The 23/24 Premier League season’s surprising stars

Binodh RoyModified: 20 May 2024 02:48 PM

Premier League

As the Premier League has come to a close, here are the stars that shined brightly throughout the campaign.

Even though these players don’t win silverware, or make it to the prestigious awards, their presence is pivotal for their teams. These are such players.

Pablo Sarabia, Wolves

Premier League season’s surprising stars — Image courtesy- Wolves

The Wolves attack is built only for speed this season with Hwang Hee-chan, Matheus Cunha, and Pedro Neto all thriving nicely for Gary O’Neil’s side. Pablo Sarabia had to watch on from the sidelines, with only five of his first seven appearances coming from the bench.

However, as the injuries started to pile up Molineux, Sarabia was called upon more often and he has excelled despite the absence of key teammates in the front. Moreover, Ten Wolves players have enjoyed more minutes on the pitch this season but only Neto has more assists than Sarabia’s seven, and no one has made more key passes.

Ryan Christie, Bournemouth

Iraola’s arrival has benefited Ryan Christie as well. A more creative midfielder during his Celtic day was converted to a deeper role under the new manager. Christie’s creativity is still strong, providing five assists and also holding the defensive front. Having won possession in the midfield 121 times makes him second only behind Rodri.

Antonee Robinson, Fulham

Another notable season for Antonee Robinson at Fulham, steering a high-profile exit for the US international. Even though João Palhinha’s defensive prowess gets the claps, the left-back’s fine observation enables Fulham to turn defence into attack with ease. Robinson has the most interceptions (78) in the Premier League this season. The 26-year-old deserves to be mentioned in the left-back spot for the team of the season for his performance.

James Tarkowski, Everton

After a streak of wins, Everton has secured safety. However, they hold the fourth-best defensive record in the division conceding just 49 times this campaign. Even though Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite received a lot of praise for the team’s record at the back, let’s also take a moment to admire James Tarkowski. He sits at the top of the league in aerial duels won (143), blocked shots (54), and second for clearances (182). Mastering the art of being at the right place at the right time.

Pascal Gross, Brighton

Pascal Gross (10) sits behind only Ollie Watkins (13) in the assists charts in the Premier League this season and the Germany midfielder (97) has key passes this campaign. Brighton is ending the campaign with less noise, but Gross proves their star man in the middle. His ability to adapt and create chances added to his work rate off the ball, gives other players the freedom to move forward.

Ross Barkley, Luton

Ross Barkley is one of the best free signings in recent years, as his instant impact gave Luton the necessary drive in midfield that helped spread the wing-backs to provide attack. The only central midfielder to have completed more dribbles than Barkley (66) this season is Bruno Guimarães (69). Despite, Luton’s return to the Championship, the 30-year-old has proven he can still perform at the highest level.

Daniel Muñoz, Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner helped the Eagles soar higher after his takeover as manager in February. Glasner has transformed Jean-Philippe Mateta into prime Ronaldo, while Michael Olise and Ebere Eze have continued to blossom. Following his arrival in January, Daniel Muñoz has settled into the team seamlessly. The Colombian has made the right wing-back spot his own making the sixth most tackles (53) in 2024, as well as assisting three times– two of which came in Palace’s 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest

In spite of Nottingham Forest confirming their place in the Premier League next season, Morgan Gibbs-White is unlikely to stay at the club. Gibbs-White is in high demand and everyone in the market is eyeing the youngster. The 24-year-old has 10 assists this season, a fine feat in a Forest side that has scored the fourth fewest goals (47) in the league.

Fabian Schär, Newcastle

During Newcastle’s injury crisis, Fabian Schär stood firm. Only Bruno Guimarães (3,089) has played more minutes than Schär (2,940) for Newcastle in the league this season and, even though he played in multiple roles with different centre-back partners, he has again proven to be one of Eddie Howe’s best performers. Newcastle’s forwards only meant business with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, giving the 32-year- a solid foundation to build upon.

Dominic Solanke, Bournemouth

From just scoring six goals last season, Solanke has taken his game one notch better by grabbing 19 goals to his name – the best by a Bournemouth player in the Premier League. Andoni Iraola was a knight in shining armor for the 26-year-old, who unlocked his potential.

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