5 Premier League midfielders who have exceeded expectations this season 

#3 Tanguy Ndombele - Tottenham Hotspur

Sheffield United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

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.

#THFC midfielder Tanguy Ndombele: "I told the club I wanted to leave but they wouldn't let me go. It's nice to see that even when you're not playing, we believe in you." pic.twitter.com/1nGH2dhHO1

— The Spurs Web ⚪️ (@thespursweb) January 31, 2021

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.

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#2 Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Premier League

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.

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#1 Ilkay Gundogan - Manchester City

West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City - Premier League

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.

What a month - 9 games/9 victories. 🙌🏼 And another clean sheet today ✔ @ManCity pic.twitter.com/hFOwwkfk7X

— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) January 30, 2021

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