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Ranking the top 20 players from the Premier League season: No. 10 - 6

Andrew Couldridge / Reuters

With the 2015-16 Premier League season now in the history books, theScore is looking back, counting down the top 20 players of the campaign

Top 20 Premier League players: The rundown

No. 10 - Dimitri Payet (West Ham)

2015-16 Premier League season: 30 appearances, 9 goals, 12 assists; 4.2 key passes, 2.3 successful dribbles per 90 minutes

The French free-kick wizard didn't receive the same fanfare as some of the league's other big-money signings when he arrived at the Boleyn Ground from Marseille, but he quickly made it clear that West Ham had procured the services of a dazzling attacking midfielder. Payet, who cost the Hammers a comparatively modest £10.7 million, quickly became the most important player on a side that nearly forced its way into a Champions League place. His array of tricks, incisive passing, and penchant for spectacular goals made him one of the most alluring players in the Premier League this season.

No. 9 - Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

2015-16 Premier League season: 25 appearances, 7 goals, 9 assists; 3.6 key passes, 2.2 shots per 90 minutes

The second-most expensive player in Premier League history certainly didn't disappoint this season, as Kevin De Bruyne showcased exactly why Manchester City splashed £55 million to bring him to the Etihad from German side VfL Wolfsburg. The pasty Belgian, 24, looked like City's most exciting attacking player for much of the season, his versatility to play either through the middle or in a wider role providing Manuel Pellegrini with enviable tactical flexibility. De Bruyne, who fired the Citizens into the Champions League semi-final with his arrowed tally against Paris Saint-Germain, would certainly have more impressive raw numbers had he not missed two months of the campaign with damaged knee and ankle ligaments. If fit for the entirety of 2016-17, expect him to rise up this list in 12 months' time.

Related: The 10 best transfers of the Premier League season

No. 8 - Dele Alli (Tottenham)

2015-16 Premier League season: 33 appearances, 10 goals, 9 assists; 2.6 tackles, 2.0 key passes per 90 minutes

Little was known about Dele Alli when Tottenham signed the then-18-year-old midfielder for a mere £5 million from MK Dons in February of last year. What a steal that turned out to be. Alli, now 20, exploded onto the Premier League scene this season, becoming an integral member of a Tottenham side that pushed for the league crown before faltering down the stretch. Assured of a place in England's squad for Euro 2016 - with many clamoring for him to start - the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year has enjoyed a meteoric rise from League One football. His stunning season, highlighted by a goal of the year candidate against Crystal Palace, was one of the most engaging storylines of the campaign.

No. 7 - Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham)

2015-16 Premier League season: 38 appearances, 4 goals; 1.6 tackles, 7.5 clearances, 1.7 interceptions per 90 minutes

The best defender in the Premier League this season, and it wasn't particularly close. Another stroke of genius in the transfer market from the north London club, Tottenham snapped up the Belgian from Atletico Madrid after it looked almost certain that he would remain with Southampton, for whom he starred while on loan last season. The Saints' loss turned out to be Spurs' (enormous) gain, as Alderweireld formed one half of England's best central defensive pairing alongside compatriot Jan Vertonghen. Many defenders would struggle in a high-pressing system that asks them to set up shop in an advanced position in order to shrink the field for their opponents, as it forces the centre-backs to cover acres of space, often susceptible to long balls over the top that result in dangerous one-on-one situations. Alderweireld excelled, becoming the rock around which the league's joint-best backline was built.

No. 6 - Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

2015-16 Premier League season: 30 appearances, 24 goals, 2 assists; 4.5 shots, 2.5 successful dribbles per 90 minutes

Still hampered by niggling muscular injuries and still asked to carry much of the attacking load for Manchester City, diminutive Argentine phenom Sergio Aguero continues to find the net with stunning regularity. The scorer of one of the most iconic goals in league history, Aguero bulged the twine 24 times this season, joint-second behind only Harry Kane (25 goals) in the race for the Golden Boot. His campaign was highlighted by a magical match in October, when he pumped five goals past Tim Krul and Newcastle in just 20 minutes. Not surprisingly, he wasn't fully fit for the contest, which is equal parts amazing and aggravating - much like his career, given how much more devastating he could be if not for consistent trips to the infirmary.

Related: Aguero becomes second-fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals

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