Top performers of the opening week of the English Premier League

Phillpe Coutinho scoring a late winner for Liverpool at Stoke

In this column, we'll be evaluating the performances of individual players of the English Premier League week in week out, at the end of each round, ten players will fight for a place in our list strictly based on brilliance and sheer commitment to team success. Here we go for round one of the league season.


10. Sergio Romero

The transfer of want away goalie David DeGea to Real Madrid was further fueled by Louis Van Gaal's announcement that Argentine, Sergio Romero would be handed a debut against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Spaniard wasn't listed for the game and was made to watch from the stands alongside fellow exit bound Victor Valdez.

The occasion was expected to seem bigger than the World and Copa cup runner up but he was up to it, his alertness at set pieces, area balls and two victories at very close one on one situations set him up on a path to being the red devils' number one.

A decent debut by all standards.


9. Reece Oxford

The 16 year old was impressive in his debut at the Emirates

The inclusion of this sixteen year old relatively unknown youngster in Slaven Bilic's team to face Arsenal suggested the Hammers were in line for a real hammering in the hands of the gunners.

Westham had other ideas, fantastic performances from the likes of Payet, Zarate, Kouyate and Tomkins were eclipsed by the confident display of this teenage sensation who marked his debut with a man of the match performance.

His midfield anchoring had Mesut Ozil checked all afternoon long, how long before Manchester City and Chelsea bring out their cheque books for this lad?


8. Micah Richards

Micah Richards reviving his career at Aston Villa... Surely?

 Whatever it was that Micah Richards learned in the Serie A seems to be valuable after all, a commanding display away at newly promoted AFC Bournemouth gave a little hint.

Having been ripped apart by predators who carted away their prized assets, Aston Villa held out for three valuable points at the Vitality stadium.

His lunging tackles, area presence and discipline won him several duels and got the ball out of the Villa box quicker than they got in, more displays like this and Aston Villa may not be doomed after all.


7. Yohan Cabaye

Cabaye celebrates his goal

He needs no introduction, he was a force at Newcastle before ambition led him to the French capital, he didn't quite fit in as expected at PSG due to excess midfield materials but a move to the Palace wasn't part of the script.

Alan Pardew wanted him, got him and must be reeling in cloud 9 as the French man turned out an outstanding display against the returning Norwich, a class signing by all standards capped his afternoon with a stoppage time goal and hand Crystal Palace a dream start to the season.


6. Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez celebrates one of his goals against Sunderland.

 The Algerian showed glimpses of brilliance in the epic run that led to the survival of Leicester City last term, he picked up from where he stopped with a master class performance at home against a pathetic Sunderland team.

His marauding run all day was top notch and winning a penalty after scoring two goals only mean he must make this list... Well done Mahrez.


5. Jefferson Montero

Ivanovic struggled all through the match as Montero put up a man of the match display.

 Chelsea didn't expect the display, guts and result that Swansea muscled out on Saturday in their league opener, Branislav Ivanovich was left wondering what befell him severally as Swansea winger Jefferson Montero ran him ragged all through his game time.

One of the most underrated players in the league, Gary Monk wouldn't mind as long as the tag keeps suitors away, his part in the precious point at the lion's den earns him a place on this list.


4. Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy delighted after putting Raineri's Leicester in the lead against Sunderland

 Leicester City had a day to remember last Saturday thanks to a dream result at home against absent Dick Advocaat's side.

One other player who stood out on the afternoon was Jamie Vardy, the fleet footed forward headed the foxes in front and set the tone for rampaging display, he did everything from covering for the defense, to canceling out midfield threats and was a delight upfront. More of that Jamie!


3. David Silva

United struggled, Chelsea wobbled and Arsenal collapsed, Manchester City had it all to do away at the Hawthorns against Westbrom, nerves were expected to set in and huge pressure on £49m Raheem Sterling was well averted by a sensational display by old guards Silva et al, wouldn't mind being robbed of the first goal by Toure as long as it counts for City but an all round display by the little magician suggests a mouthwatering season ahead for the citizens.


2. Yaya Toure

It's Yaya Toure again!

 His poor form last term explains City's poor lackluster defense, on a night he was determined to put everything right.

The Ivorian was at his best against a hapless baggies side who offered little resistance at the sight of the caterpillar, two goals and counting, a dominant display like this week in week out will leave City out of sights sooner than Christmas.


1. Phillipe Coutinho


Obviously the only bright light in the darkness of Anfield last season, Phillipe Coutinho was a delight to watch again on Sunday as they looked to lay to rest the ghost of the humiliating 6:1 bashing at the brittania on the closing day of last season.

Hopes may have been on recruits Milner, Ings and Benteke but it was always known that if anyone would spring any surprise it had to be the little Brazilian, a mazy run and a lightning long range effort that left the Stoke goalie floundering made Coutinho our stand out performer of the opening week.

written by @Komptrolla