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It's been quite an entertaining and unpredictable start to the new season and it has been impossible to predict what's going to happen each gameweek. We have had some exciting high-scoring games so far and the Premier League has lived up to its billing.
We have also had some unlikely heroes with several individuals stepping up and elevating their game. Some clubs were quite active in the transfer window but most sides chose to tread on the side of caution owing to the financial stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Let's take a look at five players who have exceeded our expectations so far this season.
#5 Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg hit the ground running at Tottenham Hotspur and has been a regular feature in Jose Mourinho's set up. He has started every single Premier League game after joining Spurs and has already become a mainstay in a promising midfield.
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Hojbjerg's best performance came against Manchester United when Jose's side thumped the Red Devils, beating them 6-1 at Old Trafford. He has given the Spurs midfield the backbone that they've seemed to lack in seasons past.
The Dane has already received a lot of praise for his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. His captain Hugo Lloris was all praise for him. He recently said,
"Pierre has been doing an amazing job right from the beginning. He has had a big impact because of his personality, and he shows his ability and quality every day on the field. He is committed and ready to help the team. He is pushing us. We are all going in the same way and we try to get the best out of each other.
#4 Diogo Jota
When Jurgen Klopp decided to bring Diogo Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Liverpool fans must have had no reservations. However, even they wouldn't have expected him to fill in so effectively whenever called upon and the Portuguese has already become a sensation of sorts.
He has made nine appearances (four starts and five off the bench) for Liverpool so far this term and has already scored four goals. Jota has fit in at Liverpool seamlessly and usually tasked with replacing the extremely talented Sadio Mane, he makes sure there is not even the slightest drop in intensity when he comes on.
He has so far produced 1.35 chances per 90 at a success rate of 45%. At 23-years-old, he is definitely one for the future.
#3 James Rodriguez
There was no doubt regarding the quality of James Rodriguez but after spending most of last season like a reject at Real Madrid, there were apprehensions regarding whether or not he will be able to replicate the same and keep it up for a season in the Premier League.
Rodriguez, reunited with Carlo Ancelotti for a third time in his career, has been pulling the strings for Everton from midfield and their early season form has come in no small part owing to the Colombian international's exploits.
The former Real Madrid man has three goals and three assists from six appearances and has been one of the standout performers of this Premier League season so far.
He has proven his critics wrong and has adapted to the rigours of the Premier League with aplomb.
#2 Patrick Bamford
Leeds frontman Patrick Bamford was not really expected to shine in the English top-flight. Having impressed intermittently, critics were quick to tag him as a Championship striker. But now with a hattrick in the Premier League within his first seven appearances, Bamford has taken the world by storm.
He has been at the forefront of Leeds United's impressive run after returning to the top-flight. Bamford's conversion rate has significantly improved following his arrival in the Premier League and it looks like he is here to stay.
Bamford is tall and is a threat from set-pieces and crosses. His languid movement and finishing makes him a solid proposition for any Premier League defence.
#1 Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton seem to have lost some steam over the past couple of weeks in the absence of James Rodriguez and Richarlison. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has kept at it though and his leap, both literal and figurative, has surprised many.
The youngster seems to be developing into a fine striker under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti. He has scored 11 goals from 9 appearances for Everton across all competitions this season and has even bagged two hattricks.
He has been playing regularly for the Toffees this season and his game certainly seems to be benefitting from the minutes he's getting. The 23-year-old has combined well with Richarlison and has become a serious threat from deadball situations and crosses.
His leap is a sight to behold and his composure in front of goal has also taken a turn for the better. If he can keep this up, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will easily enjoy a 20 goal season.
