Big Six players who exceeded themselves in 2018/19

In the 2018/19 Premier League season, the ‘top six’ clubs have made it clearer than ever they are a separate entity from the rest of the league. Their incredible squad depth mixed with large transfer and wage budgets ensures they always have the chance to outperform a plucky underdog. These squads, though, are often filled with players who one simply does not expect to do well, before going on to exceed expectation.

Who could look at their season at the top end of the Premier League and feel like they have truly excelled beyond expectation?

Fernandinho

Though the former Shakhtar Donetsk man has long been a top player, this season has been among his most impressive yet. He’s a lynchpin for Manchester City, and his loss to injury during the festive period was part of the reason why City stopped performing – and picking up points – to the same standard as before.

Having played most of their league campaign, the Brazilian international has shown just how he stands out from the rest.

Georginio Wijnaldum

When the Dutchman signed for Liverpool from Newcastle United, many wondered what the attraction was. A love of clutch goals and big-moments in a red shirt, though, have shown why ‘Gini’ is among the most beloved players in the Liverpool squad. A consummate professional with an eye for goals, he’s been an exceptional addition to the Liverpool side.

Embed from Getty Images

Without doubt, he’s a player who has excelled in Liverpool, particularly after the arrivals of Naby Keita and Fabinho challenged his starting role.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Despite struggling for game time, with just 5 starts in the Premier League, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has impressed almost every time he has taken to the field. An impressive 5 goals in just 21 games in the league is good, as is his impressive ratio in the UEFA Europa League. The 23-year-old has most likely ensured he sticks around at Stamford Bridge with a strong, assured season that has seen him make an impressive 39 appearances in all competitions.

Lucas Torreira

When the little Uruguayan came to England from Sampdoria, many wondered if Arsenal were the right club for him. However, he’s excelled most weeks, with the 23-year-old quickly standing out as one of the more impressive midfield ball winners in the league.

Creative, too, he has far exceeded expectation since his arrival. He looks set to be part of the Arsenal midfield for many, many years to come – definitely one Arsenal fans will be happy with.

Paul Pogba

Though you wouldn’t think it by the way some go on, Paul Pogba has enjoyed a good (second half) of the season. He has excelled for United, often being the difference between a result and a loss. His main issue is consistency, but this can easily be worked upon. He’s got quality in both feet and, if he sticks around for 2019-20, could build on a good 2019 after a rather stop-start 2018 in the red of Manchester United.

Embed from Getty Images

Featured Image Credit: Noah Salzman [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]