The footballing adventure for the 2018/19 season is already past it's halfway and we have been subjected to some brilliant football this season, especially in the Premier League. From the relegation battle to the fight for the title, the English Premier League has entertained us thoroughly so far.
Like in every other season, this season also we have seen some unknown youngsters grabbing their opportunity to play in the best league in the world and take the world by surprise. These players like every other player have the talent and opportunity to be great footballers, but only time will tell what happens.
Their been several stars breaking through in the Premier League this season and in this article, we discuss the very best of them. So, without further ado, here are the top 3 breakthrough stars in the Premier League this season.
#3 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka has been brilliant for Crystal Palace this season. He has been playing very well since the second half of last season and this season he has really started knocking the England national teams door.
The 21-year-old is a right back by trade but can also play on the right wing back and right-wing positions. He is a pretty aggressive defender who likes a duel or two. His strength and pace are something to take note of. The Englishman is brilliant in the air and has great technical ability. Still only 21, the right-back has a lot to learn, but what can be said is that his career has started brilliantly.
In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Wan-Bissaka has won 69 percent of his tackles. He has won 68 percent of his duels, made 59 interceptions and 79 clearances. He has given a total of 42 crosses and bagged 1 assist.
#2 Declan Rice
Declan Rice, similar to Wan-Bissaka has been playing brilliantly since last season, but this is the season where he has really taken up his place as a regular starter in the West Ham lineup. The 20-year-old has been brilliant in the midfield for the Hammers.
Rice can play anywhere in the midfield, but he prefers to play in a deep-lying role, either in a midfield two or three. He has attributes similar to Sergio Busquets, he breaks up play, recovers the ball for his team, makes timely interceptions and has the character of a leader. The 20-year-old posses brilliant technical ability on the ball and can keep possession in tricky areas. Rice is only 20-years old but many believe that he will be the next captain of West Ham United.
In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Rice averages 58 touches per game and posses a passing accuracy of 86 percent. He has won 64 percent of his tackles, made 39 interceptions and 42 clearances.
#1 David Brooks
David Brooks joined Bournemouth from Sheffield United for 10 million Euros last summer. This was a risk that Bournemouth took as Brooks was very young and didn't have any experience in the Premier League. But, right now for 10 million, Brooks looks like a steal as he has been nothing short of brilliant for the Cherries.
Brooks came up from the Championship and it felt like he would take some time to get used to the Premier League, but he didn't need any as he hit the ground running straight away. The 21-year-old has become an integral part of Eddie Howe's system at Bournemouth. He is an attacking midfielder by trade, but he can play anywhere in the attack. Brooks has become Bournemouth's chief creator this season and he is one of the reasons why the Cherries are so good to watch.
In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Brooks has scored 6 goals and assisted 4. He averages 51 touches per game and has a passing accuracy of 72 percent.