Premier League's Unexpected Stars: Wilson, Thiago, Semenyo, Calvert-Lewin & Grealish Shine
This Premier League season has been illuminated by a group of players who have defied expectations to become the competition's most surprising and impactful performers. From fringe figures to focal points, Harry Wilson, Igor Thiago, Antoine Semenyo, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Jack Grealish have each carved out remarkable narratives of resurgence and excellence.
Harry Wilson: From Benchwarmer to Fulham's Undroppable Force
Harry Wilson's transformation at Fulham has been nothing short of spectacular. In his initial three seasons with the club, he was frequently a peripheral figure, making 89 league appearances with 48 of those as a substitute and being substituted off 34 times. With only 12 league goals in that period, a summer move to Leeds seemed imminent. However, the current campaign has seen a dramatic reversal in fortunes.
Wilson has started 20 of Fulham's 22 league games, becoming an indispensable asset. With 12 goal involvements this season, he ranks among the league's elite, trailing only Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago, Bruno Fernandes, and Antoine Semenyo. A remarkable 10 of these contributions have come in his last 11 appearances, comprising six goals and four assists. His ability to deliver in crucial moments was epitomised by a stunning 92nd-minute free-kick winner against Brighton, a strike that turned a draw into victory and hushed Craven Cottage with its inevitability.
Wilson's eight goals have been masterclasses in technique, from an audacious effort from the touchline at Tottenham to an outside-of-the-boot finish against Crystal Palace that earned December's Goal of the Month award. Statistically, he has outperformed expectations significantly, scoring eight goals from an expected goals (xG) of just 3.81, resulting in a +4.19 xG difference—the second highest in the league. Without his contributions, Fulham would be 12 points worse off, underscoring his vital role.
Igor Thiago: From Bricklaying in Brazil to Premier League Prolificacy
Igor Thiago's journey to Premier League stardom is a tale of resilience and rapid ascent. Signed by Brentford in the summer of 2024 to replace the departed Ivan Toney, Thiago's first season was hampered by two knee injuries, limiting him to brief appearances. With the additional departures of key scorers Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, few expected him to shoulder the goal-scoring burden.
Thiago's background adds to the improbability of his rise. As a teenager, he worked manual jobs, including bricklaying, to support his family after his father's death, all while pursuing football trials across Brazil. Yet, he has emerged as a dominant force, with 16 goals in 23 games, placing him in contention for the Golden Boot and making him the top-scoring Brazilian in Europe's top five leagues. His performances have even prompted considerations for the Brazilian national team ahead of the World Cup, marking a stunning turnaround for a player once seen as a gamble.
Antoine Semenyo: From Football Reject to Manchester City Star
Antoine Semenyo's path to the Premier League spotlight is a story of redemption. After being rejected by Crystal Palace and enduring failed trials at Arsenal, Tottenham, Fulham, and Millwall, he quit football at age 15 to focus on basketball. His return came through a college programme, where his talent was rediscovered, leading to a move to Bristol City and subsequent loan spells that honed his skills.
Bournemouth recognised his potential, signing him for £10 million in January 2023. Under Andoni Iraola's management, Semenyo blossomed, scoring double figures last season and starting this campaign with a bang—netting twice at Anfield on the opening day. He has since elevated his game, scoring 11 goals from an xG of 6.64, showcasing his efficiency. Beyond attacking, he has been a defensive asset, winning possession in the final third 18 times, the second most in the league. His move to Manchester City has seen him score three goals in four games, proving that the teenage reject was destined for the biggest stage.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: A Fresh Start at Leeds Revives England Hopes
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's career at Everton had stagnated due to injuries, with just 12 goals in his last three seasons prompting his departure as a free agent. Seeking a revival, he joined Leeds on a three-year deal and has rediscovered his form spectacularly. With eight goals in his last 12 appearances, he resembles the striker who earned 11 England caps during his peak in the 2020–21 season, when he scored 29 goals.
This resurgence has reignited hopes of an international recall under Thomas Tuchel, marking a significant turnaround for a player who seemed to be fading from prominence.
Jack Grealish: Rekindling Joy and Impact at Everton
Jack Grealish's £100 million move to Manchester City in 2022 saw him adapt to Pep Guardiola's structured system, which, while successful, tempered his spontaneous style. His dribbles per game dropped by 40%, and he started just seven league games last season, leading to concerns about his diminishing influence.
A transfer to Everton has reinvigorated Grealish. Under David Moyes, he has been handed creative freedom, starting 75% of games—a return to his Aston Villa levels. He ranks third in the Premier League for assists with six, has created 38 chances, and recently scored his first goal from outside the box since November 2020, symbolising his renewed confidence. As former midfielder Leon Osman noted, he is playing with a smile again, bringing joy to Evertonians and reaffirming his status as one of the league's brightest talents.
Together, these five players exemplify the unpredictable and inspiring nature of the Premier League, proving that form and fortune can shift dramatically, creating new heroes in the process.
