Premier League footballers' abilities can be measured in several ways, ranging from performance attributes and statistical analysis to transfer values paid for them. While many parameters for evaluating players are purely related to performance metrics, clubs often keep tabs on market valuations.
Market valuations are usually an accurate representation of a player's abilities. However, clubs must also take into account additional costs when looking to acquire a player they are interested in before determining a likely transfer fee. The number of years left on their contract and the unwillingness of other Premier League clubs to sell their best players to direct rivals are two such factors.
Market valuations rise when Premier League footballers play well
Market valuations are not static, and they change with the form and performances of a footballer. When a player consistently puts in good performances, their valuations rise to account for their reliability. The following list of footballers has had a purple patch in the Premier League, marked by a rise in their valuations.
All market values have been taken from transfermarkt.com.
#10. Gabriel Martinelli: +€6M
Gabriel Martinelli is considered one of the brightest young prospects in the Premier League. He was fast-tracked into Arsenal's first team based on his ability and eye for goal. He joined the London-based club from the South American club Ituano for a fee of €6.70 million in 2019. Despite his spirited start, Martinelli has had to deal with injuries in recent times, which have slightly hindered his development.
Despite staying fit in the current campaign, Martinelli had to wait for his chances. Grabbing his opportunity, he has struck a rich vein of form with three goals and an assist in his last three Premier League games.
Martinelli's valuation has now increased from €22 million in June earlier this year to €28 million as of December 23.
#9. Valentino Livramento: +€6M
Valentino Livramento made the switch from Chelsea to Southampton in search of minutes in the summer, and the wonderkid hasn't looked back since. Even Southampton fans have been surprised at the maturity Livaramento exhibits on the football pitch despite being only 19 years of age.
The English right-back has impressed a lot of viewers with his performances this season. Livramento looks like a full-back who can execute his defensive and offensive duties equally well.
Although Southampton have had a poor season so far, Livramento has been one of the club's shining lights. Livramento has become a first-team regular, and his market valuation has risen from €12 million in October to €18 million in December.
#8. Demarai Gray: +€7M
Demarai Gray has been on a redemption arc this season. The English winger had a fairly mediocre spell at Bayer Leverkusen before returning to England with Everton in the summer. Many eyebrows were raised as some felt that Gray's growth had stalled and his development was more or less done. But he has since proved everyone wrong with his performances for the Toffees.
Since joining Everton, Gray has been a standout performer for Rafa Benitez's side. He has made 18 appearances for the Merseyside club so far in all competitions. Gray has scored five times and provided two assists to help Everton keep up their pursuit for European football next season.
Gray's market value rose from €15 million in October to €22 million in December.
#7. Conor Gallagher: +€7M
Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher has been a standout performer among Premier League midfielders this season. While Crystal Palace have performed quite well under Patrick Vieira, Gallagher has been the star of the club so far. He has exhibited great maturity and technical ability with the ball as well as keen defensive understanding.
Despite being in the mold of a traditional central midfielder, Gallagher has already racked up 9 goal involvements this season. He has made 16 Premier League appearances, scoring six goals and creating three assists to help Crystal Palace push for a top-10 standing.
Gallagher's market value has risen to €22 million in December after a valuation of €15 million in June.
#6. Jacob Ramsey: +€7M
Aston Villa may have a star on their hands in English attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey. Jacob is an Aston Villa academy graduate and has regularly featured for the club this season, especially under Steven Gerrard. He is good on the ball and has shown good vision and goal-scoring attributes on occasions.
Ramsey has managed over 900 minutes of game time in the Premier League, scoring twice in the process. At the moment, Jacob has a market valuation of €15 million compared to his previous value of €8 million in October.
#5. Raphinha: +€8M
Many Leeds faithful were unsure of what to expect from Brazilian winger Raphinha after his signing from French club Stade Rennais in 2020. But throughout the last year and a half, Raphinha has been the star performer at Elland Road. He has taken no time to adjust to the demands of the Premier League and has been one of the best performers for Marcelo Bielsa's team.
Raphinha has made 16 Premier League appearances for Leeds in the current campaign and has scored eight times and provided one assist. His goals have been important in a season where Leeds have blown hot and cold and suffered from inconsistencies.
Raphinha's valuation has now increased further to €40 million from €32 million in October.
#4. Trevoh Chalobah: +€8M
Big clubs in the Premier League have one or two surprise prospects every season, and it seems to be Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah this year. The 22-year-old was awarded a new deal in the summer and has kept the Blues' faith with his performances. Chalobah can play as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder, a quality that has served him well in securing game time.
Chalobah has played over 1200 minutes across all competitions in the current campaign. He has looked extremely mature on the ball and has even chipped in with three goals from 17 appearances.
His market valuation is currently set at €18 million for the time being, an impressive jump from being valued at €10 million in October.
#3. Reece James: +€10M
Chelsea's Reece James joins the list as one of the Premier League's best right-backs this season. James has shown defensive solidity, but his offensive contributions for Chelsea have been the standout feature of his season so far.
James has accumulated close to 1500 minutes across 21 appearances in all competitions this term. He has been a solid performer in the attacking department, where he has scored five goals and helped set up seven.
His valuation has now increased to €55 million from €45 million back in October.
#2. Emile Smith Rowe: +€10M
Emile Smith Rowe has been carrying Arsenal's flag and helping it fly high in what has been a mixed campaign so far. Arsenal's offensive unit has often been poor this season, especially with main striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang having a poor run of form.
Under such circumstances, Smith Rowe has been performing consistently in the Premier League. The English midfielder has a great range of passing, and is adept at creating and scoring chances himself.
In the current campaign, Smith Rowe has already made 19 appearances and accumulated more than 1350 minutes across all competitions. He has scored eight goals and provided two assists in the process.
His valuation has witnessed a steady rise, and it looks set to end the year at €38 million from a previous value of €28 million in October
#1. Diogo Jota: +€15M
There will always be lingering doubts when a club with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane invested heavily in another attacker. Questions were raised about how much game time Diogo Jota would get, and whether his performances at Wolves were good enough to justify a transfer fee of €44.70 million. A season and a half later, Jota has proved to be a stellar signing for Jurgen Klopp and his club.
Jota has been one of the best performers in the Premier League this season. He has provided a valuable attacking alternative when opposition teams sought to control Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
The Portuguese forward has made 22 appearances in all competitions, managing an incredible 14 goal involvement along the way. His 12 goals have helped keep Liverpool in contention for their next Premier League title, and his valuation has now increased to €60 million from €45 million back in June.