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Every Premier League season brings with it an equal opportunity for all the players to shine for their respective clubs. Some players take this opportunity season after season and become the consistent and defining stars of the league; these are the players expected to do well every time they step onto the pitch. This category includes players like Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, David de Gea and numerous others.
However, every season, there are some players who perform beyond all expectations and surprise fans and pundits alike. Here's a look at five such unexpected stars of the Premier League 2018-19 season:
1. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The 21-year-old from Croydon has been a rock in the Crystal Palace defensive line throughout the season. In an age where most full-backs like going forward and offering help to the attacking players, Wan-Bissaka is a right-back who defends.
His quick reading of the game, awareness of the opposition's attacking credentials and efficient tackling have prevented many teams in the league from breaching the Crystal Palace defense. With 84 interceptions,129 clearances and a tackle success of almost 93%, Wan-Bissaka has given a very mature and impressive performance for a young defender like him.
He has been a vital element in Crystal Palace finishing the season at a respectable 12th position in the league. It's no wonder that he has been named the Crystal Palace Player of the Year for 2018-19.
Wan-Bissaka's heroics have made many clubs in Europe take notice, and Palace might find it very hard to keep him at their club. A fan favorite at Crystal Palace and a nightmare for wingers, he has a very fitting chant sung to the tune of The Clash's 'Rock the Casbah' by the Palace faithful: 'Your wingers don't like him....Wan-Bissaka, Wan-Bissaka.'
2. Ryan Fraser
Finishing second in the Premier League assists table behind only Eden Hazard, Ryan Fraser can be proud of his performance this season. The Scotland international has been a key player for AFC Bournemouth throughout the campaign, being a constant creative force from the midfield for the Cherries.
With 14 assists and 7 goals in the league, the 25-year-old has impressed everyone with his creative talents. Forming a lethal partnership with Callum Wilson, the duo have troubled quite a few defenses this season.
Just 5 ft 4 in tall, Fraser has been on the receiving end of many rough challenges due to his small stature. But that hasn't stopped him from creating and scoring goals for fun.
Eddie Howe placed a lot of faith in him and the boy from Aberdeen hasn't let his boss down. Though a number of clubs will be looking to buy him in the transfer window, the Cherries fans will pray that he stays with them.
3. Bernardo Silva
In a star-studded squad like that of Manchester City, it is very difficult to be a breakout performer. However, if you have watched Bernardo Silva play this season for City, you'll know he has been an absolute joy to the eyes of fans and neutrals alike.
A versatile player with a devastating left foot, Silva can play as a winger on either flank as well as in a midfield role. He has been one of the key players in City's run to a second consecutive Premier League title, finishing the season with 7 goals and 7 assists.
However, it is not the numbers, but his personality and resilience that define him. He has been a catalyst in many of City's hard-fought wins.
Full of energy, enthusiasm and creativity, the Portuguese international has been the essence of what Guardiola and City represent: excellence with beauty.
4. Raúl Jiménez
Newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers, under the leadership of Nuno Santo, have impressed everyone with their performance in the Premier League. They finished the season at 7th place on the table, accumulating 57 points in the process.
While every member of the Wolves squad has equally played his part in this success, one player who stands out is the former Atlético Madrid and Benfica striker, Raúl Jiménez.
The 28-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists in his debut season in the Premier League. He has been a crucial part of Wolves' dream first season back in the top light of English football.
The club has fittingly rewarded Jiménez by making him the most expensive Mexican player ever, paying a club-record of £30 million to Benfica and hence making the on-loan striker's move to the club permanent.
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
To win the Golden Boot in your first full season in arguably the most competitive league in the world is no small feat.
Arsenal fans expected a lot when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived at the Emirates under Arsène Wenger last season for a club-record of £56 million, and he hasn't disappointed. Scoring 22 goals and providing 5 assists during the 2018-19 campaign, the Gabonese international has also formed a lethal partnership with fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette.
Known for his electrifying speed and a strong right foot, the former Borussia Dortmund player has also been instrumental in taking Arsenal to the Europa League final. Unai Emery will certainly hope that the 29-year-old maintains his goal-scoring form in the coming seasons as Arsenal continue to strive to come out from being a top-6 club to a title contender.
