At the beginning of the drama that is the Premier League, there are certain individuals whose roles are unknown. These players are not expected to raise many eyebrows. But as sportsmen often do, they defy the expectations.
Some play understudy to a key player. Some are not suited to the formations and tactics. Some are young players yet to make their mark. The remaining? They are deemed not good enough.
Also read: EPL 2016/17: 5 most unexpected results so far this season
Luckily though, injuries, formation changes and transfers can unexpectedly change the situation. An upturn in fortunes can happen quickly and propel even the most unlikely footballers into the limelight. Some take the pressure positively and perform admirably despite no specific expectations.
On that note, here are the top five unexpected performers from the recently concluded Premier League.
#5 Victor Moses
The Nigerian winger has been at Chelsea since 2012 but often found playing time difficult to come by. He played under Rafa Benitez in 2013 but in the following three seasons, he was loaned out to Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham by Jose Mourinho.
Many presumed he’d continue his role of being a loan dweller, but he found a new beginning under Antonio Conte. Moses was on the periphery in the first few games, but after Conte turned to the 3-4-3 formation, the former Wigan Athletic star impressed at the right wing-back position.
The width provided by Moses and fellow wing-back Marcos Alonso has been crucial to Chelsea's success. Moses' defensive abilities have improved as well; a goal-saving tackle on Sergio Aguero in December being the prime example.
The Nigerian has made the position his own due to his work rate, pace and dribbling ability. He also mustered three goals and two assists in 34 league appearances this past season.
Victor Moses, a perennial loanee who became a key player for the Champions.
#4 Son Heung-Min
The South Korean's future looked bleak at Tottenham Hotspur as the likes of Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli were rated higher than him by his manager. Even after Lamela got injured, Mauricio Pochettino changed his system which left Son out of the side.
It was Harry Kane’s injury though which proved to be a blessing in disguise. Son deputised for Kane, and how. Kane's second injury in March meant that Son enjoyed another goal scoring run.
Such were Son's performances that Pochettino reverted to a back four to accommodate him and the winger did not fail to deliver. He scored 14 goals and managed six assists in just 23 starts in the league.
Son's late flurry kept Spurs in the title hunt and though the title got away, his contributions did not go unnoticed.
#3 Joshua King
The Norwegian striker had a mellow first season in the top flight, scoring just six goals. Also, Bournemouth had the likes of Benik Afobe, Callum Wilson and Junior Stanislas ahead of him in the pecking order. Few would have predicted his output the following season, especially since the turn of the year.
King scored an astonishing 13 league goals in 2017, taking his tally for the season to 16. The Cherries' man scored more league goals than the more heralded Kevin De Bruyne, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Jamie Vardy.
His goals helped Eddie Howe navigate Bournemouth from a potentially tricky relegation fight to a top half finish.
#2 David Luiz
David Luiz endured an interesting first spell at Stamford Bridge which saw him winning the Champions League. But losing concentration and committing mistakes too often led to his departure to Paris Saint-Germain.
When new Chelsea boss Conte signed Luiz at the transfer deadline for hefty money, it was termed as a 'panic move'. But the Brazilian silenced his critics courtesy of an impressive season, propelling Chelsea to the league title.
He played the sweeper role in Chelsea's back three, which was perfect for his ability to spray long balls and to read the game defensively. His partnership with Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill reaped dividends as Chelsea kept the most clean sheets in the league.
Luiz limited his lapses of concentration and kept strikers like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane scoreless in league encounters.
His solid campaign was rewarded with a place in the PFA team of the season. Truly a perfect homecoming.
#1 Jordan Pickford
The 23-year-old English keeper was unheard of prior to the season. David Moyes chose him over the more experienced Vito Mannone and Pickford delivered.
His shot stopping abilities saw him make the second most saves with 135, just six short of Burnley’s Tom Heaton. His distribution was commendable as well, his accurate long passes proving as much.
Former manager Moyes said that Pickford has it in him to make it as a world class goalkeeper, and few can refute his claim. Pickford’s performances earned him an England U21 call-up, and the senior team does not look far off.
He was truly the bright spot in a drab Sunderland season.
