8. Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
For one reason or another, Pablo Zabaleta has never really been talked about in the terms he deserves, nor has he been the focus of much attention at the Etihad. His career so far at Manchester City has been constantly eclipsed by the arrival of countless big money transfer signings, who have monopolized the limelight away from the unsung heroes such as Zabaleta. City boss, Robert Mancini has in the pasterroneously overlooked the Argentinian right back and in fact last season, Zabaleta only played in 18 Premier League in total. However, after what has been a phenomenal season so far for the Argentine, it appears as though Mancini's previous judgement on Zabaleta has had to be reassessed. This season has seen a miraculous renaissance in his career: Zabaleta has repeatedly put in reliable and courageous performances in a City shirt and now he is widely considered among the best right backs in the league. In fact Zabaleta has shown such leadership qualities this season, that on a number of occasions he has been awarded with the captain's armband by Mancini. Furthermore, as the big money stars of Manchester City, such as David Silva and Carlos Tevez have failed to deliver the goods this season, more onus has been deposited onto Zabaleta who as a result has become a real fan favourite at the Etihad.