5 surprise performers in the Premier League this season

Every season, there are Premier League players that emerge to the attention of both supporters and experts alike. The top six clubs always produce world-class and standout performers in the league, but this term has seen a host of big performances from individuals who have affected their own respective clubs in pursuit of their goals.

Each club has their own top performers and star players respectfully, but who have been the five surprise players to emerge thus far this campaign?

#5: Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford)

Doucoure has been the heartbeat of this current Watford side from midfield

The Watford central midfielder has emerged as one of the top players in his position this season, throughout all of the Premier League. The powerful Frenchman found himself involved last season, without ever really producing enough on the pitch to hold down a regular first-team position, as he's featured in a range of different positions.

However this season has been a superb one for the player, having asserted his quality with his defensive contributions as well as netting seven goals in his 22 Premier League appearances.

Having joined Watford in the January transfer window two seasons ago for an undisclosed fee from Ligue 1 side Rennes, he immediately found himself loaned to sister club Granada in La Liga. Despite his spell there, it's hard to imagine him having the level of success that he has found this term.

At the age of 25, he's certainly got more to add to his game and build on in his professional career, and whether a move away this summer could be on the cards is a genuine possibility.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for the midfielder, whilst speculation has surrounded both Arsenal and Liverpool too. Whether he joins one of the league's better sides remains to be seen, but he continues to develop and it's refreshing to watch.

The qualities he possesses are improving with every game - his passing range has improved significantly, he's shown capabilities to control the pace of matches in the heart of a strong midfield and his energetic style is tough for opponents to effectively deal with.

Although his positional discipline is perhaps not on the same level as his compatriot N'Golo Kanté, similarities between the pair have been made. Doucoure's considered more of an old fashioned box-to-box midfielder, one who has fantastic timing of attacking runs in the final third and utilises them to great efficiency too, wrecking havoc in the opposition area.

#4: Alfie Mawson (Swansea)

The rise of Mawson has seen him emerge as a potential option for England in future

Even prior to Swansea's recent revival under Carlos Carvalhal, the profile of Alfie Mawson was rising. Having only made six first-team appearances for Barnsley before signing for the Swans, Mawson has since emerged as an inspirational and equally invaluable player for Swansea as they continue their fight to stay in the top-flight.

Since arriving at the Liberty last summer, he has been a regular starter at the heart of their backline - which has been a difficult job over the past two seasons. Currently, he's playing in the centre of a back three and is thriving, covering his two centre-back partners either side while continuously winning headers for the team and playing out from the back with seeming ease. It shows just how comfortable he is with the ball at his feet, whilst you can see his leadership qualities shining through given his constant communication on the pitch.

Experts and supporters alike are beginning to share their belief that Mawson's form proves he should be given an opportunity to represent England at senior level, just as he has done previously with the under-21's.

Someone who leaves everything on the pitch and takes responsibility for his actions, it's clear that his mentality is one of a future captain and it seems inevitable he'll earn the honour one day - whether that be at Swansea though, remains to be seen. He has been, unsurprisingly, the subject of attention from other clubs - both West Ham and Watford were linked with moves to sign him and if he continues to improve like this, he could very well be among the most targeted players this upcoming summer.

#3: Pascal Gross (Brighton)

Pascal Gross celebrating one of his goals earlier this term in-front of the Brighton faithful

One of this season's bargain signings has to be Brighton's Pascal Gross. Without the creative German midfielder, it's safe to say that the Seagulls would not be in their current position outside the relegation zone at this stage of the campaign.

When the club signed Gross for a steal of £3million from relegated Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt, there were many supporters who did not quite know who the player was, nor his reputation either.

During his last year, he lead the Bundesliga in terms of created chances with 95 - his goals and assists from that term (11) has already been matched this season, with five goals and six assists thus far. These are statistics that should be respected, especially given just how Brighton have struggled in the final third for sustained periods in 2017/18.

Despite the praise that captain Lewis Dunk has received on the whole, Gross has been their standout performer. His quality from set-pieces, with his crossing ability and capability to pick out passes is nothing that can be matched by any of his team-mates.

His footballing brain allows him to be one of the most effective central attackers in the top-flight, while his determination and willigness to contribute to the unglamourous side of the game allows him to drop in and play as a central midfielder too.

Still involved in the relegation battle this season, how Brighton's season unfolds will determine whether they manage to retain Gross in the long-term. Their investment already is worth at least five times the fee they paid for him, as £15m for a player of his quality would be considered a steal in the current market.

#2: James Tarkowski (Burnley)

Tarkowski has emerged as one of the league's top defenders this campaign

When Burnley sold Michael Keane to Everton last summer, there were supporters and critics alike who felt the Clarets needed to sign a replacement for the centre-back. However, Sean Dyche did not agree and how right he was. The emergence of James Tarkowski this season has been very refreshing, not least after watching how he conducted himself to get the move from Brentford in January two seasons ago.

Having formed a very effective partnership alongside the extremely under-rated captain, Ben Mee, he's showing his talent under Dyche's tutelage and his strength in the heart of Burnley's backline is evident to see.

Alongside the aforementioned Mawson, he's a defensive talent who is even interesting England boss Gareth Southgate as a potential centre-back that may be called up for the senior side in future. His aerial ability and his strength in one-on-one battles with attackers is excellent, as he continues to improve.

A club run extremely well from top to bottom, they have surprised everyone once again with their performances this term. Tarkowski has been the one player who has turned heads, proving himself as a real asset to Burnley's success.

Unsurprisingly, Dyche will be determined to keep hold of the defender - especially as when absent, they clearly feel it in the heart of their backline.

#1: Luka Milivojević (Crystal Palace)

Luka Milivojević is a popular figure at Selhurst Park and this term, he has excelled

Crystal Palace have had an inconsistent season, relying heavily again on the flamboyance of star man Wilfried Zaha in the attacking third. The most consistent aspect of the season thus far though, is the form of Serbia international Luka Milivojević.

The holding midfielder has been Palace's standout performer, building his reputation in England amongst club supporters and analysts across the country.

His six goals so far this term have helped lift the club from the foot of the Premier League table, but more importantly, his influence on the pitch really catches the eye when watching him. Keeping his team-mates organised, his quality when in possession helps to start attacks from deeper positions on the pitch.

His defensive-minded mentality provides Palace with extra protection too, and he can often shift back into central defence when out of possession. At the age of 26 and with a World Cup coming up for Serbia, his reputation continues to rise - much to the understandable dismay of his new fans, worried that he could angle for a move with better clubs potentially interested.

A strong addition last year, he proved an important presence as they managed to avoid relegation. This term, Milivojević has raised his game to another level and would be considered one of the league's best defensive-minded midfielders.