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Surprise is a strong phenomenon in football. The emergence of unprecedented events, unpredictable outcomes, unbelievable occurrences and unimaginable developments is one thing that makes the sport even more interesting.
Football will never stop to surprise us. We have witnessed the rise of several footballers for the past few years, but this season is quite spectacular. Though it took some players some time to hit their peak, they have finally reached amazing levels in this campaign, with a lot of blistering displays.
From average to heroes, these superstars have played significant and indispensable roles for their respective teams during the campaign. They also attracted the love of football fans, changing their reputations for good and attaining fantastic heights in their various careers. With a golden pen, they have written their names and gained recognition across Europe this season.
It will be a great pleasure to know these amazing superstars, isn't it? So, let's look at the top 5 players who have had their best season to date:
#5. Wissam Ben Yedder
Many superstars reached fantastic heights in La Liga this season, Wissam Ben Yedder is definitely one of them. The attacker was signed by Sevilla FC from French outfit, Toulouse in the summer of 2016. Even though he showed some promising signs in his first year at the club, his final breakthrough came in the current campaign where he took his career to another height with his impressive performances.
The Frenchman has had his best season yet as a footballer, scoring 8 goals and 3 assists to help the Spanish outfit to the 7th position on the La Liga table. He also has 3 goals to his name in the Copa Del Rey, leading the Hispalenses to the final of the tournament before they were defeated by Barcelona.
Ben Yedder introduced himself in the Champions League in style this season, scoring 8 vital goals and pulling up a couple of magical performances. He was the hero as the Spanish side sent Manchester United out of the European tournament. His 2 goals in the second half were enough to down the Red Devils and secure a quarter-final spot for his club.
#4. Simone Zaza
Valencia were one of the early contenders of the La Liga title this season. The club started the campaign in a fantastic fashion, going unbeaten in their first 15 games in the Spanish top flight. They had a very promising start, special thanks to Simone Zaza, who influenced the outputs of the team with his impressive performances.
After his Euro 2016 penalty trauma and forgetful spells at both Juventus and West Ham United, the striker has come out in style, with his stellar displays for the Los Che this season. The man that failed to score in 11 games at West Ham was seen scoring freely recently.
This season, the attacker recorded 11 goals and 1 assist to his name in the Spanish top flight, scoring against the likes of Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla in fantastic fashion. His impressive form also helped the Spanish side to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League next season. Definitely, this campaign will be an unforgettable one in the life of the striker and it could be a sign of greater things ahead.
#3. Jesse Lingard
“Jesse Lingard is going to be some player,”
“[He] is built like Jean Tigana was for France, but he never got into the limelight there until he was about 24. I think that will be the same with Lingard.”
That is what Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson said regarding Jesse Lingard in an interview with The Sun back in 2012 and the player has proven the coach right in every aspect, with his brilliant performances this season.
The attacking midfielder was showing promising signs ever since he made it to the United squad in 2014, but not until this season before he finally reached his limelight. The 25-year-old is one of the brightest superstars in the United squad, playing indispensable roles under Jose Mourinho as they finished second on the Premier League table.
Lingard has been really amazing this season, combining his creativity and goalscoring knack to influence the output of his team. He bagged 8 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League as well as 3 goals in the Carling Cup. His 2 goals have also helped the Manchester club to the final of the FA Cup this season.
Such is the influence of the player that the club has planned to increase his wages from £75,000-a-week to £100,000-a-week. With such incredible form, this is just the beginning for the England International.
#2. Paulinho
When Barcelona signed Tottenham outcast, Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande in the summer, many people were against the move. In fact, the player did not get a good welcoming at the club as the Camp Nou fans refused to attend his unveiling. Barcelona president, Maria Bartomeu, was highly criticized for spending €40million on a player who flopped in the Premier League and is entering into the later stages of his career.
Fast-forward 9 months into the season and everything has changed around the Brazillian. From unwanted to beloved, Paulinho has evolved into one of the most important players in the Barcelona camp. The midfielder has had a stellar season, playing pivotal roles as the Blaugrana claimed both the La Liga and Copa Del Rey trophies.
Though a midfielder, the 29-year-old outscored many attackers in the Spanish top flight this season, with 9 goals and 5 assists to his name. He has also been a regular player for the Blaugrana, with 49 appearances in all competitions and is one of the favorites to represent his nation in the World Cup next month.
#1. Mohamed Salah
Nothing shocked football fans this season as Mohamed Salah's incredible rise. After an unsuccessful stint at Chelsea that made the Egyptian depart the Premier League for the Seria A, the attacker has finally returned to the division and established himself as one of the finest players in the world.
Liverpool initially thought that they had overpaid when they spent £34.9million to bring the winger to the Anfield in the summer. But, Salah has consistently tarnished that fee with his impressive performances for The Reds this season. In fact, the attacker has taken his career to an incredible height, earning constant comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo for his stellar displays during the campaign.
The 25-year-old finished as the top scorer of the Premier League, scoring 32 goals and bagging 10 assists in the English division. He also recorded 10 goals and 4 assists to his name in the Champions League as well as breaking numerous records in a perfect campaign.
In a bid to appreciate his stellar efforts, the player has been awarded both the FWA and PFA Player of the year awards. What a fantastic season salah has had!
