The time is approaching once again where attention turns to the end of season awards and which players will be rewarded for their contributions to their side during another exciting Premier League campaign.

With the likes of player of the year, young player of the year, and a spot in the team of the year all up for grabs, there are plenty of opportunities for individual accolades over the coming weeks.

But the 2014/15 season has also seen a number of players emerge as key figures in their sides, putting to bed any lingering doubts about their ability to cut it at the highest level. While some have shot to fame out of nowhere it seems others have continued to impress, showing vast levels of improvements and enhancing their reputation in the division.

And with this in mind, here are FIVE of the most improved players in England this season:

Franics Coquelin

Francis Coquelin

Francis Coquelin was surprisingly recalled to the Arsenal squad just over a month into his loan spell at Charlton where he made five appearances for the Championship side. With injuries to the likes of Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta, Arsene Wenger was running out of options to fill the central midfield role, but since his return Coquelin has stepped up superbly.

A brilliant couple of months has coincided with Arsenal’s recent good form, and his ability to protect the back four has been most welcome. The Frenchman was a stand out performer alongside Santi Cazorla in their win at the Etihad, highlighting his ability to tackle and break up the play, as well as maintain possession in a neat and tidy fashion.

Arsenal fans have been crying out for someone to fill the defensive midfield role for some time, and it appears they have finally found that man.

Jordan Henderson

Henderson

Much was expected of Jordan Henderson following his big-money move from Sunderland back in 2011, but the early signs pointed to the prospect that he wouldn’t quite be able to make the grade at Anfield. How times have changed.

The England midfielder has become one the key figures in the Liverpool team, particularly in the absence of club captain Steven Gerrard, and is arguably the league’s most improved player over recent seasons.

His work rate is phenomenal, but the technical side of his game is also improving week in week out. The 24-year-old continues to improve in front of goal having found the net six times this season, and he also leads the team in terms of assists with eight, proving just how important he is to Brendan Rodgers.

Marouane Fellaini

fellaini

It was hard to see how Marouane Fellaini would fit in the Manchester United under Louis van Gaal, and at first it appeared the odd cameo from the bench when his side were chasing the game was the best he could hope for. However the Belgian has established himself as important member of the first team in recent weeks, playing a vital part in victories over Tottenham and Liverpool.

He’s scored five times so far this season and seems to be thriving in a more advanced role behind Wayne Rooney. Van Gaal has come out and praised the 27-year-old since the Anfield victory, something that will boost his confidence even further as he continues to improve.

Harry Kane

Kane

The rise of Tottenham striker Harry Kane this season has been quite remarkable and the young striker has emerged as England’s brightest talent. With Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor struggling to impress new boss Mauricio Pochettino, Harry Kane was given the chance to stake his claim as Tottenham’s leading striker; something the 21-year-old has done to great effect.

After impressing in the Europa League, Kane was then provided with the opportunity to impress in the Premier League. Since netting his first of the campaign at Villa Park in November, Kane has gone from strength to strength. He now leads the scoring charts with 19 alongside Diego Costa, with his overall tally for the season at a hardly credible 29.

Last weekend’s hat-trick against Leicester City capped a tremendous week for the forward after he received his first senior England call up, and given his great form looks the perfect choice to lead the line for the Three Lions this week.

Eden Hazard

Burnley v Chelsea - Barclays Premier League

Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard was already held in high regard as one of the league’s best players and rightly so. But as he continues to take the English game by storm, his consistency over the last year or so has seen him emerge as one of the world’s best players as he looks to rival the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

An impressive return of 16 goals has helped Chelsea cement their place at the top of the division, as well as pick up the League Cup with victory over Tottenham last month. The Belgian’s ability to beat multiple defenders makes him a wonderful asset to the Blues, and along with tremendous pace and terrific shooting and passing ability, he has become the complete player.

His latest goal against Hull City highlighted his ability to produce something out of nothing – a moment of magic that can change the game in an instant – and it’s these types of players that prove themselves match-winners throughout the season.

Jose Mourinho has challenged the 24-year-old to try and reach the outstanding figures achieved by Ronaldo and Messi, something he has responded positively to. The talent and ability is clearly there, and if he can continue to improve and show the level of consistency he has displayed throughout the season, it won’t be long before we see him challenging for the Ballon d’Or.