The emerging talent outside the dome

The title race, Sarriball, Emery’s revolution, Where is Poch going, Solskjaer and United after Mourinho. All topics that have circulated widely during this Premier League season. All evidently containing one of the top six, but what about the other lot ? The ‘7th and below’ ones.

None of the other fourteen teams have performed spectacularly making them in a league of their own. Rather most of them had good and bad spells which eventually left them split into two groups, the 7th place seekers and the relegation battlers. Perhaps the five points difference between 7th place Leicester City and 13th place Brighton furthers underlines the point. Down under, it’s only six points separating 14th place Crystal Palace from the relegation zone. Some of their players however have performed reasonably well to catch the eye. Here are six that have emerged from the darkness of the lower leagues and reserves football.

David Brooks, Bournemouth.

The 21-year old midfielder signed for Bournemouth this summer from Sheffield United. A versatile attacking midfielder who can play on the wings or behind the striker. He started regularly for the Cherries from the beginning of the season, scoring five goals and assisting two.

His dribbling ability, crossing and technique are only complemented by his enthralling strikes from his left foot. The top corner one touch finish against Palace and the majestic bottom corner strike against Brighton showcase his shooting ability. However, nothing epitomized his technical ability more than the reverse-header against Brighton. Invading the penalty box from the right wing, he found Fraser’s cross with his back to goal and headed the ball over Maty Ryan.

His understanding with the trio of Wilson, King and Fraser and off-the ball work meant that Eddie Howe might have finally found the last piece for his attacking jigsaw.

Neil Etheridge, Cardiff City.

The goalkeeper position might be the strongest in a league where each club boasts one if not two impressive goalkeepers. The arrival of Cardiff City added to that list of goalkeepers. Neil Etheridge — who became the first player from the Philippines to play in the Premier League — debuted in the league against Bournemouth, and despite losing by two goals, saved a penalty.

Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City aren’t of the highest technical ability but their desire and tendency to attack instead of sitting back and soaking pressure makes them an entertaining team to watch.

Lately, this positive approach proved constructive as the team managed to sneak out of the relegation zone. The four points gained over the festive period were mainly highlighted by Etheridge’s performance against Leicester City. His incredible stops and penalty save to deny James Maddison made him a much deserved Man of the Match.

This isn’t the first defining penalty save however. In Cardiff’s first home game this season he managed to deny Kenedy in the 96th minute, keeping the score at 0–0. In a relegation fight where every point matters, Etheridge has managed to single-handedly claim four points for the Bluebirds.

Philip Billing, Huddersfield Town.

Having been at Huddersfield since 2013, the Danish youngster was yet to make himself a regular in David Wagner’s starting eleven until the start of this season.

At 1.93 m his aerial ability is unquestioned, but what makes him stand out is the intensity in his game play. Quite fitting considering that Wagner’s philosophy revolves around intensity.

Billing records the 5th highest number of interceptions in the Premier League this season (45) and the 5th highest number of tackles (67). His ball recovering ability and aerial dominance are essential to Huddersfield style of play

The cherry on top though is his thundering left foot. Having hit the woodwork 3 times this season with long range efforts, he finally managed to score one against Southampton. A complete midfielder that will surely grab the eyes of the bigger teams, especially considering Huddersfield’s position in the table come the end of the season.

Matt Doherty, Wolves.

The right defender has been ever present for Wolves in the last couple of years. Transmitting his form from the Championship to the Premier League, he contributed to 7 goals (3 goals and 4 assists) this season for Wolves.

“I would say I am in the best form of my life because of the standard we are playing at now. I mean I had some good times when I was playing in the Championship but we are in the Premier League now so to continue that form, the way I am now, yes it has filled me with a lot of confidence and I would say I am probably in the best form of my life.” Doherty elaborated after his first goal of the season against Crystal Palace.

The 3–4–3 system that Nuno Espirito Santo implemented has been the catalyst to Doherty’s offensive boom. In a right wing back position, Doherty is often untracked when attacking from wide, catching the opposition defence by surprise. This was quite evident in his goal against Newcastle when Kenedy failed to track him. Furthermore, he combines excellently with Wolves’ attackers, bamboozling the opposition’s left side of defence as was the case in his winner against Crystal Palace and assist to Raul Jimenez against Burnley.

Goals aren’t the only asset that the Irishman brings to the table though, his defensive contributions helped Wolves concede the 2nd lowest number of goals outside the top six. Moreover, he has been the main outlet for ball progression through long balls to the right wing in case Wolves’ defence was pressed aggressively.

James Maddison, Leicester City.

One of the stars of the Championship last season. 14 goals and 8 assists for Norwich City earned him a place in the Championship PFA Team of the Year, and a move to the Premier League.

At Leicester his play-making ability and technique makes the audience on the edge of their seats. Fine dribbles and impressive ability on the ball in terms of vision and execution of the killer pass were behind his 5 goals and 3 assists this season.

The free kick against Huddersfield, set piece deliveries against Newcastle, and an exquisitely finished team goal against Watford all highlight his technical ability.

A dip in form made him go under the radar, but if the young Englishman wants to get a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad more efforts should be exerted.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Crystal Palace.

Wan-Bissaka’s inclusion in this list was a bit dubious as he had already caught the eye in his seven games stint last season. Filling in at right back after Palace were hit with a mouthful of injuries, the 21-year old impressed in his debut against Spurs.

The late cameo in the 2017/18 season earned him a place at right back this season. His energetic approach in defence and precise tackling makes him a nightmare for any winger. It’s no surprise that he’s 3rd in the league in terms of interceptions (51) and 2nd in terms of tackles (72), most of which are near the byline preventing wingers from advancing.

Offensively, his pace and control of the ball makes him a right wing-back in a right back position. His assist against Fulham brings the spotlight on the attributes listed above. Also, he’s the only defender in top 10 dribbles per game in the league which shows that he’s not afraid of taking on defenders in 1 v 1 situations.

Out of the upcoming talents in the league, Wan-Bissaka is the most consistent performer. His offensive edge in 1 v 1 situations when compared to Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker could make him an alternative option for Gareth Southgate and the England squad.