Although the 2013-14 Premier League season has not quite reached its midpoint, the festive fixtures are often seen as the period that splits a campaign in half.
By the time Arsenal and Chelsea complete their encounter at the Emirates Stadium tonight, each side will have played 17 times going into the traditional Boxing Day clashes.
So, with all the players having been given ample time to prove their worth, Sports Mole has picked out the 11 footballers who have made the biggest impression on us, using a 4-1-2-1-2 formation.
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When Arsenal's transfer policy was debated during the summer, many people were of the belief that manager Arsene Wenger needed to recruit a goalkeeper. Twenty-three-year-old Wojciech Szczesny had made 63 appearances between the posts in the Premier League during the past two seasons and while his ability to stop shots was rarely questioned, he was often criticised for not providing enough authority in and around his penalty area. It has been a different story this term, though, with the Pole showing great maturity as Arsenal set the pace. In total, Szczesny has kept six clean sheets.
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The left-back made his Arsenal debut in 2007, but injuries initially blighted his chances of becoming a regular. Indeed, Wenger signed Nacho Monreal in January in a bid to not just provide cover but also competition. However, Gibbs's form this campaign has limited the Spaniard to a bit-part role. He's been a pillar of consistency in both halves of the pitch and such form has earned him international recognition.
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The Saints may have been a little bit leaky at the back in recent outings, but prior to that they had one of the meanest rearguards in the division. A major contributing factor to that was summer signing Lovren, who has taken to life in English football with consummate ease. The Saints have kept six clean sheets already and, what's more, the Croat has weighed in with important goals of his own - namely the winner against Liverpool and the equaliser at Manchester United.
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Per Mertesacker has, quite rightly, been lauded for his performances this term. The German struggled initially to contend with the pace of the English game, but he appears to have adapted now. A large reason behind that has been the presence of Koscielny, his partner in crime at the back. The French international has the speed and mobility to act almost as a sweeper behind Mertesacker and it is a role that he has carried out to a high standard.
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When it comes to attacking full-backs, there are few better in the Premier League than Everton's Leighton Baines. This season he is being given a good run for his money by his teammate Coleman, who operates on the right flank. An able defender, it's in the opposition's half where the Republic of Ireland has majorly impressed. In 17 games he has scored four goals, including a great strike against Swansea City at the weekend. He has also contributed four assists to the Everton cause.
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Roberto Martinez was only prepared to sanction the sale of Marouane Fellaini if he could secure the services of a replacement. On transfer deadline day he signed McCarthy from his former club Wigan Athletic and the majority of Everton fans will admit that it was shrewd business from their new manager. It may be a cliche, but playing alongside Gareth Barry in the heart of the midfield, the 23-year-old really has covered every blade of grass for his side.
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There probably hasn't been a better player than Ramsey over the course of this calender year. As far as the current season is concerned, he has scored eight goals and laid on a further six for his Arsenal teammates. Those performances have meant that he has almost always been an automatic starter, despite having fierce competition for his place from the likes of Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla.
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Three years ago, Lallana was playing in League One with Southampton. This coming summer, he could well be on England's plane bound for Brazil, such has been the impression that he has made over the last two campaigns. Already this term he has four goals to his name, which is more than the three that he scored during the whole of last year. His season to date was summed up during the weekend's match with Tottenham Hotspur where although Southampton were beaten, he scored a goal and assisted Rickie Lambert.
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David Moyes has found it hard going at Manchester United, but he does deserve credit for not only convincing Rooney to remain with the club when an exit looked inevitable, but also for getting the best out of the 28-year-old. Injuries may prevent the attacker from producing those bursts of speed that used to take him beyond defenders, but he has looked sharp and quite frankly without him, United would be even further down the standings. In 15 outings, Rooney has scored eight times and laid on the same number.
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Lack of form and injuries to Aguero were a large reason as to why Manchester City put up a meagre defence to the Premier League title during the 2012-13 season. A recent calf injury may keep him out of action until January, but prior to that he plundered in 13 goals from his 15 appearances. The partnership that the Argentine has forged with Alvaro Negredo has been on City's major shining lights.
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At the time of writing, it's more a shock when Suarez doesn't come off the pitch having scored at least a brace. It's a feat that he has achieved in five matches, while he has also scored one hat-trick and fired in four goals in a game against Norwich City. As a result, he has found the back of the net 19 times and it is not even Christmas yet. Add to that the fact that he did not play until the end of September because of suspension, and his contribution becomes all the more impressive.
Liam Apicella
