[New post] ‘Too small’ Man United summer signing, Arsenal back-up and Newcastle’s magic man among most surprising Premier League hits of season
Robert Calcutt posted: " There is no doubt that the Premier League has some of the best talent football has to offer. Stars from across the country have proven their worth so far this season, producing exciting battles at both ends of the table. Arsenal and" talkSPORT
There is no doubt that the Premier League has some of the best talent football has to offer.
Stars from across the country have proven their worth so far this season, producing exciting battles at both ends of the table.
Arsenal remain on course for the Premier League title this seasonMany clubs and players have performed better than expected
Arsenal and Manchester City are battling for the title - with Manchester United not out of the race yet either - while the fight for survival looks set to go to the wire.
Amidst the excitement and drama, a handful of players have emerged as some of the league's most surprising stars so far this season.
Some only arrived in the summer and others had struggled in previous years, but have shone this time around.
talkSPORT.com takes a look at six players who have exceeded expectations in a thrilling Premier League campaign to date...
Miguel Almiron - Newcastle
Almiron's performances have coincided with Newcastle's impressive run of results
Almiron has been a hugely influential figure in the Magpies' rise into the Premier League top four.
The Paraguayan was quiet in his previous three campaigns at St James' Park, but he has taken his game to a whole new level this term.
He has scored ten goals in the Premier League, which is already more than his tally of nine before the current campaign.
Almiron has thrived under Eddie Howe, and his efforts could help them return to European football for the first time since 2013.
It would also come as no surprise if he was named as Newcastle's player of the season in the summer.
Granit Xhaka - Arsenal
Arsenal know they can rely on Xhaka to help deliver wins
Arsenal captain Xhaka has been a 'Jekyll and Hyde' figure amongst fans at the Emirates Stadium since his arrival in 2016.
His antics are now a distant memory for many though thanks to the 30-year-old's meteoric efforts for the league leaders.
Leadership qualities and technical ability have been displayed throughout a campaign in which he has started every league game.
The Swiss international has helped to inspire the side to 19 wins from 25 matches, with Arsenal currently five points clear at the top.
Xhaka could find himself following the footsteps of Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams in May if Arsenal do go all the way and win the league.
Kaoru Mitoma - Brighton
Mitoma has impressed in the Premier League after his loan spell at Union SG last season
Brighton are flirting with the prospect of European football next season, and Mitoma has been a key part of their success so far.
The winger has really made a name for himself in his debut Premier League campaign despite a slow start to life at the Seagulls.
Mitoma's form from November onwards has seen him score five goals and assist once in his last ten league games.
The 25-year-old also shone at the World Cup with Japan and will surely remain as a key asset for Roberto De Zerbi's side this season.
Bernd Leno - Fulham
Leno has thrived for the Cottagers this season
Leno signed for Fulham from Arsenal in the summer after being demoted to back-up behind Aaron Ramsdale.
He has maintained his Premier League form in west London though, keeping seven clean sheets so far this season.
The German's efforts in goal have heavily contributed to Fulham's emergence in the European qualification spots.
Marco Silva knows he has an experienced and reliable asset at his disposal at Craven Cottage.
Lisandro Martinez - Manchester United
Martinez has quickly become a fan favourite at Old Trafford
Standing at a height of 5ft 9in, a number of pundits - Jamie Carragher among them - expressed concerns that Martinez was 'too small' and would not suit the Premier League's physicality.
However, such fears have been swept away by the Argentinian, who is a key starter for Erik ten Hag at United.
His eight clean sheets in 22 league appearances have contributed to the club's current 3rd place standing in the table.
The centre-back has formed a solid centre-back relationship alongside fellow World Cup winner Raphael Varane.
Eddie Nketiah - Arsenal
Arteta has been able to trust Nketiah in the absence of Jesus
Gabriel Jesus impressed in his early weeks at Arsenal but has not played for the club since November due to injury.
There were fears Nketiah would not be able to replace the Brazilian up front, but his post-World Cup form has shunned these worries.
Four goals in nine games after Boxing Day helped ensure Arteta's side still lead the race for the title.
The backend of last season saw him score five goals, a number he will likely exceed during the rest of this season.
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