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Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.

ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Ander Herrera makes the list

Many of Manchester United's big signings have taken time to find their feet at Old Trafford over the past couple of seasons, but the final weeks of this season have confirmed that this Spaniard signed from Athletic Bilbao last summer is now at home in a red shirt.

With a handful of important goals to his credit -- his brace against Aston Villa in April was a high point of his campaign -- Herrera appears to be adapting to the pace of the English game after a sluggish start to the season that was not helped by fitness concerns. His understanding with compatriot Juan Mata has been vital in helping United to secure some of their most significant victories of this season, with the duo confirming they could be the heartbeat of a United midfield that has evolved under boss Louis van Gaal this season.

While new signings are tipped to bolster the United midfield ahead of next season, Herrera has done enough to confirm his position in the squad should not be under threat.
-- Kevin Palmer

The stats that tell the story

- His six Premier League goals this season are his most in a league season, topping his five La Liga goals with Athletic Bilbao last season.
- Scored his six goals on only seven shots on goal. Not surprisingly, his conversion rate of 86 percent was the highest of any player with at least five goals this season.

What the experts say

"He keeps the ball well, he scores a few goals, and he has the vision to spot a player on the attack -- and the ability to find them with a pass, too." - Scott Patterson

"... has precisely the kind of intelligent, ordered, technically high-quality industry in midfield which can lend itself either to the 4-3-3 which United are more likely to enjoy under their new Dutch manager, or the 3-5-2 with which Holland undressed Spain." - Graham Hunter

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