The Top Flight
Fansided

5 breakout stars in the Premier League this season

By Kwadwo Hemeng

WATFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Richarlison de Andrade of Watford celebrates as he scores their second goal during the Premier League match between Watford and West Ham United at Vicarage Road on November 19, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Richarlison de Andrade of Watford celebrates as he scores their second goal during the Premier League match between Watford and West Ham United at Vicarage Road on November 19, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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With big-money summer signings dominating Premier League headlines this summer, a few debutants have gone under the radar with some eye-catching performances this season. Here, we look at some of the breakouts stars of the 2017/2018 Premier League season.

Richarlison

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Richarlison de Andrade is one of the more exciting stories this Premier League campaign. The Brazilian winger was recruited from Fluminense this summer by Watford boss Marco Silva. Brazilian imports have not always had the best time in the Premier League, but Richarlison has taken England by storm. The Brazilian’s fearless attitude is partly due to the fact that he grew up in the streets, where he once had a gun pointed at his face. The winger has 5 goals and 3 assists so far, expect more to come from Watford’s Brazilian sensation this season.

Andreas Christensen

Andreas Christensen
Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City and Andreas Christensen of Chelsea battle for possession in the air during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Andreas Christensen’s performances this season have led some fans to question the £34 million signing of Antonio Rudiger. The defender has fitted seamlessly into Antonio Conte’s system. Christensen built up a reputation as one of Europe’s best ball-playing defenders during his two-year loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach. After David Luiz’s recent omission from the Chelsea squad, Antonio Conte’s defence is in safe hands with the 21-year-old.

Davinson Sanchez

Davinson Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal is challenged by Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

If someone told you that Tottenham Hotspurs’ record signing was an 18-year-old, you would not believe them. Sanchez’s presence has brought some steel to the Spurs backline. The 21-year-old Colombian has had an unbelievable start to his Premier League career, with some pundits likening his style of play to Italian legend Franco Baresi. With Alderweireld in a contract dispute with the club, Sanchez will be a mainstay in Spurs’ backline for years to come.

Nick Pope

Nick Pope
Nick Pope of Burnley reacts during the Premier League match between Burnley and Swansea City at Turf Moor (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

Tom Heaton’s long-term injury early this season has lead to the rise of Nick Pope. Pope has gone from unknown backup keeper to one of the finest shot-stoppers this season. Pope’s performances have been so impressive that an England call-up is not far off. With six clean sheets in 9 games this season, Burnley may just achieve a top half finish this season. This may just be his breakout season to take him to the 2018 World Cup.

Pascal Groß

Pascal Groß
Pascal Gross of Brighton and Hove Albion celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Stoke City (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

Brighton was dealt an unbelievably tough start to the season as they faced Manchester City on an opening day. After back-to-back defeats in their opening fixtures, the Seagulls have gone on a five-game unbeaten run. Their run of form has been down to the excellent form of summer signing Pascal Groß. Groß has provided 3 goals and 5 assists to lift Brighton up to 9th in the league. If the attacking midfielder can maintain his form throughout his breakout season, Brighton stands a chance of surviving relegation.

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