The best performers who weren’t expected.
The 2014/15 Premier League has already thrown up many surprises and here CaughtOffside brings you 10 players who have far exceeded the expectations of them.
READ MORE:
Who the 23 Ballon d’Or nominees should be based on statistics.
FIFA announce 10 nominees for Coach of the Year.
(Video) Football legend Diego Maradona filmed hitting his ex-fiance Rocio Olivia.
10. Gylfi Sigurdsson, Swansea City
Having impressed in English football previously during a loan spell with the Swans, Sigurdsson then essentially wasted his time at Tottenham Hotspur, but now back at the Liberty Stadium and seven assists shows he’s back to his best.
9. Saido Berahino, West Bromwich Albion
When he first burst onto the scene with the winner against Manchester United last season many thought Berahino was the next big thing, but then his form dropped and it’s therefore a surprise that he is now back in form with seven league strikes and has been linked with Liverpool as a result.
8. Ryan Bertrand, Southampton
The left-back departed Chelsea on-loan with Jose Mourinho not deeming him good enough, but Bertrand has played a vital part in the Saints’ success and has filled the void left by Luke Shaw superbly.
7. Diafra Sakho, West Ham United
Signed from Metz over the summer as a relative unknown, this striker now has six goals in just seven appearances and has helped catapult the Hammers to the top four.
6. Leanardo Ulloa, Leicester City
Had done well with Brighton & Hove Albion, but many questioned whether he could cut it in the top flight with no experience there, yet five goals to date has silenced most of those critics.
5. Victor Moses, Stoke City
Another currently on-loan from Stamford Bridge and having been wasted at Liverpool last term this Nigeria international is flourishing under Mark Hughes in a new look Stoke team.
4. Nacer Chadli, Tottenham Hotspur
Was one of the bigger flops from 2013’s bumper summer of spending for Spurs, but with four league goals already this campaign from the wing the Belgium international is one of the few positives for the North London club.
3. Steven Naismith, Everton
Not a glamourous player but Roberto Martinez has utilised this Scotland international to great effect and Naismith has repaid the faith with four goals.
2. Michael Dawson, Hull City
Looked past it at White Hart Lane last season, but since his switch to the Tigers the centre-back has been reinvigorated and has helped the Yorkshire club to some unlikely results already.
1. Stewart Downing, West Ham United
Top of the pile and it’s an Englishman who is really excelling after having some faith put in him bu boss Sam Allardyce and the 30-year-old is reveling in an unexpected new role as a No.10 behind the striker.