England's Top 11: The players who are breaking boundaries

Football will complete the festive mood in England - matches on Christmas and New Year's Day have long had cult status on the Island.

Exactly halfway through the season, in which Liverpool dominates, and Manchester City and Tottenham are also competing for the title, the English "Sky Sports" chose 11 footballers who marked the year in the Premier League.

The year also includes the second part of last season - when Manchester City reached the championship title with a record number of points.

11. DAVID DE HEA (MANCHESTER UNITED)

Arguably the only bright spot in a difficult year for the struggling giants - Mourinho's final season in charge of United would probably have been even worse had it not been for the interventions of the great Spanish goalkeeper.

"He is the best in the world", was one of Mourinho's last statements,

10. WILFRID ZAHA (CRYSTAL PALACE)

"Eagles" would have had a hard time surviving last season, had it not been for the great games of the striker in the spring, who played for two national teams in his career - England and Ivory Coast. Arguably the best player in the Premier League in 2018, if you don't count players from the leading six teams in the table.

9. PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (ARSENAL)

The reinforcement of the "gunners" worth almost 70 million euros is finally shining this season - the striker from Gabon is the league's top scorer with 12 goals. In total - in 29 matches in the Premier League, he hit the net 20 times.

8. JAMES MILNER (LIVERPOOL)

One of the key figures of Liverpool - a guy who finishes a big job from the shadows. Liverpool played in the final of the Champions League last season, now ends the year as the leader of the Premier League. Milner's contribution is invaluable - in midfield, but also at right-back when needed.

7. SERHIO AGUERO (MANCHESTER CITY)

At the beginning of the year, he was not at the top of the list of Guardiola's plans, there was also mention of leaving the "Etihad" in front of the upcoming talent of the Brazilian Gabi Jesus. The Argentinian striker is now coming off another brilliant goal-scoring year, and it's only when he's injured that there's no place for him in the team.

6. EDERSON (MANCHESTER CITY)

The leader of a new generation of goalkeepers, from whom offensive actions start - at least in Guardiola's understanding of the game of football. Great with the ball at his feet, just as sure when he uses his hands - the Brazilian is one of the most responsible for City's dominant title, and in the new season he is defending in good form.

5. VIRGIL VAN DYK (LIVERPOOL)

An example of how one player's class can change the game of an entire team. The last line of Liverpool turned from the weakest to the best part of the team. The Dutchman got used to the spring, and this fall he commands an almost perfect defense, which conceded only seven goals in 18 games - by far the fewest in the league.

4. HARRY KANE (TOTTENHAM)

A goal-machine that inspires the attack of Tottenham and the England national team. He received the golden boot for the best scorer of the World Cup in Russia. He continued to excel in the new club season.

3. RAHIM STERLIN (MANCHESTER CITY)

A brilliant 2018 for the Manchester City striker - the English representative had to deal with racist taunts from Chelsea fans at the beginning of December. He did not stop excelling, in every match he is a real temptation for opposing defenses...

2. EDEN AZAR (CHELSEA)

According to many, the best footballer who plays in England - he excelled at the World Cup in the Belgium jersey, and is impressive in the new club season as well. He is at the top of the list of scorers and assists. He has been wearing a Chelsea shirt since 2012, but opponents have yet to figure out a way to stop him.

1. MOHAMED SALAH (LIVERPOOL)

Who else but "Pharaoh"? Sensational year of the Egyptian striker, in which he stood alongside two "unattainable" - Messi and Ronaldo in terms of goalscoring figures. He led Liverpool to the Champions League final, can he lead them to their first English title since 1990?