We knew Aaron Ramsey, Eden Hazard and Luis Suarez would come in and perform this season, having had the summer to improve and hone their craft. We also knew Fernandinho and Nemanja Matic were world-class players, capable of settling instantly and excelling in English football.
But who saw Raheem Sterling coming? Such impact at key stages in a title race is rare for a 19-year-old, and it’s even more impressive when you consider he was dropped for close to a year prior to his heroic antics.
One of the storylines of the season has been surprise players like Sterling, rising from the shadows and throwing their hat into the conversation of “underrated” or “star” performers.
Here, we pick a top five starting with Liverpool’s favoured son himself.
Raheem Sterling, Liverpool
Sterling has been Liverpool’s best player for the last five weeks, and as Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge’s influence has waned, his has increased in order to keep the Reds on top.
Eleven straight wins is a lot of wins, and if Liverpool end up winning the title it will likely be because they won a whopping 14 games in a row to end the season.
Sterling has now proven he can play inside as well as on the flank, his assured nature on the pitch is mind-boggling given his age (19) and his goal production is improving.
Curtis Davies, Hull City
This time last year, Curtis Davies was fighting a tough campaign against relegation with Birmingham City…in the Championship.
Fast-forward 12 months and he’s leading a Premier League defensive line to safety and will captain his club at a Wembley final against Arsenal soon enough.
Steve Bruce regularly switches between a back-three and a back-four, and Davies is the man he relies upon to stitch it all together and lead by example. He’s tough in the air, brave as you like and careful when tackling too.
David Marshall, Cardiff City
David Marshall has been a busy man in goal for Cardiff City, but if it weren’t for him their survival bid would have ended a long, long time ago.
Perhaps he’s more thoroughly under the microscope because his side are under so much pressure, but when he’s making one-handed saves and tipping goal-bound headers over the bar, there are few slights you can make at the Scot.
Early predictions that he’ll have a Premier League club regardless next season are likely to turn out accurate.
Jay Rodriguez, Southampton
Over the last eight months, Jay Rodriguez’s game has been transformed. No longer just a pace-merchant with an eye for a finish, his all-round play has come on leaps and bounds and he is the focal point in Southampton’s attacking game.
When people laud Jose Mourinho for his work in helping Eden Hazard along, point out the work Mauricio Pochettino has done with “JROD” as it deserves equal acclaim.
A cruel knee injury ended his season and any World Cup hopes. Since that day the Saints have struggled to score goals.
Steven Naismith, Everton
Steven Naismith used to be the scapegoat for all of Everton’s issues, yet he’s now set to finish the season as one of their most in-form, integral players.
He works insanely hard and does whatever Roberto Martinez asks of him, plays in any position necessary and always does what’s best for the team.
His transformation has not gone unnoticed in the eyes of the Everton faithful, and his improvements have been rewarded with an endorsement from the crowd.
