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With just over halfway done in the Premier League season, there have already been some standout players that have made their claim for Player of the Year.
Bruno Fernandes has continued his trend of reinvigorating Manchester United and being an influential player all over the pitch, while Harry Kane and Heung-min Son continue to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
However, here are five midfielders in the Premier League who have surprised many for very different reasons:
5 Premier League midfielders who have exceeded expectations this season
#5 Wilfried Ndidi - Leicester City
With Manchester United along with a whole host of other clubs taking Wilfried Ndidi very seriously, it is no wonder he remains an instrumental part of Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City.
Ndidi is not a new name to the Premier League having played in England for the past three years, but Ndidi’s level continues to rise at an astronomical rate.
The Nigerian international sweeps every bit of broken play up while sitting in front of his Leicester defence – and does it with such ease.
At 24, there is no doubt that Ndidi will go on to become one of the best players in the world for his position and will continue attracting the high level of interest that he is currently doing so.
#4 Tomas Soucek - West Ham United
Just over a year from when Tomas Soucek signed from Slavia Prague, there have been few better purchases than the Czech Republic international.
Dubbed as David Moyes’ ‘new Marouane Fellaini’, Soucek has the presence of a late arrival entering the box to cause havoc.
With seven goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season, Soucek has been a main focal point of this West Ham side that is challenging for the Europa League.
Not many expected Soucek to have such a stellar start to life in England, but the teams he is facing are struggling to contain his physicality in-and-around the box, in order to limit his opportunities.
Soucek might only be a newcomer in the Premier League, but he plays as if he has been featuring in England’s top flight for decades.
#3 Tanguy Ndombele - Tottenham Hotspur
Written off after his first season in North London, Tanguy Ndombele is now a pivotal part of Jose Mourinho’s plans.
As seen in the ‘All or Nothing’ documentary, Ndombele was a peripheral figure for the Lilywhites which eventually led to him looking for other options last summer for a move away.
However, the Frenchman stayed put at Tottenham and has shown why Spurs laid down a £50 million transfer fee for him. Ndombele’s grace on the ball when driving at the heart of defences is a sight to see, as well as his ability to recover possession.
Fans have now turned the corner with Ndombele and expect him to remain at their club for years to come.
#2 Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - Tottenham Hotspur
Having been in the Premier League with Southampton for four years, many could see the consistent level to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s game.
But after his £15 million transfer – which now seems as one of the best bargains of the summer – the Denmark international has raised his game once again and become an integral part of Mourinho’s plans.
The Dane is an ‘old-school’ player in the terms of his mentality as well as his concentration, rarely making a mistake or getting caught out of position. He is incredibly diligent to do his job in the side to the best of his ability – which he has shown this season.
He might not be considered an ‘attractive player’ compared to a winger or a player who scores regularly, but Hojbjerg’s role in how Tottenham play is crucial to making those around him tick.
At 25, the Dane is just entering his prime years and will think he can take it one step further.
#1 Ilkay Gundogan - Manchester City
Many have watched Ilkay Gundogan over the years that he was with Borussia Dortmund and now Manchester City and recognised his qualities, but it is only recently have fans understood how many sides to his game there can be.
Predominantly having played as a more defensive-minded midfielder, Gundogan has shown over the last two months his ability to get on the scoresheet and make Manchester City tick in an offensive manner.
With Kevin De Bruyne injured, the German international has stepped up to the plate and delivered performances that some fans are not used to, with his non-stop work ethic and keen eye for a defence-splitting pass.
Gundogan has shown he can do it all in midfield and will continue being one of Pep Guardiola’s sure starters this season
