THE first half of the Premier League season has been one of the most open and unpredictable in years.
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| Jamie Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy's long-standing Premier League record |
Leicester are flying high and occupy top spot in the table - something fans and players alike would not have imagined before a ball had even been kicked.
We have marvelled at their performances and also those of their closest challengers Arsenal.
Tottenham have also gone from strength to strength under Mauricio Pochettino, despite possessing one of the youngest squads in England's top flight.
Here News News Blog Sport examines who we should be keeping our eyes on in 2016.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester)
Undoubtedly one of the success stories of the Premier League so far this season.
The 28-year-old has underpinned everything that has been good about the Foxes - he's direct, has pace and is a nightmare for opposition defenders. And of course we can't forget about the goals!
Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy's long-standing record last month by scoring in 11 consecutive games.
Although he is expected to turn heads when the transfer window re-opens, if Leicester can keep him fit, there's no reason why he can't fire them to a top-four finish, if not the title.
Dele Alli (Tottenham)
The 19-year-old has been nothing short of sensational this term.
After exploding onto the scene, Alli has held down a regular first-team spot and has been instrumental in lifting Spurs into the top four.
His guile and composure on the ball sets him apart from other midfielders.
Alli has impressed while on international duty with England and at this stage looks to be a shoo-in to board the plane for Euro 2016.
Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
It seems strange to include a Manchester United player on this list, considering the season they have had.
Louis van Gaal has come under a continual barrage of attacks over his side's bland style of football.
Spending £36million on an unproven teenager in the summer seemed to be an uncalcuated gamble, but in some respects it could turn out to be a masterstroke.
Martial hit a purple patch at the start of the season, and though he has been a bit quiet of late, he has struggled with the poor service up to him. His key assets are his eye for goal and his strength on the ball.
The 20-year-old, who has been compared to Thierry Henry, could hit the ground running if United sign a striker in January.
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| Dele Alli has made a telling impact at Tottenham this season |
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester)
We can't talk about Vardy without mentioning Mahrez.
Mahrez has been electrifying for the Foxes and instrumental in his side's brilliant start to the season.
He's already chipped in with 13 goals and look set to be a real contender to challenge his team-mate Vardy to the Golden Boot award.
Mahrez's pace and flair have given Leicester an extra dimension in attack and his hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Swansea at the start of the month was superb.
Joel Campbell (Arsenal)
The Gunners' crippling injury list has seen Campbell get more first-team opportunities.
His time out on loan at Olympiakos has seen the 23-year-old develop into a more mature player.
Campbell's versatility is a big advantage as he can operate as either a forward or a winger.
And playing in a side that could be involved in the thick of a title race will surely see his game elevate to new heights.
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