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We are halfway into the Premier League, and what a season it has been! From nail-biting finishes to humiliating thrashings, this season has had it all. While some teams have disappointed with their performances, others have been surprise packages.
Initially, the spotlight was on big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Romelu Lukaku, who all made moves to the competition this summer. However, they have been somewhat underwhelming, considering the ability they possess.
Nevertheless, the emergence of new stars, both homegrown and foreign, has enhanced the quality of the Premier League.
The Premier League has no dearth of talent, but few players have caught the eye with their performances. This has proven to be a breakout season for many rising stars. These players have elevated their games to gain the appreciation of both fans and pundits.
On that note, here's a look at five players who have exceeded expectations in the Premier League this season:
#5 Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo signed for the Bees in 2019, and had a spectacular few seasons in the Championship. Brentford then gained promotion to the English top flight for the first time in 74 years.
The Bees started their maiden Premier League season all guns blazing. They have won unlikely points against the likes of Arsenal, West Ham United and Liverpool.
Luck hasn't always been in favour of Mbeumo in front of goal, though. The Frenchman has hit the woodwork on seven occasions this season, the most by any player in the Premier League. He has three league goals and one assist for Brentford so far.
Mbeumo was a key figure for Brentford in the Championship last season, scoring eight goals and assisting 11. Brentford are currently 12th in the Premier League, but could move into the top half of the points table if they beat Brighton.
#4 Valentino Livramento
A graduate of Chelsea's brilliant youth academy, Tino Livramento departed Stamford Bridge to join Southampton. The young full-back was in search of game time, and has exceeded expectations at Saint Mary's. At just 19, Livramento has adapted exceptionally well to the Premier League.
He has been one of Southampton's best players in the Premier League this season. He ranks first in the Southampton team in tackles made and duels won.
The Saints have been underwhelming in the Premier League, but Livramento's performances have certainly earned him admiration. He has played in all of Southampton's league games this season, missing only four minutes.
Livramento is part of a talented crop of English youngsters. The Englishman has made 54 interceptions, one the best in the Premier League this campaign. The energetic right-back has been impressive in attack as well, apart from being solid defensively.
#3 Connor Gallagher
One of the season's best deals, Conor Gallagher has been Crystal Palace's leading light in the Premier League. His summer loan from Chelsea has proven to be a blessing for Palace. At just 21, Gallagher has oodles of talent, and is certainly one for the future.
Crystal Palace will hope Gallagher stays at the club, although that is quite unlikely. The young Englishman has six goals and three assists from midfield in the Premier League this season. Chelsea would like to recall him to bolster their squad, considering his impressive exploits.
Gallagher ranks first in both goals and assists for Crystal Palace this season. He is under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira, one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. The Palace manager will look to bring the best out of Gallagher during the rest of the campaign.
#2 Jose Sa
Jose Sa was signed from Olympiacos, and was handed the arduous task of replacing his compatriot Rui Patricio at Wolves. Written off far too soon, Sa has been a revelation in the Premier League this season.
Wolves have kept seven clean sheets so far, the fifth-best record in the Premier League this campaign. They have also conceded just 14 goals, the third-best in the league. With 57 saves, Sa deserves a lot of credit for Wolves' impressive defensive record this season.
Sa was particularly impressive against Manchester City. He faced 24 shots, out of which ten were on target. Wolves were down to ten men, but they kept City's much-vaunted attack to just one goal.
His ball distribution and composure have also been massive assets to Bruno Lage. The goalkeeper also has an assist to his name, picking out Jimenez in Wolves' win against Southampton.
#1 Emmanuel Dennis
Undoubtedly one of the top players so far in the Premier League this season, Emmanuel Dennis has often been a one-man show for Watford. The Nigerian was signed from Club Brugge this season, and has taken many by surprise. With Ismaila Sarr injured, Dennis has played his part in Watford's front line.
Dennis has scored seven goals and made five assists for Watford in the Premier League this campaign. Apart from solid finishing, Dennis has bags of composure and awareness. The Nigerian has been deadly in front of goal for Claudio Ranieri, and is Watford's leading goalscorer in the league.
With the Hornets fighting to stay in the Premier League, Dennis might prove to be crucial. They are just two points ahead of 18th-placed Burnley, having played a game more. Watford will hope his efforts can bring about a change in their team's stuttering fortunes.
