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#3 Sander Berge (Sheffield United)
If we’re honest, none of Sheffield United’s squad have really covered themselves in glory during the current Premier League season, with the Blades looking downright diabolical for stretches of the campaign.
However, one player who has largely avoided most of the malaise that has hit the likes of Rhian Brewster and John Lundstram is midfielder Sander Berge.
Berge has made just 15 appearances, largely because injuries have restricted his playing time. As a result, the Norwegian’s reputation remains intact following a strong debut season in 2019-20.
A deep-lying midfielder with an excellent range of passing, Berge’s all-action style has seen him compared to fellow Scandinavian Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. But in truth, he’s probably a slightly more progressive player than the Dane.
Berge could offer plenty to even the biggest Premier League sides. And with Giorginio Wijnaldum due to depart Anfield, it’s no surprise that he’s been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Even if that doesn’t pan out, expect another Premier League side – perhaps Everton or Southampton – to take a chance on the Norwegian in the summer.
#4 Joachim Andersen (Fulham)
While Fulham were eventually relegated from the Premier League following last night’s loss to Burnley, it’s safe to say that the Cottagers were much improved from the weak side that started the campaign.
That’s largely because boss Scott Parker was able to transform a creaky defense consisting of the likes of Tim Ream and Michael Hector in the final transfer window of 2020, bringing in numerous players to replace them.
One of those players was central defender Joachim Andersen, and it’s safe to say that the Dane made quite the impact in London during 2020-21.
Still only 24 years old, Andersen has made 29 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal and registering one assist.
But naturally, it’s his defensive work that’s made him stand out. He’s averaged remarkably highly in tackles per game, interceptions per game and clearances per game too.
The stumbling block for a Premier League side looking to sign Andersen this summer may be the fact that while he’s starred for Fulham this season, he remains a Lyon player officially, and the French side may not want to sell.
The Dane may well be worth paying big money for a club like Tottenham, who are looking to bolster their defense this summer.
#5 Sam Johnstone (West Bromwich Albion)
Given the nature of a relegated side, it’s always hard for a goalkeeper to truly shine for a team in the Premier League’s bottom three.
However, West Brom’s Sam Johnstone has done just that this season. It’ll be no surprise if he ends up making a big move away from the Hawthorns to a Premier League club this summer.
A product of Manchester United’s academy, Johnstone was largely an unknown entity coming into this season, despite being 28 years old already.
But after acting as West Brom’s #1 for two seasons in the EFL Championship, he’s made a real impact in the Premier League this season.
Sure, his saves haven’t been able to keep West Brom in the top flight, but without him between the sticks, who knows how bad things might’ve gotten?
Johnstone has made a total of 150 saves this season, including one penalty, and he’s never made an error leading directly to a goal.
In fact, after being called into the England squad for the recent internationals in March, the Baggies keeper may even have an outside chance of going to the European Championship.
Johnstone has already been linked with moves to Tottenham and West Ham, and so it seems highly likely he’ll be back in the Premier League before 2021-22.
