Now for the EPL halfway awards – thanks to World Cup break

THE Premier League is taking a break; you can call it a World Cup or mid-season break. Some teams played 15 games, and some played 14. We can all agree that we are halfway through the season with Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City going into the break. Instead of doing a recap on the teams’ performance, I’m giving out midway-season awards.

Goalkeeper of the Season: Alisson Becker

Liverpool had the worst start ever under Jurgen Klopp, but it could have been worse if Alisson was not between the sticks. With inconsistency among the defenders, Alisson had to remain focused to ensure the team grind out a result. He also added an assist, which is very impressive for a goalkeeper. With his short stopping and distributing ability, no wonder Alisson is going to Qatar as Brazil’s number #1.

Defender of the Season: William Saliba

What a difference one player can do to a team. Before the arrival of Saliba, Mikel Arteta was looking for a defender to solidify Arsenal’s defence. Pundits and critics called Arteta naive for sending Saliba back on loan to Marseille after purchasing him. I guess Arteta knew better than all of us. Saliba provided calm and assurance to the backline that was missing from the previous seasons. He is bringing the best out of this Arsenal team, which is showing in the league table. Saliba is also potent up front in contributing to two goals and an assist. Hope he sustains his form and leads the Gunners to glory this season.

Midfielder of the Season: James Maddison

Any other writer would have given this award to Kevin De Bruyne, but looking at the situation and circumstances, James Maddison is more deserving. Maybe he is playing to be included in the England squad, or he just needed to take the next step with the other teammates who are not performing up to par. Maddison managed to take Leicester City away from the bottom of the table and up to the 13th whilst contributing seven goals and four assists. Maddison is included in the final England squad, and I hope he shines in Qatar and stays injury free for the second half of the season.

Forward of the Season: Erling Haaland

Eighteen goals in thirteen games. Need I say more? Haaland is on track to break the Premier League goal-scoring chart by the end of the season. Running out of superlatives to describe his performance. Only injury, Liverpool and Brentford can stop him. He scores a hattrick regularly, and Fantasy Football managers’ wet dream!

Most Improved Player of the Season: Miguel Almiron

From being ridiculed by Jack Grealish to winning the Premier League player of the month in October, the turnaround by Almirón is pretty impressive. With eight goals and an assist in 15 games, the form of Almiron has pushed Newcastle United up to third, dreaming of Europe and playing sensational football. His smile is infectious, and I hope this continues in the second half of the season.

Manager of the Season: Eddie Howe

I was sceptical of his appointment, but Howe has proven me wrong, and I gladly eat my humble pie. His team have the meanest defence in the league (tied with Arsenal). They have been playing some good football with relatively the same players he inherited (adding a few more) from the previous management. Credit must be given for the turnaround in St James’ Park. If he keeps this up with the squad, expect an exciting race for the Top Four in the second half of the season.

Enjoy the World Cup, and I’ll be back after the Boxing Day fixtures.