Surprise packages came in all forms during the latest Premier League season. Be-it surprise title contenders Liverpool, newly-promoted Crystal Palace or the fall from grace of the previous years champions Manchester United, shocks were thrown up throughout the season.Certain players also raised a few eyebrows, suddenly stringing together form that they had previously looked incapable of.Here are five of our most improved players this season.
#1 Samir Nasri
One of a number of Manchester City players to flourish under the more attacking style of Manuel Pellegrini, Samir Nasri recaptured his form this season with a string of impressive creative displays on the way to City’s title victory.
Nasri, left out of France’s World Cup Squad, created 91 chances to register the second highest chance creation in the division – one behind Chelsea’s Eden Hazard – while also scoring seven league goals.
#2 Raheem Sterling
The first of two Liverpool players to make the list, Sterling’s improvement came in the form of consistency. He broke onto the scene at the start of last season, but didn’t manage to hold onto his place in the side.
This time around, the former QPR youngster sustained his early season promise rather than fading away. Driving at teams from the top of the Liverpool diamond, Sterling scored nine goals, provided five assists and went past his man on 92 ocassions.
#3 Jordan Henderson
At the start of last season, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was looking to offload Henderson and even got as far as accepting a bid from Fulham for his services. The season continued in a similar vein, giving little sign of what was to come over the next 18 months. In truth, Henderson’s rise encompasses some of last season, but this has been his first full season in the side.
The former Sunderland man built on starting the last eight games of the season by cementing his place in the side at the start of the season and has not looked back since. He has provided seven assists this season and was an integral part of the Liverpool side that finished second in the league, going from fringe player to key man in the course of a year.
#4 Jay Rodriguez
Cruelly deprived of the chance to represent his country at the World Cup by injury, Jay Rodriguez was experiencing the season of his career prior to his injury.
The Southampton striker netted 15 goals in 33 appearances before his injury, having scored six the season before. His shot conversion rate went up from 8.7% last season to 20.3% this season, making him one of our most improved.
#5 Aaron Ramsey
Seemingly on borrowed time at Arsenal last season, Aaron Ramsey looked destined to forever be remembered for his then career-defining injury this time last year.
Fast forward a year and he is one of Arsenal’s key players. A barnstorming start to the season helped him reach double figures in terms of goals, although mid-season injury problems disrupted his progress. The Welshman also notched eight assists, while his tackle total of 65 was bettered by only one Arsenal player.
