As the Premier League enters the busy Christmas period, we take a look at the best individual performers during the first half of the season

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  Alisson | Liverpool

  The most commanding goalkeeper in the Premier League this season and one of the best impact signings made in Premier League history. It’s a close-run thing between Alisson and his Brazilian colleague Ederson at Manchester City. They are practically neck-and-neck in terms of their out-and-out goalkeeping skills as well as having the ball at their feet. However Alisson shines when it comes to clean sheets and goals conceded. He may have been expensive but is one of the big reasons behind Liverpool’s surge to the top of the table.

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  Cesar Azpilicueta | Chelsea

  His standout performance of the campaign came against Manchester City, when Chelsea snapped Pep Guardiola’s long unbeaten run. He is a long-time Stamford Bridge favourite and has made the switch back to right-back with minimal fuss under Maurizio Sarri having played centre-back under Antonio Conte. Azpilicueta is one of only 10 outfield players to have featured in every minute of this Premier League campaign so far.

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  Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool

  Last season Jurgen Klopp opted to take no signings over the wrong one, delaying Liverpool’s pursuit for a centre-back until January when they knew they’d have another chance at making Virgil van Dijk the world’s most expensive defender. It’s paid off in a big way. Van Dijk has along the way become arguably the best defender in the world on form this year, helping Liverpool to the top of the league with his command of the back four.

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  Aymeric Laporte | Manchester City

  Like Van Dijk, Laporte is another January recruit who has become absolutely integral in the way that his side plays. Guardiola’s preference for a left-footed centre-back has seen Laporte deployed as a key component in how Manchester City set about creating chances. He is ready-made for English football due to his strength and physique. Furthermore, no player in the Premier League has won more matches or played more passes to this point than the French centre-back.