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PREMIER LEAGUE MIDSEASON

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XI

By Iain Macintosh
It has been an odd season, one characterised by wild inconsistency and drama, but that didn't stop us from asking Iain Macintosh for his best XI of the campaign so far.
ESPNFC.COM
PREMIER LEAGUE REPORT CARDS: HOW DOES YOUR TEAM RATE?
It has been an odd season, one characterised by wild inconsistency and drama, but that didn't stop us from asking Iain Macintosh for his best XI of the campaign so far.

ESPNFC.COM| PREMIER LEAGUE REPORT CARDS: HOW DOES YOUR TEAM RATE?
Thibaut Courtois | Goalkeeper | Chelsea
Rarely has a foreign goalkeeper adjusted to the demands of the Premier League so swiftly. For this alone, he just edges out the superb David De Gea.

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Nathaniel Clyne | Right-Back | Southampton
He was always good going forward. This season, Clyne has improved going backward, enough to earn him a deserved place in the England team.

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John Terry | Centre-Back | Chelsea
With a manager (Jose Mourinho) who believes in him and a partner (Gary Cahill) with the legs to cover for him, Terry is enjoying one of his finest campaigns in recent years.

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Jose Fonte | Centre-Back | Southampton
One of the principal reasons for Southampton's excellent start, a recent wobble doesn't take away from form that finally earned him a Portugal cap.

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Aaron Cresswell | Left-Back | West Ham United
Premier League clubs tend not to buy second-flight players, but Cresswell's success should force a rethink. Calm, responsible and smart, he's stepped up brilliantly.

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Alexis Sanchez | Right Midfielder | Arsenal
One of the few consistently excellent (and fit) members of Arsenal's squad, the Chilean is always buzzing around. Nine goals and five assists in his maiden Prem season is a superb return.

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Nemanja Matic | Central Midfielder | Chelsea
It's not always easy to see what the Serbian does when he's playing. It becomes obvious only when he isn't. He's an impregnable defensive shield and can start an attack, too.

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Mile Jedinak | Central Midfielder | Crystal Palace
No one looks forward to an afternoon facing the Australian midfielder. Tenacious, ferocious and rarely lets Palace down.

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Eden Hazard | Left Midfielder | Chelsea
Hazard was always a gifted player, but a year under Jose Mourinho has made him a clever player, too. His movement and defensive work have improved immeasurably.

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Diego Costa | Striker | Chelsea
Costa is the nasty, driven, brilliant striker for whom Chelsea have been crying out. There are plenty of stars in that side, but he completes them. Twelve goals in 14 league games despite a dodgy hamstring.

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Sergio Aguero | Striker | Manchester City
Quite simply, the Argentine is one of the finest forwards in the world. Quick, clever, deadly and yet he never seems to cause problems off the pitch. A perfect player.

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