The 2013/14 season concluded just over two weeks ago and it was a season to remember for various reasons. While the established Premier League players continued to engrain their name in history, with the likes of Luis Suarez and Eden Hazard in usual scintillating form, this campaign also showcased the finest players to make the breakthrough this season.The players who really established their name in the Premier League this season, whether it was by making their first appearance for their clubs or just stamping their authority on the Premier League for the first time.Below are the top five best Premier League breakthrough players in 2013/14.
#4 Jon Flanagan
Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan first made his breakthrough in the first-team on Merseyside during Kenny Dalglish’s time at the club, but it was only this year that he was finally given his chance to showcase what he was all about. He was thrust into first-team action in November when Brendan Rodgers took his Liverpool side, who were second in the Premier League, on a daunting trip to first-placed Arsenal at the Emirates.
Deployed in place of the injured Glen Johnson, Flanagan never looked back since that day. He went on to become a vital mainstay in the Liverpool side making 23 appearances in the league. He had a pass accuracy of 83%, while he managed to create 13 chances from his unfamiliar position at left-back. His collective nature on the ball was a particular highlight of his game and his form did not go unnoticed as he is currently on the standby list for the England World Cup squad. And of course,Cafu is a big fan of Flanagan.
#3 John Stones
Stones was given his chance on New Years Day as Stoke entertained Everton, who were missing key men at the back. The former Barnsley man was thrust into action and went on to become a vital component in Everton’s brilliant mid-season run, which included a seven-game winning streak.
He helped Everton keep six clean-sheets since starting at the Britannia and he also has the highest pass accuracy in the Everton side (90%). Like his Merseyside compatriot, Stones is also on the stand-by list alongside Jon Flanagan, which highlights just how good a season the 19-year-old has had.
#2 Adnan Januzaj
The Manchester United star has been the talk of the town at Old Trafford after making the breakthrough in David Moyes’ ill-fated tenure. He was handed his first start Premier League start against Sunderland and the Belgian international went on to become a real highlight in an otherwise bleak campaign for the Red Devils.
He scored four goals in his 27 Premier League appearances and also created 31 chances, the fourth-highest in the United squad. He completed 51/96 take ons and his direct nature brought plenty of plaudits. Just 19-years old, Januzaj did fade away as the season went on, but the youngster has a big future ahead of him with the World Cup also looming.
#1 Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley had a phenomenal 2013/14 term under the stewardship of Roberto Martinez and this was the year he really announced himself.
He played 34 times in the Premier League, scoring 6 goals and creating 25 chances. His brilliant dribbling saw him complete 80/128 take ons – a success rate of 63%. If it were not for Coleman’s scintillating season, Barkley may well have claimed the coveted Everton Player of the Season award, however, the 20-year-old will have to keep his head screwed on after being asked to represent England at this summers World Cup in Brazil.
