3 Unheralded Players Taking the Premier League by Storm This Season

29 Jan 2025 ScoreWaves Staff view

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The Premier League never ceases to surprise, and this season is no exception. While the spotlight often shines on the usual superstars, a trio of unheralded players has emerged, capturing the attention of fans and pundits alike. So, here are the three players taking the Premier League by storm.

1. Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)

Football has always had a habit of writing long, winding stories, and Justin Kluivert’s journey is no exception. The son of Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert, Justin was once seen as the next big thing in European football. A graduate of Ajax’s famed youth academy, he showcased his immense talent early on, playing a key role in Ajax’s 2017 Europa League campaign. But while that run ended in heartbreak against Manchester United, a post-match moment between José Mourinho and Kluivert caught everyone’s attention. The two were seen in deep conversation, sparking rumors that the Premier League was his destiny.

That move, however, didn’t materialize—at least not right away. Instead, Kluivert embarked on a nomadic career that took him across Europe. He made stops at Roma, RB Leipzig, Valencia, and Nice, but despite flashes of brilliance, he never quite found a place to truly call home. For years, he was viewed as a player with incredible potential but no stability. That perception has changed dramatically this season.

Now at Bournemouth, Kluivert is finally flourishing under Andoni Iraola. The Cherries have been one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League this season, and Kluivert has been at the heart of their attacking brilliance. With 11 goals and four assists in 18 starts, he has become Bournemouth’s most influential player, driving them into the top seven. His pace, skill, and eye for goal have made him a nightmare for defenders. At 25, Kluivert is no longer just a promising youngster—he’s a player delivering on his potential. It may have taken longer than expected, but he has arrived in the Premier League in style. And if his performances continue, this could just be the start of something special.

2. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forrest)

When Nottingham Forest signed Chris Wood in 2023, most assumed he would be a squad player – an experienced forward brought in for depth rather than as a key figure. Fast forward to the present, and Wood has completely flipped that narrative on its head. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, the New Zealander has become the focal point of Forest’s attack, proving that age is just a number when you have the right system and the right mentality.

At 33, Wood isn’t the quickest striker in the league, but what he lacks in speed, he more than makes up for with his physicality, aerial dominance, and elite finishing. Espírito Santo’s counter-attacking system has played to his strengths perfectly. Wood thrives on direct play, holding up the ball, linking up with midfield runners, and – most importantly – putting the ball in the back of the net. His presence gives Forest a reliable target man, someone who can turn hopeful crosses into goals and unsettle even the best defenses.

The numbers speak for themselves. Wood has already equaled his goal tally from last season—14 goals—with 15 games still to play. Even more impressively, he has significantly outperformed his expected goals (xG) of 7.54, proving just how clinical he has been in front of goal. That kind of efficiency isn’t just good – it’s elite. In fact, his goal-scoring form puts him among the most prolific finishers in all of Europe this season.

Few would have predicted such a resurgence from Wood, but under Espírito Santo’s guidance, he has found a new lease on life. Forest’s counter-attacking style has allowed him to thrive, and if he keeps up this form, he could be the difference between a mid-table finish and an unlikely European push. Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Chris Wood isn’t just a role player – he’s Nottingham Forest’s main man.

3. Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

The 2024-25 Premier League season has been nothing short of bizarre. Traditional powerhouses like Manchester United and Spurs find themselves languishing in the bottom half, while clubs like Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have stormed into the top seven. Among these surprise packages, Fulham have quietly put together an impressive campaign. While their recent form has wavered, there’s no denying they are one of the league’s most improved sides. And at the heart of that improvement is Antonee Robinson.

The 27-year-old fullback has taken his game to another level under Marco Silva, establishing himself as one of the best in the league. His attacking output has been nothing short of phenomenal—no defender has contributed more goal involvements than Robinson’s nine assists this season. He has transformed into Fulham’s creative engine down the left flank, constantly driving forward, delivering pinpoint crosses, and stretching opposition defenses.

But Robinson isn’t just a weapon in attack—he’s also rock-solid at the back. His defensive numbers are among the best in the league, ranking in the 96th percentile among fullbacks for interceptions (1.73 per 90) and in the 88th percentile for clearances (3.33 per 90). He reads the game brilliantly, snuffing out danger before it develops, all while maintaining the energy to contribute going forward.

Unsurprisingly, his performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Robinson has already been linked with a move to Liverpool, a testament to just how good he’s been. And honestly, who would doubt it? He has the defensive reliability, attacking prowess, and work ethic to thrive at a top club. Fulham may not be grabbing all the headlines this season, but Robinson’s form has been impossible to ignore. If he keeps playing at this level, it’s only a matter of time before he earns a move to one of Europe’s elite.

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