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The newly promoted sides often find themselves struggling in the lower half of the table, however, in the past, teams like Leicester City and AFC Bournemouth have shown that anything is possible. With the meteoric rise of Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, there are high expectations from the newly promoted teams in the Premier League 2019/20
The second-tier of English football produced some amazing football this season. With the teams competing to secure promotion to the Premier League 2019/20, the battle went down to the wire. The bars were raised this season thanks to the quality of football played by some amazing upcoming talents.
While Norwich City dominated throughout the season, Sheffield United and Aston Villa securing promotion, we look at the players who can step up and deliver in the top-tier of English football next season.
1. Emiliano Buendia
Norwich City’s dominance in the Championship this season is commendable, especially after losing their crucial players like James Maddison and Josh Murphy last summer. The Canaries won the title and sealed promotion to Premier League 2019/20, pipping mid-season favourites Leeds United to do so.
In a team where most of the players have stepped-up, one player who has caught everyone’s attention is Emiliano Buendia. While Teemu Piku has been the face of the team with his ruthless form in front of goal, Buendia has been equally instrumental in the team’s success this season.
The Argentine signed for the Canaries last season for a bargain price of £1.5 million. The winger has a brilliant eye for a pass and is a threat going forward with his intelligent movement and superb vision. Buendia has been the creative mastermind for his team this season, contributing to 20 goals, scoring 8 and creating 12.
Apart from his magnificent offensive display, the 22-year old has also made impressive contributions defensively with an average of 2.7 tackles per game.
With such fine performances and amazing potential, it will be exciting to see how the young Argentine takes on the challenge of performing in the top-tier of English football.
2. Oliver Norwood
If there is a player who knows what it takes to gain promotion to the Premier League, it is Oliver Norwood. The midfielder has achieved promotion to the top-tier of English football for three consecutive seasons, with Brighton, Fulham, and now Sheffield United. While the former two released Norwood into the second division soon after, it seems that the Northern Irishman is finally set to experience top-flight football with the Blades.
The 28-year-old moved to Sheffield United last summer and has been a wonderful addition to the squad as he was quick to make an impact. Norwood’s technical and tactical genius along with his experience was pivotal in the Blades’ success this season.
The ex-Manchester United player is a sublime passer and an excellent reader of the game and he has utilized his skill set to the fullest this season being the Blades’ creative source in the midfield. Norwood contributed to 11 goals this season, scoring 3 and creating 8. Furthermore, the midfielder has provided defensive stability to the team as he averaged an impressive figure of 2.3 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game.
With Sheffield United coming back to the Premier League after more than a decade, Norwood will be a key player to guide them towards a successful campaign.
3. Jack Grealish
Touted as one of the future stars of English football, Jack Grealish has gone from strength to strength over the past couple of years. The Englishman had a career-best campaign and was crucial to Aston Villa’s promotion to the Premier League this season.
The youngster is a natural dribbler and has a knack for driving at the opposition with the ball at his feet. Along with his dribbling skills, the Aston Villa midfielder has a great understanding of the game and dictates the game from the center of the field by creating gaps and providing incisive passes.
With six goals, seven assists and an average of 2.3 key passes per game this season, the midfielder has displayed his attacking capabilities and showcased the immense potential he holds. At a young age, the Englishman is already the captain of his club and showed great mentality throughout the campaign.
The Claret and Blue supporters will hope that the 23-year-old continues the same form and makes a strong impact upon Villa's return to the Premier League.
