The 2024/25 Premier League is about a quarter of the way finished, and we have been treated to some exceptional displays of football brilliance. While there is still a lot of football left to be played this season, these five players have stood out so far by making the biggest impact for their clubs.
5. Bryan Mbuemo (Brentford)
The French striker has been in hot form for Brentford so far this season, netting eight goals in nine appearances and single-handedly dragging Brentford into European contention. He most recently scored two goals and was named Man of the Match against Ipswich, winning 4-3 and claiming the three points for Brentford. His exceptionally high conversion rate — eight goals from 12 shots on target — indicates that not only is he a lethal finisher, but he excels at being in the right place at the right time. This is by far the 25-year-old’s most prolific season in the Premier League since transferring from French club Troyes AC in 2019. In the 2023/24 season, he scored nine goals in 27 appearances.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah is in his eighth season at Liverpool and remains one of the most underrated footballers in the history of the Premier League. His lowest season goals and assist (g/a) tally in the league with Liverpool is 27, while Bukayo Saka’s highest-ever season with Arsenal is 25. In the Premier League, consistency is key, and Salah exemplifies that to a tee. Under new manager Arne Slot, he has continued to hit his stride as if nothing has changed. So far this season, he has six goals and five assists in nine appearances, and last season he had a total of 39 g/a — four more than Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Jr. Once Salah stops playing in the Premier League, perhaps then he will receive his justified flowers. In the meantime, enjoy watching Greatness almost every weekend.
3. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Manchester City may be feeling some regret in letting Palmer leave for Chelsea, as the 22-year-old attacker has been nothing short of a revelation for the London Blues. He currently has seven goals and five assists in nine appearances, making his g/a tally (12) the highest in the league, in front of Salah and Halaand who each have 11 g/a. He recently scored the winning goal against Newcastle United and scored four goals against Brighton earlier in the season. If the young Englishman can stay healthy and consistent, we can see him becoming a Premier League great.
2. Erling Halaand (Manchester City)
At this point, the footballing world has run out of superlatives for Erling Halaand. The Norwegian striker has lit up the Premier League ever since his transfer to Manchester City in 2022 and will continue to light it up as long as he’s there. He is currently the top scorer in the league with an incredible 11 goals in nine appearances this season, and most recently scored City’s lone goal in their victory vs Southampton, connecting with a Matheus Nunes cross. He comfortably ranks first in xG (expected goals) with 8.0, with the second-most being Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson at 6.0. He also has by far the most total shots on target per 90 minutes (3.0), suggesting that Manchester City is exceptionally good at finding Halaand in high-quality positions in front of the net. Halaand is only 24 years old and has already stamped a record-breaking legacy in this league.
1. Bukyao Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka has been the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack for multiple seasons now, and under manager Mikel Arteta he has flourished into one of the league’s best attackers. Saka’s goal against Liverpool last weekend where he got the better of Andrew Robertson is a perfect testament to his determination and aggression, two valuable attributes for a winger. Although his goal-scoring ability isn’t as prolific as others on this list, it’s his assists and overall play that earn him the top spot. Saka has three goals and seven assists (most in the league) in eight appearances, as well as leading the league in the most big chances created (12). Should Arsenal finally win their first Premier League title in more than two decades this season, as many pundits have tipped them to, then Saka will have a big role to play.
