The Premier League boasts some of the very best players in the world, and the league’s richest clubs attract stellar talent year after year.
And while splashing out gazillions on a marquee signing will always catch the Premier League 2024 news headlines, fans love to see a player break through from the ranks or a modest signing ripping up the league.
So, let’s take a look at the SBOTOP selection of the breakout stars of 2023/24 and make a call as to whether they can replicate their form next year.
Cole Palmer – Chelsea
When Manchester City let Cole Palmer go to London in a £40 million switch last summer, it went under the radar a little as part of the Blues’ mega-spending spree. His chances at the Etihad were limited, but he may not have ended up at Stamford Bridge if the London club had landed one of their earlier targets, West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus or Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.
But they didn’t, and that turned out to be a huge stroke of luck as Palmer scored 22 goals and made 11 assists, breaking a record set by Eden Hazard and trailing only Erling Haaland in the scoring charts. He was a shining light in an often-gloomy season for the Blues, and he has played his way into Euro 2024 contention.
If Palmer can match his numbers next season, he will be a £100 million player.
Rodrigo Muniz – Fulham
The Cottagers took a punt on 20-year-old Rodrigo Muniz back in 2021 when he made a £7 million move from Flamengo, and the Brazilian forward has had to bide his time, spending a season on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough last term. But the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic last summer opened the door for him and he has grown in confidence through the season, going on a run of eight goals in eight games in the new year.
He can continue his progress, for sure, and £7 million for Muniz already looks like a bargain.
Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United
One of the most spectacular breakouts of the season has been the emergence of Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo, who has forced his way into the England Euro 2024 squad only four months after making his Premier League debut.
A defensive midfielder Mainoo has maturity beyond his years with superb reading of the game and positional sense. Add to that his athleticism and distribution, and England could have the next Declan Rice in their hands.
He can also play further forward and box to box, much like Arsenal man Mainoo has added goals to his game, scoring in the Red Devil’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City. He is at the start of his career, and Mainoo can only get better.
While the Red Devils were ravaged by the end of the Premier League season, the Cup win has earned them Europa League football, and Mainoo can showcase his skills on a wider stage.
Rico Lewis – Manchester City
Another young Mancunian has enjoyed a breakout season, and 19-year-old Rico Lewis has the potential to be a top international player, having already made an England appearance. Lewis was a key part of the Sky Blues’ record-breaking team as they picked up a fourth consecutive Premier League title, and his versatility, able to play at wing-back or in midfield, makes him a perfect Pep Guardiola player.
Lewis has broken through into the best squad in world football. The Premier League 2024 betting odds backed the Sky Blues to win from the get-go, and they were close to repeating their treble win of last season. Lewis will pick up plenty of winner’s medals in the years to come.
Jarell Quansah – Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Liverpool brought the Carabao Cup to Anfield, though Reds’ fans undoubtedly hoped for more. But they played some superb football, and Klopp has always put faith in his youngsters, blooding another crop of future stars, among them Warrington-born defender Jarell Quansah, another player to have attracted Gareth Southgate’s attention.
At 21 years of age, he is already a strong unit, standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, and in his 21 appearances for the Reds, he has looked very assured, both in and out of possession.
A keen student of the game, Quansah spends time picking the brains of his experienced teammates, and in Virgil Van Dijk, he has a brilliant mentor, and his determination and commitment will take him all the way to the top.
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