Top5 - Number 2: Yaya Toure

Games played: 26

Goals: 5

Average Shot Accuracy: 44%

Chances Created: 41

Pass Accuracy: 88%

Average Duels Won: 52%

Toure has the presence, the passing ability and the facility to strike from long range, and is considered one of the most established midfielders in world footballers today.

The big Ivorian has everything and despite his frumpy appearance he is surprising graceful while on the ball. He is able to float a pass the length of the field and has no qualms about the accuracy. He is able to outmuscle the most bullish of opponents with ease before carrying on like nothing had happened.

Yaya Toure is the ultimate midfielder.

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Top5 - Number 3: Carlos Tevez

 Games played: 27

Goals: 10

Average Shot Accuracy: 56%

Chances Created: 47

Pass Accuracy: 84%

Average Duels Won: 48%

The 29-year-old has caused controversy wherever he has been since arriving in England, and that is no different from his time at City. Since refusing to enter the pitch as a substitute last season and hibernating at a golf course for what seemed to be an eternity, Tevez is back and scoring goals.

This limitless work-rate has won him back a place into the City fans' hearts, and although he has not had the impact that he has had in previous seasons, he has had a decent campaign to date.

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Top5 - Number 4: Gareth Barry

Games played: 25

Goals: 1

Average Shot Accuracy: 33%

Chances Created: 31

Pass Accuracy: 86%

Average Duels Won: 60%

It is easy to overlook certain midfield players in today's game. The 'anchorman' or 'Makelele' role has become so common these days that they are not even mentioned when it comes to voting for player of the year. Let's face it, it is not the most glamorous role in the team, is it?

However, it is an important one, and Gareth Barry is one of the most established defensive midfielder in the country.  Never one for any fancy flicks or audacious passes, Barry is the textbook old school, no nonsense player.

He was a key man in City's title win last year, and although the Citizens haven't quite hit the heights that they did previously, Barry has certainly kept up his form.

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Top5 - Number 5: Gael Clichy

Games played: 24

Goals: 0

Average Shot Accuracy: 50%

Chances Created: 16

Pass Accuracy:  83%

Average Duels Won: 58%

The role of the full-back has changed significantly in football. These days they are expected to bomb up and down the wing all game long, and one man who has this down to a tee is Gael Clichy.

The Frenchman switched to City from Arsenal back in 2011 in search for trophies and an increased pay packet, and he played a huge part in the blue half of Manchester winning the Premier League last season.

Clichy has the pace and delivery you need to be considered a top left-back, and he has tenacity and positional sense to claim to be a world class defender.

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Top5 - Number 1: Michael Carrick

Games played: 30

Goals: 0

Average Shot Accuracy: 63%

Chances Created: 28

Pass Accuracy:  88%

Average Duels Won: 59%

Carrick has been nothing short of exceptional this season and has been a massive reason why United look certain to reclaim their Premier League title from their noisy neighbours.

Carrick sits in front of the defence and swiftly demolishes any opponent attacks before starting his own with his incredible range of passing. He is renowned for his lengthy but pin-point balls to his teammates, and sweeping any problems up with minimal fuss.

Carrick is a player that every manager dreams of having in their side, and when you take him out of the United set-up they certainly feel his absence.

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Top5 - Number 2: Robin van Persie

Games played: 30

Goals: 19

Average Shot Accuracy: 60%

Chances Created: 51

Pass Accuracy:  80%

Average Duels Won: 56%

I don't need to tell you how important the Dutchman has been to United's title challenge this season, and the outlay that Sir Alex and the owners put down for his services now look like a measly sum.

Some claim he has been the difference between the two Manchester clubs and those who argue against that don't have a lot to go off. van Persie's goals have certainly handed the trophy back to Old Trafford, and is nothing short of a hero to the Red Devils fans already.

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Top5 - Number 3: Patrice Evra

Games played: 27

Goals: 4

Average Shot Accuracy: 63%

Chances Created: 23

Pass Accuracy:  87%

Average Duels Won: 63%

Patrice Evra has been back to his best this season and has even started chipping in with the goals, not something he has previously been known for.

The arrival of Alex Buttner has definitely benefited the French left-back as he has often become jaded in the latter parts of season with United in the past.

He may have lost a yard of pace that he used to be renowned for but his positional sense is always improving and makes him astonishingly hard to beat as an opponent.

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Top5 - Number 4: Wayne Rooney

Games played: 21

Goals: 12

Average Shot Accuracy: 58%

Chances Created: 41

Pass Accuracy:  83

Average Duels Won: 40%

Rooney is now deployed all over the pitch, with Fergie seeing him more as a versatile attacking player rather than the out-and-out striker that he was once known as. Whether or not that is a good thing for him is debatable, but he is certainly still a key figure for the club.

His passion is something which is rarely matched and he has the ability to combine. He is no longer that talented lad from Liverpool, but is one of the most established players in the country.

Wayne Rooney still has a long time left playing at the top, and Manchester United will be hopeful it will be with them.

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Top5 - Number 5: Rafael

Games played: 23

Goals: 3

Average Shot Accuracy: 38%

Chances Created: 22

Pass Accuracy: 84%

Average Duels Won: 58%

United have not filled the hole that Gary Neville left after he hung up his boots at Old Trafford, but Rafael is certainly trying his hardest to do that.

He does have time on his side, being 22-years-old, and he looks like he is improving with every minute of football that he plays.

These stats show how important he has been to the club this season, and should he steer clear of any serious injuries, touch wood, then he will only get better. A massive prospect for United.

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Top5 - Number 1: Santi Cazorla

Games played: 31

Goals: 12

Average Shot Accuracy: 52

Chances Created: 76

Pass Accuracy:  88%

Average Duels Won: 69%

The little Spaniard has had an incredible debut season at the Gunners, from an individual perspective anyway, and has fully proved himself to be one of the most useful midfielders in the country.

He has a certain elegance when he is on the ball and can carve a defence open with a single flick or pass. Despite his miniature frame and his lack of strength, Cazorla has an immense presence on the field.

He is the creative hub of the current Arsenal side, and although supporters were expecting more than what has been shown on certain occasions from the players this season, you will fail to find a single one who hasn't been impressed by the former Malaga midfielder.

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