Premier League's Unexpected Stars: Wilson, Thiago, Semenyo, Calvert-Lewin & Grealish Shine
This Premier League season has been illuminated by a group of players who have defied expectations to become the campaign's most surprising and impactful performers. From fringe figures to focal points, their stories of resilience and revival are captivating football fans across the nation.
Harry Wilson: Fulham's Form Player and Match-Winner
Harry Wilson's transformation at Fulham has been nothing short of remarkable. After three seasons where he was often a spectator, making 89 league appearances with 48 from the bench and scoring just 12 goals, he was nearly transferred to Leeds in the summer. Fast-forward to today, and he has become undroppable, starting 20 of Fulham's 22 league games.
Only four players have been involved in more goals than Wilson's 12 this campaign: Erling Haaland (24), Igor Thiago (17), Bruno Fernandes (15), and Antoine Semenyo (13). His recent form is particularly impressive, with 10 goal involvements in his last 11 appearances, comprising six goals and four assists. Wilson has emerged as Fulham's go-to man in crucial moments, exemplified by his stunning 92nd-minute free-kick winner against Brighton.
His eight goals this season have been masterclasses in ball striking, from an audacious effort from the touchline at Spurs to an outside-of-the-boot finish against Palace that earned December's goal of the month award. Statistically, he has scored eight goals with an expected goals (xG) of just 3.81, resulting in a +4.19 xG difference – the second highest in the league. Without his contributions, Fulham would be 12 points worse off, underscoring his vital role.
Igor Thiago: Brentford's Goal-Scoring Sensation
Igor Thiago's journey from bricklaying in Brazil to bullying centre-backs in the Premier League is a tale of emphatic rise. Signed by Brentford in summer 2024 to replace Ivan Toney, his first season was marred by frustration due to two knee injuries that limited him to fleeting cameos. Few expected him to carry the weight left by departures like Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, who scored 39 league goals between them last season.
Yet, Thiago has defied all odds, scoring 16 goals in 23 games and chasing Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot. He is now the fourth-highest scorer in Europe's top five leagues, behind only Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Haaland, and the top-scoring Brazilian. His story of overcoming personal adversity, including working manual jobs after his father's death, adds a layer of inspiration to his on-field exploits.
Antoine Semenyo: Manchester City's Dynamic Force
Antoine Semenyo's path to stardom is a testament to perseverance. After quitting football at 15 following rejections from clubs like Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Tottenham, he focused on basketball before returning through a college programme. Bournemouth recognised his potential, paying £10m to bring him to the Premier League in January 2023, and he has since flourished.
Under Andoni Iraola's management, Semenyo became a star, hitting double figures for goals last season and starting this campaign with a bang by scoring twice at Anfield on the opening day. He has outpaced his expected goals by 4.36, with 11 goals from an xG of 6.64, and ranks highly in dribbles (78 attempts, seventh in the league) and shots (49, tenth most). Defensively, he has won possession in the final third 18 times, the second most in the Premier League. Since joining Manchester City, he has scored three goals in four games, proving the teenage reject was born for the biggest stage.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Leeds' Resurgent Striker
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's move to Leeds has sparked a remarkable resurgence. After joining Everton as a 19-year-old in 2016, he peaked with 29 goals in the 2020–21 season but saw his momentum ebb due to injuries, scoring just 12 goals in his last three seasons. With his contract ending, he sought a fresh start, signing a three-year deal with Leeds.
This decision has paid dividends, as Calvert-Lewin has scored eight goals in his last 12 appearances, rediscovering the form that earned him 11 England caps. If this run continues, he might add more under Thomas Tuchel this summer, marking a triumphant return to prominence.
Jack Grealish: Everton's Reborn Playmaker
Jack Grealish's £100m move to Manchester City in 2022 saw him moulded under Pep Guardiola's guidance, but his freedom was exchanged for control, leading to a drop in dribbles per game by 40%. Despite winning trophies, the spontaneous Grealish of Villa Park gradually slipped from view, starting just seven league games last season.
Everton offered an escape route, and under David Moyes, Grealish has been handed the keys to a team playing with newfound freedom. His starting percentage is back up to 75%, and he ranks third in the Premier League for assists (six), creating 38 chances – more than any Everton player by a distance. Recently, he scored his first goal from outside the box since November 2020, a strike symbolic of his reborn confidence. As former midfielder Leon Osman noted, he's playing with a smile again, bringing joy to Evertonians.
These five players have not only shone for their clubs but have redefined their careers, making this Premier League season one of unexpected brilliance and compelling narratives.
