5 Players Who Have Had Their Best Season Till Date

Modified May 15, 2018 08:07 GMT

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League — Many superstars have hit their peaks this season

#2. Paulinho

Barcelona v Deportivo La Coruna - La Liga — Paulinho has proved his doubters wrong this season

When Barcelona signed Tottenham outcast, Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande in the summer, many people were against the move. In fact, the player did not get a good welcoming at the club as the Camp Nou fans refused to attend his unveiling. Barcelona president, Maria Bartomeu, was highly criticized for spending €40million on a player who flopped in the Premier League and is entering into the later stages of his career.

Fast-forward 9 months into the season and everything has changed around the Brazillian. From unwanted to beloved, Paulinho has evolved into one of the most important players in the Barcelona camp. The midfielder has had a stellar season, playing pivotal roles as the Blaugrana claimed both the La Liga and Copa Del Rey trophies.

Though a midfielder, the 29-year-old outscored many attackers in the Spanish top flight this season, with 9 goals and 5 assists to his name. He has also been a regular player for the Blaugrana, with 49 appearances in all competitions and is one of the favorites to represent his nation in the World Cup next month.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Amar Anand