Five of the most improved Premier League players this season

The aim each season is to improve and the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign have seen progress for several stars.

From big signings settling in their second season at new clubs, to players reinvented after a change in role, we’ve looked at five of the most improved players in the Premier League this season

Five of the most improved Premier League players in 2024/25

Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa

When Aston Villa snapped up Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester, many hailed the arrival of the Belgian as a coup. It didn’t prove to be the case in season one, however, as Tielemans struggled for status in an impressive Villa team. He started less than half of the club’s games in the Premier League, but the summer sale of Douglas Luiz has opened up opportunity this time around.

Tielemans has quietly been one of the best midfielders in the division, leading his Aston Villa teammates for touches, duels won, passes into the box, chances created, tackles and assists. The reservations over his athleticism have been dismissed, with Tielemans forming an excellent partnership with his ground-covering compatriot Andre Onana.

The 27-year-old has conducted a strong start for Aston Villa, who sit fourth in the table and have taken maximum points in the Champions League.

Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson’s first season at Chelsea was an up and down experience. On the surface, a return of 17 goals in all competitions was a respectable record for a young player in his first season in English football.

The underlying statistics told a different story, however, with Jackson ranking third in the Premier League for big chances missed and underperforming his xG by -4.66 goals. Jackson was guilty of some meme-generating misses, but this season looks a player improved from those experiences.

The 23-year-old has five goals and three assists in eight Premier League appearances, averaging a top-flight goal involvement every 77 minutes. That’s a significant increase on his 147 minutes per goal or assist last season, while his xG differential (-0.46) also indicates some refinement around goal.

Dwight McNeil – Everton

Sean Dyche has reaped the rewards of a tactical tweak this season with Dwight McNeil enjoying his football at Everton. The left-winger’s move into a central role has paid off, with McNeil shining amid increased involvement.

In eight games this season the 24-year-old has matched his goal return from 2023/24 (3), while he’s already halfway to the six assists he managed last season. No Everton player has had more touches than McNeil, who had been directly involved in 69% of the Toffees’ goals.

He leads the Premier League for through balls and ranks second for expected assists, chances created, crosses and passes into the penalty area.

Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool

Liverpool have tried and failed to sign defensive midfielders in each of the last three summers. The Reds might just have stumbled upon their long-term solution by mistake.

The failure to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer has handed an opportunity to Ryan Gravenberch, whose move to the number six position has been an unequivocal success. Gravenberch has starred with his composure in possession, duel-winning and ability to cover the ground.

He’s been arguably the surprise package of the season, following an underwhelming debut season and little prior experience in a deep-lying role. Still just 22, this might only be the start.

Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham

Another reinvention, Ange Postecoglou’s decision to move Dejan Kulusevki infield has been inspired. The Swede has been in super form to start the season, brining an all-action style to the engine room for Spurs.

His ability to take the ball on the half-turn and glide past challenges has been hugely effective in more central areas. Kulusevski leads all Premier League midfielders for key passes, progressive runs and dribbles per 90, while he’s scored twice and added an assist.

It’s easy to forget he’s still just 24.

Read – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

See more – 📈 Power Rankings: Barcelona back top, Arsenal drop

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