Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 9

It was great to have the Premier League back after the international break with plenty of outstanding performances on show.

Check out my five star performers of Matchday 9.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Jurgen Klopp said Mohamed Salah wasn't at his best against Everton — yet the Egyptian still pops up with both goals in a 2-0 win.

That's what the great players do. There have been plenty of games where Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi haven't fired on all cylinders over the years yet they still end up being the match-winner.

Salah's greatest strength is his availability and consistency. His fitness is exceptional and his standards don't drop, which is why he's got such a phenomenal scoring record.

The Reds are very reliant on him and I think it would derail their title hopes if he was out for any significant period. 

Pedro Neto (Wolves)

Not only is Pedro Neto proving to be Wolves' star man this term, he's also one of the most in-form and impactful players in the Premier League.

He carries the ball long distances, manipulates it very close to his body and, crucially, he makes a lot of correct decisions with his final pass — the difference between a good winger and a great one.

It's too early to say Wolves' entire survival hopes rest on him but he's got a huge role to play because his pace gives them a chance in every single game.

Hopefully he can stay injury-free, prove his fitness and continue to shine for my old club.

Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

Harry Maguire put in a massive performance for Manchester United in what must be an emotional game for him against boyhood club Sheffield United. 

Playing for England will have helped Harry get the rust out of his system, which I know first-hand is tough for a defender to deal with when you're not playing regularly.

Once again, he's shown he can come into this United side and help them win games. All the criticism Harry gets is unfair because United's problems are far more widespread than him.

It's all well and good saying they can't win the league with him playing but I think you could level that kind of comment at a large chunk of the current squad at Old Trafford.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer was hugely influential for Chelsea against Arsenal and I can't say I'm surprised at how well he's settled.

Many think of Cole as a wide player but when he was coming through at academy level he'd frequently occupy the central role he played on Saturday — or even as a No6 or No8.

He's a confident boy — as shown by the way he demanded to take the penalty instead of Raheem Sterling — but that self-belief only adds to his overall game.

It was a great bit of business by the Blues picking him up. I'm sure many City fans would have loved to see Cole stick around but who's to say he won't end up back at the Etihad one day?

James Maddison (Tottenham)

I could easily have gone with Heung-Min Son, who has struck up a sensational partnership with James Maddison that Tottenham are reaping the benefits of.

There are few that can rival Maddison's ability to receive the ball in tight spaces and I love the pressure he puts on himself to deliver. He seems to thrive on high expectations.

If he's not getting the direct assist, he's playing a key pass in the build-up from a deeper position and seems to constantly be involved in everything Spurs do well going forward.

Plenty of people were worried for them after Harry Kane's departure. But with Maddison pulling the strings, Ange Postecoglou's side are in safe hands.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill