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Dominic Solanke, Bournemouth
After scoring just six league goals last season, Dominic Solanke has really stepped up this season with 19 – the best return of any Bournemouth player in Premier League season. The appointment of Andoni Iraola has proved a blessing in disguise for the 26-year-old, who is finally realizing the potential he showed when he burst onto the scene with Chelsea. Alexander Isaac and Ollie Watkins have won high praise for their performances; Solanke deserves just as much praise.
Ryan Christie, Bournemouth
Ryan Christie also benefited from Iraola’s arrival on the south coast. He was more of a creative midfielder in his Celtic days but has adapted his game to play a deeper role under the new manager. Christie still does the creative part of the game — he has five assists — but even more impressively, he also defends. He has won possession in midfield third 121 times in the league this season – second only to Rodri. Bournemouth are aiming to finish in the top half of the table and that is as much down to the Scotland international as Solanke.
James Tarkowski, Everton
Despite only recently confirming their top-flight status for next season, Everton boast the fourth-best defensive record in the division, conceding just 49 times this season. To put that into some context, Aston Villa, who are heading into the Champions League, have conceded 56. Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite have received much praise for the team’s record at the back, but James Tarkowski also deserves admiration. He is first in the league in aerial duels won (143), blocked shots (54) and second in clearances (182). Often in the right place at the right time, Tarkovsky was again vital.
Anthony Robinson, Fulham
It’s been another solid season for Anthony Robinson at Fulham, so much so that the American international has been linked with a high-profile exit this year. Joao Palinha’s defensive prowess is rightly applauded, but the left-back’s keen understanding of the game allows Fulham to quickly turn defense into attack. Robinson has made more interceptions (78) than any other player in the Premier League this season. When it comes to filling the left-back spot in the Team of the Season, the 26-year-old deserves a mention.
Ross Barclay, Luton
One of the best free signings in recent years, Ross Barkley’s impact has given Luton much-needed movement through midfield, easing the onus on the full-backs to provide attacking outlets. Bruno Guimaraes (69) is the only central midfielder to have completed more dribbles than Barkley (66) this season, who ranks fifth overall. Luton are back in the Championship but the 30-year-old proved he can still perform at the highest level.
Pascal Gross, Brighton
Only Ollie Watkins (13) has registered more assists than Pascal Gross (10) in the Premier League this season and only Bruno Fernandes (108) has made more key passes than the Germany midfielder (97). Brighton end the campaign with a whimper rather than a bang, but Gross continues to prove his stardom in the middle of the park. Not only is he adept at creating chances, but his hard work off the ball gives other players the freedom to go forward.
Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have almost guaranteed their place in the Premier League next season, but Morgan Gibbs-White is unlikely to stay at the City Ground. Interest in Gibbs-White is high and deservedly so. Like Gross, the 24-year-old has 10 assists this season, a remarkable feat in a Forest side that have scored the fourth fewest goals (47) in the league. Any club in the market for a creative and versatile attacking midfielder this summer should consider Gibbs-White.
Daniel Munoz, Crystal Palace
The Eagles have soared since Oliver Glassner took over as manager in February. Glassner turned Jean-Philippe Mateta into a first-class Ronaldo; Michael Oliz and Ebere Eze have continued to bloom; Adam Wharton proved a bargain buy; and Daniel Munoz has settled seamlessly into the squad since his arrival in January. The Colombian made his place at right-back following Glassner’s appointment and made the sixth most tackles (53) in 2024, as well as recording three assists – two of which in Palace’s 4-0 rout of Manchester United. His arrival from Genk slipped under the radar, but he really shone at Selhurst Park. Munoz also scored his first international goal in March in a 1-0 win against Spain – Colombia’s first win against the Spaniards.
Photo: Ryan Pierce/Getty Images
Fabian Sher, Newcastle
Fabian Scherr has remained steady during Newcastle’s injury crisis. Only Bruno Guimaraes (3,089) has played more minutes than Sherr (2,940) for Newcastle in the league this season, and despite having to adapt to a number of different center partners, he has once again proven himself to be one of the best Eddie Howe Performers. Newcastle’s forwards got the job done, particularly Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, with the 32-year-old giving them a solid foundation to build on.
Pablo Sarabia, Wolves
Wolves’ attack was initially built on speed this season with Hwang Hee-chan, Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto all flourishing as they linked up well with Gary O’Neill’s side. Pablo Sarabia had to watch from the sidelines, with five of his first seven appearances coming from the bench. However, as injuries began to mount at Molineux, Sarabia was called upon more often and he performed admirably despite the absence of key attacking teammates. Ten Wolves players have enjoyed more minutes on the pitch this season, but only Neto has more assists (nine to Sarabia’s seven) and none has made more key passes.
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