With the vote for the EA SPORTS Player of the Month now open, we profile each of the eight December nominees.
Nicolas Otamendi
The Argentinian's performances led to his manager, Pep Guardiola, hailing him as a superhero for Manchester City.
Otamendi did not miss a single minute of action in a month in which the Citizens extended their Premier League winning streak to 18 matches.
Although that record run ended in a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on New Year's Eve, Otamendi was key to City remaining unbeaten for the season so far.
He scored goals in back-to-back matches in December, including the winner in the Manchester derby, and helped his side keep four clean sheets.
What his manager says
"We have a Superman in the team," Guardiola told Man City's official website. "Otamendi helped us absolutely. If I would like to point to a player who deserves respect for what we have done so far this season, it is Otamendi.
"Always fighting. He is a huge competitor and one of the best I have seen in my life. So important. Without him, it would have been impossible."
Also in this series
Part 1: Choose your EA SPORTS Player of the Month
Part 2: EA SPORTS Player of the Month nominee: Marcos Alonso
Part 3: EA SPORTS Player of the Month nominee: Marko Arnautovic
Part 4: EA SPORTS Player of the Month nominee: Roberto Firmino
Part 5: EA SPORTS Player of the Month nominee: Jesse Lingard
Part 6: EA SPORTS Player of the Month nominee: Harry Kane
Part 7: EA SPORTS Player of the Month nominee: Riyad Mahrez
Part 9: EA SPORTS Player of the Month nominee: Mohamed Salah