The return of the Premier League last month brought some new narratives, while some from last season were resumed and amplified.

Manchester United look like a team to be feared again with three wins in a row, champions Chelsea suffered a shock opening day defeat but quickly recovered, Liverpool’s fizzy attack is (as always) hampered by their flat defence, while Arsenal don’t know whether to laugh or cry right now.

Huddersfield have made a dream start to life in the top tier, Rafa Benitez could be heading for civil war at Newcastle, while Frank de Boer’s Total Football experiment at Crystal Palace could end in Total Catastrophe.

Plenty going on this month but which players stood out from the crowd?

Goalkeeper:

Jonas Lossl (Huddersfield Town). With Huddersfield making so many signings this summer, several were bound to go under the radar. The arrival of Lossl on loan from Maiz was one unheralded, but the Danish international has been in fine form since arriving and is yet to concede a goal in the Premier League.

Defenders:

Allan Nyom (West Bromwich Albion). Tony Pulis seems to have a general aversion to full-backs, but the form of Nyom has cemented his place in the starting lineup for the time being. The Cameroonian is as unfussy as they come and is generally a solid player, but his form in August has put him above that usual standard.

Phil Jones (Manchester United). With Victor Lindelof being bedded into the Premier League slowly, Jones’ form will have come as a massive relief to Jose Mourinho. The centre-back had to fight his way into the manager’s plans last season but now that he is in there his partnership with Eric Bailly already looks a strong one. Lindelof may have to wait a bit longer to get his chance.

Harry Maguire (Leicester City). Eyebrows were raised when Leicester paid what could be up to £17m to prise Maguire from Hull City, but he looks like an astute signing in what has been a summer of fine business from the Foxes. With Robert Huth and Wes Morgan now both at the age of 33, Maguire is the younger defender that Craig Shakespeare needed.

Marcos Alonso (Chelsea). Turned in a virtuoso performance against Tottenham right when Antonio Conte needed it the most. Chelsea might be ruing their failure to sign Alex Sandro from Juventus, but the Spaniard continues to show that this position is not that in need of  £60m upgrade.

Midfielders:

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool). It’s slightly surprising how well Salah has slotted into Liverpool’s attack, forming an understanding with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mande already in what is a frightening front three. Scored twice for his new side in the first three games and could have a massive season at Anfield.

Paul Pogba (Manchester United). Two goals and an assist already for the Frenchman this season as Man United sit on top of the Premier League table. Pogba showed flashes of his ability last year, but this is the season where he can build on that and take it by storm.

Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield). David Wagner might find that securing Mooy on a permanent basis following his successful loan stint last year will be the best bit of business he makes all summer. Instrumental in the 3-0 opening day victory against Crystal Palace and scored a brilliant winner against Newcastle the following week.

Sadio Mane (Liverpool). Having missed the top four run-in last season, Mane would have been desperate to hit the ground running this year. A record of three goals in three games already suggests that this is the year that the Senegalese forward cements his status as Liverpool’s most important player.

Forwards:

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Manchester United). Mourinho’s rejigged midfield has put Mhitaryan in more of a central position, and it’s one that the Armenian is thriving. A stellar record of five assists in three games arguably makes him August’s standout player in the league, and he looks set to have a big hand in Man United’s title challenge.

Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United). A missed penalty against Leicester aside, Lukaku has settled into his new surroundings very well. Three goals in his opening three games for the £75m striker, and while Zlatan Ibrahimovic has since returned, Lukaku’s start means that the Swede’s absence has not been felt.

Read More About: aaron mooy, allan nyom, Chelsea, Harry Maguire, henrikh mkhitaryan, huddersfield, jonas lossl, leicester, Liverpool, Man United, marcos alonso, Paul Pogba, Premier League, romelu lukaku, sadio mane, west brom