Who have been the standout figures in the Premier League so far this season?
Ahead of the crunch Christmas-time campaign, Soccer Saturday's Phil Thompson, Matt Le Tissier and Charlie Nicholas joined Jeff Stelling to discuss who they believe to be the best-performing manager and player of the 2016-17 season so far.
There was plenty of debate and discussion this topic. Read on to see who the Sky Sports experts picked out…
MANAGER OF THE SEASON
Charlie Nicholas
For me, so far, it would be Jurgen Klopp. I think he's been exciting and refreshing. In a season __with gigantic names as coaches he's been the one who's been inspiring. I love the style of play he's got at Liverpool. He could probably do __with adding a defender and he's had problems with goalkeepers but I love Jurgen Klopp and it has to be him.
Phil Thompson
I'd love to go with Klopp, but I'd probably have to go with Antonio Conte. I think he's been absolutely terrific. He had such a difficult start, things weren't quite right and the team wasn't quite right so he had to be the manager he is and do what he did with Italy and Juventus. Three at the back was what he made special and he's done that at Chelsea - even though he's not got the right tools for it. Victor Moses as right-wing back has been nothing short of sensational. He's been a top manager.
Liverpool vs Stoke
December 27, 2016, 5:00pm
Live on
Matt Le Tissier
It's not often I'd agree with Thommo, but I'd also go with Antonio Conte at this point of the season. He's been superb. Where Chelsea finished last season, to have then got them back to the top so quickly has been a terrific job. He's also once again getting the best out of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, which is massive for Chelsea Football Club.
PLAYER OF THE SEASON
Phil Thompson
There are a few. Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino for Liverpool have been great. But I've got to go for Eden Hazard. I think he's been absolutely terrific. After all his problems last year, he's turned things round. He's got sensational skill in tight areas. I love to see him having a smile on his face again. He's scoring goals, he's making assists. He had a good Euros and I think that's given him the confidence. For me, he's been the outstanding performer.
Hull City vs Man City
December 26, 2016, 5:00pm
Live on
Matt Le Tissier
Normally in these situations I love to look at the goalscorers, the ones sticking the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis, so Diego Costa would come into my mind on that basis. But I've watched quite a lot of Southampton this season and I don't see a better centre-back in this Premier League than Virgil van Dijk.
Charlie Nicholas
I haven't been his greatest fan in the past but I'm going for the new nicest guy in football, Diego Costa. I really do think that, not just his goals, but his movement is important. He drags Hazard closer to him now, which has helped Hazard find a bit of space. He'll do his fighting and scrapping but he's turned into a lovely guy and looks very happy! I'd edge towards him.
Watch the video above to see the panel debate each other's selections