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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 Oscar makes the list

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho suggested his decision to sanction the sale of Juan Mata to Manchester United in January 2014 was partly due to his faith in Oscar's potential to become the fulcrum of his team for years to come, yet that prophecy has not become reality this season. Even though the Blues may have run away with the Premier League, as they led from start to finish and were crowned champions with plenty to spare, the form of Oscar has not been pivotal to their triumph, amid speculation that his future at the club could be in doubt this summer.

At age 23, Oscar is still a developing talent and there have been flashes of brilliance from this Brazilian in recent months, with his two-goal performance in Chelsea's emphatic 5-0 away win against Swansea in January, a high point in a season that ended with his first English league title. Chelsea's shift to a more defensive tactical plan in the final weeks of the campaign may not have suited the attack-minded talents of Oscar, so it may be that he gets back to his best when Mourinho's side put their foot on the attacking pedal once more next season.
-- Kevin Palmer.

The stats that tell the story

- Picked up an assist every 265 minutes for Chelsea this season, second on the team behind only Cesc Fabregas (assist every 171 minutes).
- Going one-on-one isn't his forte, as he was successful only 32 percent of the time this season, worst on the team (minimum 15 games).

What the experts say

"He's in the best period of his career." -- Jose Mourinho

"Restored to the No.10 role, the dynamic Brazil international ran West Ham's defence ragged all afternoon. Only the brilliance of Adrian denied him from scoring early in the game and again late on from a deft free kick." -- Mark Worrall, December 2014.

"... a player of exceptional natural ability and vision combined with an enthusiasm for tackling that is not often seen in players of his ilk." -- Phil Lythell

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