Top five Premier League unsung heroes this season

During the first half of another exhilarating Premier League season, we’ve seen several familiar superstars grab the headlines. Whether it be the free-scoring Mo Salah of Liverpool, a relentless Cole Palmer of Chelsea or the imperious Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal, plenty of the division’s consistent top performers have once again proved their worth.

However, the impressive displays of a handful of Premier League players have perhaps gone under the radar. Lurking in the shadows while others steal the attention of fans, pundits and journalists alike, these players are critical to the success of their clubs.

Here are the top five unsung heroes of the 2024-25 Premier League season so far:

Facundo Buonanotte | Leicester City  

Having struggled to become a regular starter at parent club Brighton & Hove Albion, Buonanotte secured a loan switch to Leicester City ahead of the 2024-25 season. The Argentinian hasn’t looked back since arriving in the East Midlands, registering four goals and two assists in his 16 Premier League appearances.

Inventive, versatile and able to hurt the opposition in the final third, the industrious playmaker adds energy and dynamism to a stuttering Foxes attack. Buonanotte has created six big chances, swung in 30 crosses and seen nine of his 23 shots hit the target. That’s an enviable set of stats for someone representing a relegation-threatened outfit.

Alexis Mac Allister | Liverpool

Although Arne Slot and many of his in-form players have rightly received plaudits as Liverpool set the pace at the summit of the Premier League table, others at Anfield have evaded recognition. Mac Allister arguably falls into this category, having delivered a series of assured performances in the Reds’ midfield engine room.

With a record of 52 tackles, 81 ball recoveries and 84 duels won in his 17 Premier League appearances, the hard-working Argentinian is vital to Slot’s remarkably well-oiled machine.

Justin Kluivert | Bournemouth

After a solid first campaign on the South Coast, Kluivert has really kicked into gear this term. Although the Dutchman was catapulted into the limelight after netting a hat trick of penalties in a thrilling victory over Wolves at Molineux, Kluivert has otherwise quietly gone about his business.

The former Roma attacker has nearly equaled his previous season’s goal tally (six) with several months to spare, and has already racked up 18 shots on target.

Iliman Ndiaye | Everton

A bright spark in yet another underwhelming campaign for the Toffees, Ndiaye has been a breath of fresh air since arriving on Merseyside in the summer. Having navigated an unorthodox route to the English top flight — enjoying spells with non-league Boreham Wood and Hyde United before returning to boyhood club Marseille via Sheffield United — Ndiaye appreciates everything he earns.

As well as helping his native Senegal qualify for a sixth consecutive African Cup of Nations, the pacey winger has provided needed flair and creativity down Everton’s left-hand flank.

Matz Sels | Nottingham Forest

This list wouldn’t be complete without a candidate from Nottingham Forest’s ranks, as the plucky underdogs continue to defy the odds. Belgian international Sels has encapsulated the essence of Forest’s fairytale start to the 2024-25 season, showing resilience, quality and a firm understanding of his role.

The former Newcastle stopper is thriving under the tutelage of retired goalkeeper and current manager Nuno Espírito Santo, having recorded more clean sheets than any of his Premier League peers.

Whether any of these underrated stars rise to greater prominence in the coming months remains to be seen, but their influence will likely be telling as the Premier League season reaches its climax in May.