Every Premier League season throws up a few surprises. Players who weren’t on anyone’s radar but end up stealing the spotlight. Whether it’s goals, defensive performances or just sheer consistency, these five made a real name for themselves in 2024/25.
Check out last season’s article
#5 – Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)
Liam Delap was known well enough when he was at Manchester City, but he made a proper name for himself at Ipswich despite their relegation.
The 22-year-old scored 12 goals in his first full Premier League season, catching the eye of many other clubs in the league. Chelsea managed to secure his signature for £30 million and he has already got off the mark for them in the Club World Cup.
Delap isn’t much of a link up player, instead he likes to receive the ball in dangerous areas and finish chances. He is good at taking on defenders when needs be and out of possession is very aggressive, hence his 12 yellow cards in 2024/25.
| Matches | G/A | Touches | Shots | Bookings |
| 37 | 14 | 821 | 68 | 12 |
#4 – Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves)
Jørgen Strand Larsen has shown his capabilities as an out and out number nine for Wolves this season by scoring 14 goals from an xG of just 10.27. His clinical nature has proven vital for Wolves since Vitor Pereira’s appointment in December 2024. On average, he scored one goal in every four shots.
Strand Larsen didn’t get loads of chances in front of goal, but made the most of his opportunities when he got them. 34 of his 54 shots last season were on target (61.1%) . He also linked up well with teammates, creating 21 chances and providing four assists.
For a debut season in the Premier League, Strand Larsen definitely stepped up and could go even further next season as the main man following Matheus Cunha’s departure.
| Matches | G/A | Touches | Shots | Bookings |
| 35 | 18 | 793 | 54 | 4 |
#3 – Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
Dean Huijsen came to Bournemouth last summer from Roma and instantly set the league alight from defence. He has been described as the first play-making centre-back following a Premier League season which saw him create 15 chances and make 6.67 passes into the final third per 90.
The Spaniard was defensively sound too, winning 72% of his tackles, making 51 interceptions and winning 116 duels. After his stellar season for the Cherries, Huijsen earned himself a move back to Spain. He recently joined Real Madrid in a move worth £50 million.
| Matches | G/A | Touches | Pass Accuracy | Bookings |
| 32 | 5 | 1,348 | 84.2% | 10 |
#2 – Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
Ethan Nwaneri made history back in 2022 aged 15 when he made his debut for Arsenal, becoming the youngest player in Premier League history. Fast forward two years and Nwaneri isn’t just a young player being tested out, he’s a key player in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The 17-year-old stepped up in Bukayo Saka’s absence, providing game winning moments in the Premier League and Champions League.
Nwaneri registered 11 goal involvements in all competitions and dazzled fans with his ability to glide past defenders with speed. He completed 37 dribbles in the league and ranked in the top 2% of wingers for successful take-ons per 90 (3.72). He also ranked in the top 9% of wingers for touches in the final third, highlighting the threat he posed going forward for Arsenal.
| Matches | G/A | Touches | Dribble Success | Bookings |
| 26 | 6 | 601 | 66.1% | 2 |
#1 – Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Myles Lewis-Skelly takes the top spot just ahead of his Gunners teammate, Nwaneri. The teenage defender made his debut for Arsenal just nine months ago in September 2024 and has gone on to cement himself as their starting left-back, having never previously played there.
Lewis-Skelly has done it all this season, he made his debut, scored his first goal, earned an England call up and kept Real Madrid’s attack quiet in the Champions League. His achievements have all occurred in such a short space of time, earning him the top spot.
Arsenal have rewarded the 18-year-old’s performances with a new long term contract lasting until 2030. Lewis-Skelly is a fantastic young talent and his new deal reflects his growing status for Arsenal and England.
| Matches | G/A | Touches | Pass Accuracy | Bookings |
| 23 | 1 | 964 | 93.6% | 5 |
Written by Isabelle Newnham
INMR FOOTBALL 
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