10 Milos Degenek – Yokohama F. Marinos

The young defender opted to leave financially embattled 1860 Munich for Japan in January, where he’s thrived at Ange Postecoglou’s new club Yokohama F. Marinos. Degenek was a regular feature in defence, making 31 appearances and being named in the J.League Young Team of the Year. The Marinos did well, finishing fifth.

9 James Meredith – Bradford City/Millwall

The left-back played a big part in Bradford City’s push for promotion to the Championship in the first-half of the year, earning selection in the EFL League One Team of the Year. Meredith’s fine form also led to his move to second tier Millwall where he’s held down his spot in defence. Highly underrated.

8 Matt Jurman – Suwon Bluewings

Ex-Sydney FC defender has made his mark in Korea, as a key part of the Bluewings backline which finished the 2017 K-League in third and competed in the AFC Champions League. Jurman won some accolades too, including the K-League fan's Newcomer of the Year awards, but the ultimate recognition was a maiden Socceroos call-up before playing in the vital World Cup playoffs against Syria and Honduras.

7 Tom Rogic – Celtic

The 25-year-old midfielder managed to shake off his injury curse for an extended period in 2017, making 37 appearances in the 2016-17 season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions. Rogic missed four months of the 2016-17 campaign at Celtic, but played his part with a 92nd minute winner in the Scottish Cup Final as the Hoops sealed a rare treble. The Aussie’s fleet-footed skills led to boss Brendan Rodgers labeling him the “magic man”.

6 Bailey Wright – Bristol City

Hard-nosed all-action central defender who has worn the armband during Bristol City’s outstanding 2017-18 Championship campaign which has seen them firmly in the mix for automatic promotion. The 25-year-old isn’t a glamorous defender but having played in the English second tier for six seasons now, he knows what it takes to get the job done and lead from the front.

5 Jackson Irvine – Burton Albion/Hull City

Enjoyed an outstanding 2016-17 campaign with the plucky Burton Albion, scoring 10 goals as they surprised many by avoiding relegation. Irvine was named the club’s Player of the Year before winning a move to Championship promotion hopefuls Hull City, where he started slowly but has won his place in midfield. Noticeably, since Irvine’s exit, Burton are well adrift in the relegation zone.

4 Brad Jones – Feyenoord

The perennial deputy has enjoyed a renaissance over the past 18 months since his move to Feyenoord from NEC Nijmegen where he was expected to play second fiddle to Kenneth Vermeer, only for injury to open the door to the 35-year-old Aussie. Jones played 32 games as Feyenoord won the 2016-17 Eredivisie title for the first time in 18 years. He has played another 25 games in the 2017-18 season, including in the UEFA Champions League, keeping eight clean sheets.

3 Mat Ryan – Valencia/Genk/Brighton & Hove Albion

Ryan’s career was at a crucial junction at the turn of the year, struggling for game-time with Valencia in La Liga. He opted for a loan move back to Belgium, where he’d previously impressed at Club Brugge, and impressed with Genk, making 17 appearances, including helping the side to the Europa League quarterfinals.

Subsequently he earned a move to newly promoted Premier League outfit Brighton who shelled out of a then-club record transfer fee for his services. He started slowly in the EPL, with an error against Manchester City but has impressed in recent weeks, including a stunning double save at Manchester United.

2 Mathew Leckie – Ingolstadt/Hertha Berlin

Leckie endured a mixed 2017, where he experienced relegation and a goal drought at Ingolstadt, before making the switch to the German capital with Hertha BSC where he has firmly established himself as a quality Bundesliga player.

The 26-year-old winger was a regular at Ingolstadt and his wing play was impressive, but the end product was his, and the club’s, issue. He’s had no such problems at Hertha, scoring five goals this season, including several on his non-preferred left. He’s also set up a few, playing in the Europa League.

1 Aaron Mooy – Huddersfield Town

The man dubbed ‘the pasty Pirlo’ enjoyed a remarkable year where he won a series of personal accolades but also played a leading role in Huddersfield’s unlikely promotion to the Premiership. The good times haven’t stopped since promotion either, with Mooy thriving in the top flight, one of the world’s best leagues.

Mooy won Huddersfield’s Player of the Year as well being named in the EFL Team of the Season, PFA Team of the Championship in the 2016-17 season, whilst also holding his nerve with spotkicks in two penalty shootouts in the Championship play-offs. He’s gone on to score key goals in Premier League wins over against Newcastle and Manchester United as well as a brace recently against Watford. Mooy’s set-pieces and composure in midfield have made him a fan favourite at the John Smith Stadium too.

Honourable mentions: Aziz Behich, Tomi Juric, Golgol Mebrahtu, Awer Mabil, Massimo Luongo