Five Premier League players who shone on Boxing Day | OneFootball

Boxing Day is always one of the most eagerly anticipated dates on the Premier League calendar. December 26th delivered some brilliant individual performances across the division and we’ve picked out five Premier League players who impressed.

Iliman Ndiaye

Everton have proven to be stubborn opposition of late having held Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City to draws in successive games. Sean Dyche’s side are not the most exciting side in the Premier League, but Iliman Ndiaye has injected some much needed x-factor.

The Senegal midfielder equalised at the Etihad with a goal of wonderful technique, as he picked out the far corner with the outside of his boot. Everton have struggled for goals this season and have netted just four from open play in away games. Ndiaye has netted three of those with his maverick talent an important outlet for the Toffees.

Bernd Leno

Buying Bernd Leno should rank among Fulham’s best business of the Premier League era. Snapped up from the Arsenal bench, the German has been a model of consistency at Craven Cottage.

The 32-year-old shone as Fulham earned a first win at Chelsea in 45 years, with a string of saves keeping the Cottagers in the game. He made superb stops from Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez either side of half-time before denying Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson to provide the platform for Fulham to snatch a stoppage-time win.

Fulham had not even scored a goal in the last 13 years at Stamford Bridge but boast West London bragging rights now.

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle have found their form and Bruno Guimaraes has been at the heart of their upturn. Sandro Tonali’s move to the number six has freed Guimaraes from his shackles and he’s been excellent in an all-action role. Against Aston Villa, he played a key role in the first and second goals and was unfortunate to not get on the scoresheet himself late on.

He’s tenacious without the ball and creative with it, having emerged as one of the Premier League’s best since his transfer to Tyneside. The 27-year-old ranks first for successful dribbles, duels won and fouls won among Premier League midfielders since his Newcastle debut, and second for chances created.

Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha is on a mission to keep Wolves in the Premier League.

The Brazilian scored one and created another as Wolves beat Manchester United, with his goal scored directly from a corner at Molineux. It was the highlight of another all-encompassing performance from Cunha, who has now scored 10 goals from an xG of just 3.98 this season. It’s an incredible over-performance from a player once criticised for a lack of goals.

Cunha is multifunctional, powerful, and an attacking threat. Suitors are likely to be ready to test Wolves’ resolve in January.

Cody Gakpo

One of his best games in an underrated season at Liverpool. Gakpo scored a brilliant equaliser as Liverpool came from behind to beat Leicester 3-1 and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

The Dutchman’s directness was a threat all game and he is beginning to cement his place on the left wing, even given the considerable competition at Anfield. The best player on the pitch, he won seven ground duels and completed 100% of his dribbles (3/3) against the Foxes.

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