While the name of Nigerian midfield star Wilfried Ndidi may not be widely known, it will be in time. Seen as a key cog in the Leicester midfield already at the age of 21, the languid midfield controller has quickly established himself as one of the most interesting players in the division to watch.

With a fine blend of athleticism, tactical awareness and technical expertise, Ndidi has shown up as among the best players in the Leicester side under Claude Puel. Already, rumours are circulating that his stay in the Midlands will be cut short, with a move to one of the Premier League leading lights now on the agenda.

While not a regular goal scorer, his tactical expertise and his ability to win aerial duels and ground tackles makes him an excellent performer for counter-attacking sides. Although passing performance could improve, he’s by far young enough to improve even further technically.

Having moved to Leicester for £17m from Belgian outfit Genk following impressive European performances and a stunning brace against Belgian giants Anderlecht, Ndidi has quickly become one of the most competent and consistent performers in the Premier League on a regular basis.

Indeed, his battling performances at home to the likes of Liverpool have helped him to settle into the Premier League and catch the eye of many interested parties. While goals may never be a regular part of his game, his consistency and mental awareness of the full picture developing across the pitch more than makes up for a lack of goals.

Still so young, too, the sky is the limit for one of the most interesting performers in the Premier League. He looks set to burst onto the scene and stay there for a long time to come, such is his potential at this level.

For many, David de Gea is the best goalkeeper on the planet. While the likes of Jan Oblak and older legends of the game such as Gigi Buffon and Iker Casillas may dispute that, the Madrid-born star is a true icon of the modern game. With a reputation for turning unbelievable shots into routine saves, and reaching shots he has no right to get to, de Gea has long been one of the most promising keepers in the world.

Ever since he broke through into the Atletico Madrid first-team in 2009, he soon became an elite member of the goalkeeping community. From a young age, he was seen as the long-term successor for Casillas himself. At Atletico Madrid, he picked up European honours as he starred in their 2010 UEFA Europa League and Super Cup successes.

In 2011, though, the star was on the move as he became the long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United. As one of the last major signings by Alex Ferguson to be a major success, his then-record move for a goalkeeper in Britain ensured he soon became a legend for the club.

At just 27, the keeper has been one of the best performers of his age group. His incredible flexibility makes him a simple choice for most when looking at the top keepers in the world. In fact, since he arrived in the Premier League, he’s been among the top keepers in the league for making saves per game.

Given he plays for a top club, that shows just how good de Gea is. Often, top club keepers are underworked; the Spaniard manages to help United win many games where they play below their standards but still win. From making wild saves to consistency, he’s the full package for a shot stopping keeper.

While to some Brazilian international keeper Heurelho Gomes makes too many mistakes to be considered a top keeper, that seems harsh. For the majority of his career, 37-year-old Gomes has played a key role in a variety of clubs’ success.

He arguably came to prominence when he arrived in Holland in 2004 as the goalkeeper of PSV Eindhoven. That being said, he was a stand-out in Brazil when he played for Cruzeiro; a move to Holland only helped to expand and build on his profile. While he had his usual erratic moments and is known for making mistakes, he’s also a tremendous shot stopper of incredible poise and accuracy.

He was a major part of PSV doing a whopping 4-in-a-row in the Eredivisie, and also helped the club to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in his first season at the club. In the years to come, he helped the club to move out of the group stages and beyond. For 14 years prior to his arrival, PSV had fell at the group stages or fell at the second round.

A major favourite in Eindhoven, his move to Tottenham Hotspur could be considered less successful. While his erratic nature shone through most significantly at Spurs, where he had several high profile errors, he was a keeper wo regularly helped the club out with solid displays and major moments.

After the Spurs episode, he made a move to Germany briefly, with TSG Hoffenheim, before returning to England to sign with Watford. He won the Player of the Season award at the club in 2015/16, and has been a regular and consistent part of the clubs’ growth and development into a consistent Premier League outfit.

Many might remember the 11-cap Brazilian for errors; but it’s his reflexes that matter most.

A recently unveiled statue of Liverpool’s Mo Salah has caused something of stir on account that it holds more of a resemblance to 70’s pop supremo Leo Sayer. The sculpture by Mai Abdallah , was unveiled this week in Egypt has been mocked online by thousands of twitter and facebook users who pointed out that its part of a long line of terrible sculpted tributes to footballing heroes (think back to the much derided bust tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo). While it captures Salah’s trademark Arms Outstretched pose, it would be rather generous to say that it actually looks much like the Liverpool star!