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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 Morgan Schneiderlin makes the list
Not just one of the players of the season, but set to be the subject of one of the summer's biggest transfer stories. There is no greater reflection of how good Schneiderlin has been this season than the fact almost every top-four club could do with him, and so many will be chasing him. The only top side that don't need him is Chelsea, and that's because the only defensive midfielder in the Premier League that is better than the Frenchman in Nemanja Matic. Otherwise, Schneiderlin has barely anyone to compare to him, and is far ahead of the rest of the field. That is high praise, but he has offered such high levels of performance.
Schneiderlin is almost the ideal modern defensive midfield prototype with how he so extensively protects a defence but doesn't allow that supreme level of security to diminish the proactive side of his game. The 25-year-old keeps his team moving, and a goal return of four is far from poor for a player who generally roams an area as far back as he does. Schneiderlin is likely to be roaming one of the Premier League's biggest stadiums next season, after a big season.
- Miguel Delaney
The stats that tell the story
- Southampton was 14-7-5 in the 26 league games he played this season, and 4-7-1 in the 12 games he missed.
-Led Southampton with 75 touches and 55 passes completed per 90 minutes this league season.
What the experts say
"The 25-year-old's defensive acumen along with his understanding of where the next pass should be delivered among his teammates make him one of the best midfield generals in the league." - Adrian Melville
"Schneiderlin is now unquestionably a Champions League-quality player, and is likely to be playing at that level next season." - Michael Cox
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