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Every season has its superstars. It also has its consistent performers like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, who never seem to disappoint and keep their performances above the rest all throughout the season.
This season has thrown up a handful of performers who have shocked the fans of their clubs as well as pundits with their performances so far. They have come up with displays that have been a pleasant surprise to their supporters.
Here is a look at 5 such players who have gone on to make a name for themselves above and beyond the subdued expectations of their fans:
#5 Paulinho
Not many were thrilled when Barcelona announced the signing of Paulinho last summer from the Chinese Super League. After all, the midfielder was a flop during his time with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
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However, the Brazil international has proved everyone wrong with his displays and has already scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists this season. His runs from midfield have proven to be a vital weapon for the Catalans and his stats aren't bad either - 87.8% pass success rate, 1.1 tackles per 90 minutes, having played 1924 minutes.
More importantly, the addition of Paulinho to the Blaugrana squad adds a new dimension to their game, as his physicality is something Barcelona have missed ever since the departure of Yaya Toure.
Paulinho will also be a vital weapon for the Brazilians in the world cup in Russia.
#4 Nabil Fekir
Olympique Lyon's 24-year-old captain is the real deal right now. Tipped by many to become the heir to Zinedine Zidane's throne in French football, the resemblances are unccanny - both the playmakers have phenomenal vision and skills with the ball and are of Algerian descent.
"Nabil is an incredible player. He impressed me technically," said Zizou.
The Frenchman's form has exploded in 2017-18, as he has 21 goals and 7 assists in just 34 games in all competitions. This translates to a ridiculous 0.8 goal contributions every game.
In Europe's Top-5 leagues only Messi, Neymar, Cavani, Salah, Immobile, and Fekir are averaging over 1 goal contributions per 90 min this season and considering how Fekir plays deeper than the others, it is something to be proud of.
He is an excellent dribbler and ranks 6th in most dribbles per 90 minutes in Europe. Also a dead ball specialist, he has scored 3 from such situations and the winger is handy in winning aerial duels too, winning 46% of them.
He is not mentioned in the same regard as Neymar, Cavani or Mbappe but he is entitled to more appreciation. He has taken everyone by storm this season with his performances and come the summer, the big clubs will be on the prowl for his signature.
#3 Raheem Sterling
The 23-year-old has been had been a revelation this season for the Manchester City, and he is surely a candidate for the PFA young player of the year - 20 goals and 7 assists in 32 appearances is just a ridiculous level of performance. Despite coming under criticism in his last two campaigns, he averages 0.7 goals per 90 minutes this season.
The England international has also been exceptional with dribbles - 2.2 Succesful dribbles per game. Under Guardiola, Sterling has added a new dimension to his game and that is his passing and linking up with teammates, with 1.6 key passes per game and 2.3 shots per game.
He is blessed with the natural pace that makes even the best defenses nervy and defenders take a step back in fear of tripping him and conceding a penalty. He is finally getting credit from the press who were hard on him after his initial failures at Manchester City.
#2 Mohamed Salah
The 25-year-old is currently in the form of his life, and has even been tipped to challenge the likes of Ronaldo and Messi for the Ballon d'or. The instant impact this Liverpool forward has had surely warrants his comparison to Messi and Ronaldo, and even the legends of old.
The Egyptian now has 35 goals and 10 assists in 40 games with 3.9 shots per game, 2.3 Dribbles per game. His 28 goals in the Premier League have put him four clear in the race to be the top-flight's leading scorer. He is also in the lead for the Golden Shoe as Europe's top scorer, three ahead of Messi.
It has been one of the best ever debut seasons for an attacker. Salah's stats show that the Premier League's Player of the Year award and maybe even bigger individual awards, are not out of reach for him
#1 Kevin de Bruyne
Not many will call Kevin De Bruyne underrated, but the 26-year-old is in the first position simply because of the impact he is having on his team. De Bruyne has consistently been the most outstanding player in the Premier League’s most outstanding team.
The stats look kindly on De Bruyne as well - he has created 92 chances, the most in the league with Salah managing a mere 52. After a modest season last time around, this has been a huge step up in terms of performances.
He is currently Europe's best midfielder and all-round footballer and has also managed 11 goals and 18 assists in 43 appearances. Given De Bruyne's position on the field, that is some achievement.
He creates magic every time he touches the ball on the pitch, with 3.2 key passes and 83.4% successful passes per game in the Premier League.
If City win the champions league and Belgium does well in Russia, De Bruyne might overtake Salah in the race to challenge Messi and Ronaldo for the Ballon d'or, and is capable of even springing a surprise.
