Which players in Europe have outdone their expectations?
This article in the Washington Post discusses Tottenham’s surprise star Harry Kane, and his potential impact on the side long-term.
But the young Spurs striker is not Europe’s only surprise this season. There are plenty of players who have done more than was expected of them for their club already this year.
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11) Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
Many had written off the young Englishman, who had made it to 21 without establishing himself as a regular. However his astonishing nine goals this year have meant that the youngster has forced his way in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
10) Stewart Downing – West Ham
Downing’s resurgence at West Ham has come as Sam Allardyce has moved the former Liverpool star, more known for his wing player than his creative ability, to the tip of a midfield diamond.
9) Marouane Fellaini – Manchester United
Given how many attacking options Manchester United in the summer, it looked as if Marouane Fellaini would struggle for any minutes at all this season. But the strength he adds to the side proved vital against West Brom, and he has kept his place in the XI since.
8) José Callejon – Napoli
Former Real Madrid midfielder Callejon has been holding Napoli’s season together while Higuain has been out of form. The Spaniard has eight goals and an assist in just seven league starts.
7) Nacho Monreal – Arsenal
After Laurent Koscielny’s injury, Arsene Wenger chose his second choice left-back to deputise in the centre. Arsenal fans had their doubts about the decision, but the Spaniard has performed admirably in the unfamiliar role, and has repaid his manager’s faith.
6) Diafra Sakho – West Ham
Sakho has been key to West Ham’s fantastic start to the season. Signed from Ligue 2, the striker has come from nowhere to score six in his six Premier League starts.
5) Graziano Pelle – Southampton
The Italian striker scored bucket-loads of goals in the Eredivisie, but people had their doubts about whether he would be able to replicate that form in England. Has proved the doubters wrong with a prolific start to the season.
4) James Milner – Manchester City
The English midfielder has forced his way into the Man City team this year, his work-rate proving indispensable to the title challengers. With his contract running out in the summer, he will have plenty of suitors.
3) Gylfi Sigurdsson – Swansea
It was assumed that the Icelander would do better once he was back playing regularly, but nobody could have predicted just how much bettter. He has been at the heart of every goal Swansea have scored this year.
2) Xabi Alonso – Bayern Munich
Even Bayern fans were questioning Pep Guardiola’s decision to sign the 32-year-old, but his influence has been enormous already. He give Munich a vertical dimension that their play was lacking last year.
1) Kevin De Bruyne – Wolfsburg
It was a disappointing Capital One Cup tie against Swindon that sealed De Bruyne’s Chelsea fate, and some thought he would subsequently disappear into mediocrity. In fact, the Belgian playmaker has gone from strength to strength in the Bundesliga, and has been one of the stars of the season in Germany.