukaku, Barry and Deulofeu who all have been important.

10th - Steve Bruce
Bruce has kept Hull City up this year which was the main objective for the side, but more excitingly has gone on a fairy tale FA Cup trail to the final where Hull will face Arsenal. Many had Hull City as certain to go down but Bruce has had other ideas.

A huge supporter of the loan system, Martinez has
guided |Everton to a 5th place spot this year.  

11th - New signings
New signings such as Eriksen of Tottenham, Wilfried Bony of Swansea and Dejan Lovren of Southampton have immediately settled into the trials and tribulations of the English domestic league. Many signings have excelled in their first seasons and will hopefully continue to do so.

12th - Jose Mourinho
Not quite the return the "Special One" wanted. Chelsea were unable to bring Premier League glory to Stamford Bridge and Mourinho has faced much criticism for his defensive tactics at times. However, the main reason he is down so low is due to the number of FA reprimands he has had due to media outbursts and touchline actions. Mourinho needs to behave himself next year. Tut Tut Jose!

13th - Arsene Wenger
Arsenal were in pole position for the first half of the Premier League. They had done very well to remain top for so long with a squad that needed reinforcements, especially up front. Wenger reverted back to the conservative Wenger of old in January and refused to bring in a striker when they desperately needed one but instead loaned in the injured Kim Kallstrom and the club paid for it, slipping down to 4th spot.

14th - Alan Bowkett
Norwich chairman Alan Bowkett made the decision to fire boss Chris Hughton when the club were heading into their final four games, desperately needing points for survival. Sacking the manager with four games remaining seems fairly brainless, even if a majority of Hughton's big money signings had flopped and was having a poor season.

15th - Fulham's managerial merry-go-round
It seemed every week you would hear in the paper that a Fulham manager was on the verge of getting the sack. The club had three different managers during the campaign in Martin Jol, Rene Meulensteen and currently in charge Felix Magath. The quick chopping and changing at Craven Cottage was a huge factor in their relegation from top flight football.

Martin Jol had a terrible time this year at Fulham and
was quickly replaced by the now sacked Rene Meulensteen.

16th - Franco Baldini
Tottenham's technical director Franco Baldini was in charge of the transfers at White Hart Lane this year. Given £80 million to splash following the sale of star man Gareth Bale, the signings have been very underwhelming at Spurs. Willian and Hulk were earmarked, but Baldini ended up bringing in Chadli, Lamela, Paulinho, Soldado, Chriches and Eriksen. The only success of the bunch was Eriksen, whereas the rest were expensive flops.

17th - Maroune Felliani
From Thiago to Fabregas to Herrera then ending up with Felliani. The former Everton man was David Moyes' first major signing for the club but has been the worst signing this year. Manchester United spent an outrageous £27 million on the Belgian and his performances this season have been way off that valuation. It has certainly been a season to forget for the curly haired flop, who has vowed to prove himself next year.

18th - Alan Pardew
There are not many Newcastle fans that want Alan Pardew to remain at the club. Calls for the sack are chanted from the terraces of St James' park as yet again Pardew has delivered an unimpressive season and the fans want better. His high profile head butt on Hull City's David Meyler was a huge low point this season and quite frankly embarrassing for the club and English football.

19th - David Moyes
Not the "Chosen one" but the "Ill chosen one." Hand picked by the great Sir Alex Ferguson, great things were expected of the Scot but has lead the club to it's worst campaign in Premier League history. Although a transitional period for the club, Moyes' became a laughing stock for poor results, clueless signings and failing tactics. A season to forget for Manchester United indeed as they fail to even qualify for European football.

20th - Vincent Tan
Where to start with Cardiff's controversial owner? Whether it be sacking fan favourite Malky Mackay, changing club colours, booing his own team or tucking his football shirt into his trousers which is just wrong, Vincent Tan at the head of the club is definitely damaging and deserves his place at the bottom of WorldWideFootball's Premier League Rankings.

A Hazardous winger

In his second season at Chelsea, Eden Hazard is showing why he was hailed by Europe as a wonder kid, winning the 2014 PFA Young Player of the Year award. Beating some of the best talents in the Premier League such as Daniel Sturridge and Luke Shaw who finished second and third respectively, Hazard is justifying the large price tag that Chelsea forked out for him. At the tender age of 23, there is still much more to come from the Belgian international.  

Eden Hazard has quickly established himself as a key player at Stamford Bridge and is one of the first names on Jose Mourinho's team sheet. Hazard's electric acceleration, flair filled dribbling and creativity has earned him the name as one of the most deadliest attackers in Europe, let alone England. It is these qualities that have aided him in scoring 14 goals and assisting 7. 

Since Mourinho's arrival however, Eden Hazard's all round game has come on leaps and bounds thanks to the "Special One." In his debut season, many could see the talent that Hazard had, but defensively he was poor and his work rate at times was questionable, often leaving the left back behind him isolated as the opposition launched a counter attack. Under Mourinho, a manager who demands all his players contribute defensively has pushed Hazard to better himself as a player and add defensive qualities to his game as well turning him into one of the hardest workers in the squad.   

Eden Hazard has been award the PFA
Young Player of the Year award 2014

With the World Cup fast approaching, Eden Hazard will be showcasing his abilities on the biggest stage in world football with Belgium. Part of a team that features the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany and Thibaut Courtios, they could well be the dark horses of the tournament and go quite far. With Hazard ever impressive both nationally and domestically, he has attracted quite a few admirers in the form of PSG and Real Madrid who have been reported as weighing up huge offers to bring in Hazard.  

With the media often suggesting Eden Hazard has the potential to emulate the sort of feats that Lionel Messi and Cristano Ronaldo are currently doing, there are a number of reasons why these comparisons are not totally ungrounded. With Mourinho's guidance, Hazard could well develop into one of the best players on the planet and Mourinho himself has set this goal for Hazard. Mourinho has previously said: "I want to give him that responsibility and ambition for the kid to be better and better and to express himself on the pitch match after match. Don't be up and down but to always be at the top of his game because he has the conditions to be a top player."  

Eden Hazard has been in fine form this year and
is certain to figure for Belgium at the World Cup this year

Hazard's admirers don't just end at Mourinho. At Lille, Eden Hazard received probably one of the greatest compliments from one of the true greats of the game. A certain Zinedine Zidane once said: "I would take him to Real Madrid with my eyes closed." Mourinho placed most of his creative faith in Oscar and Hazard at the start of the season and following the sales of Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne the faith in the duo grew greater. Arguably Oscar's form has dipped of late with suggestions that the Brazilian is suffering from fatigue having lacked a real summer break, which has meant the burden has been placed mostly on Eden Hazard and he has duly delivered even with such a responsibility.  

Eden Hazard is constantly improving and adapting his game to better himself under Mourinho. If this growth continues, Chelsea could well see him fledge into one of the best players in the world. The PFA Young Player of the Year award will be a great compliment to the Belgian but leaves many asking, how long will it be before Hazard is vying for even greater individual awards such as the Ballon d'Or?