Every Premier League season brings its fair share of surprise players and unexpected stars, with these individuals defying the expectations of the masses, outperforming their previous records significantly or emerging from relative obscurity become key, invaluable figures for their sides. The 2024,25 season has been no different in the regards either, with there being several players surpassing predictions and turning heads with their consistent, top tier performances.
Dean Huijsen
At just the age of 19, Spanish centre back Dean Huijsen has gone from a promising youngster on the books of Juventus unable to get a look into the first team, to a rock solid Premier League defender and arguably one of the most promising up and coming young defenders in the footballing world. Since joining Bournemouth in the summer for £15 million, Huijsen has seemingly adapted to English football, becoming a key figure in a revolutionised Bournemouth side which is now challenging close to the European places. The young Spaniard has been part of a backline which has conceded the 5th least number of goals in the Premier League this season, with his consistent performances earning him a call up to the senior national team for the first time.
Although his arial presence and natural reading of the game have been key reasons behind his impressive performances, it is ball playing capabilities which have asserted him as one of the most exciting young players this season. Calm, cool and collected when on the ball, Huijsen has consistently showcased his composure nature when under pressure, playing long balls to the Bournemouth frontline, something which has been key to their relentless and quick transitions. Even picking up 2 goals to his name in his debut season, it is no surprise that some of Europe’s elite are circling Huijsen in the upcoming summer window, with his £50 million release clause attracting many suitors. Sports betting and casino platforms that offer games such as live blackjack have Real Madrid as the current front runners, however, there are a handful of other Premier League sides challenging for European competition also in the race.
Mikel Damsgaard
Although he has been at Brentford since 2022, joining the London club from Sampdoria after a somewhat promising Euros campaign with Denmark, Mikel Damsgaard has had a disappointing start to his career in England, with many doubting his abilities would adapt to the Premier League, especially following a brief stint struggling with arthritis. However, this year has finally seen him live up to his potential, with the winger playing a pivotal role in his teams free flowing attacking play.
Prior to the 2024/25 season, Damsgaard was yet to register a goal, only picking up 2 assists in the same time period. However, the Dane has proceeded to score 2 goals and register 10 assists in 29 games this season, leading the assist charts joint with Mohamed Salah at the time of writing. He has quickly established himself as one of the more creative midfielders in the Premier League this year, something which has seen the 24 year old pen a new deal with Brentford.
Ryan Gravenberch
After struggling to find his footing following his £40 million arrival from Bayern Munich in 2023, Ryan Gravenberch has proven to be one of the most dominant central midfielders in the 2024,25 edition of the premier league. At such a young age, the Dutch midfielder has proven to have exceptional control of the ball, a wide passing range and impressive vision to back this all up, with him arguably being one of the most important individuals in the Liverpool team this year following the inevitable Mohamed Salah.
Surrounded by names like McAllister and Szoboszlai, Gravenberch has arguably become the key figure in Liverpool’s new midfield under Arne Slot, with his intelligence and ability to dictate the play setting him apart from his counterparts. However, his deep lying 6 position has allowed him to break opposition lines constantly throughout the entirety of the season, one of the things that have allowed for the reds to be so free flowing and scoring this year, seeing them dominate the league.
Liam Delap
Despite Ipswich Town looking like they are going straight back down to the Championship alongside the other promoted sides, one shining light in the Suffolk based side has been young English striker Liam Delap. Chipping in with 10 goals, the most amongst his side, he has been one of the most impressive young attacking talents in the league this year, showcasing why he was such a highly regarded talent on Manchester City’s youth books.
After securing a move to Ipswich, his clinical finishing has made him a breakout star, with his blend of pace and power on the pitch seeing him brought into contention for England call ups. Not only this but many tip sides in the league are also reduced to have interest in the Tractor Boys’ 22 year old starlet, something which will likely see them bag a nice profit on their original £20 million transfer fee.
Maxence Laccroix
When Maxence Lacroix arrived from Wolfsburg, many expected he needed time to adapt to the Premier League, especially within the back three formation Austrian Oliver Glasner has favoured since taking the helm at Crystal Palace. However, the French defender has exceeded all expectations, emerging as one of the most reliable centre backs within the London teams set up. His speed and ability to revver have been crucial, particularly when dealing with fast counter attacks.
Laxroix’s presence has outshone Marc Guehi, significantly improving his team’s defensive record, with them conceding the 4th least amount of goals after 30 games this year. In a deal worth just £18 million, Lacroix has not only proven to be one of the most surprising packages this year, but also one of the best value bargains too for his level of quality.
