Eight players have been nominated for the EA SPORTS Player of the Month for December. We look at each candidate.
Diego Costa
P6 W6 D0 L0
Goals 4 Assists 1
The Premier League’s leading scorer in 2016/17, Diego Costa netted decisive goals against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion to help Chelsea to six wins from six in December.
Despite missing the Boxing Day defeat of AFC Bournemouth through suspension, the prolific striker also struck against Stoke City and produced a goal and an assist against Manchester City.
The Blues ended 2016 six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and Costa's efforts means he is in the running to scoop back-to-back awards after claiming the honour in November in a Chelsea clean sweep.
"Diego is very focused on the game, his position and movement, and finishing," Antonio Conte told chelseafc.com prior to their 4-2 home win over Stoke City on New Year’s Eve. "He’s playing very well, his attitude and behaviour has been great. He’s showing his passion in the right way and I’m very happy for him."
See: How the Premier League awards work
The EA SPORTS Player of the Month award is decided by a combination of a public vote via premierleague.com, counting for 10%, and those from a panel of Premier League experts and current club captains.
The vote will close at 23.59 GMT on Monday, 9 January and the winner will be announced on Friday, 13 January.
