Each summer, a raft of new players arrive in the Premier League, be they big money signings or youth-team products. Some go on to succeed in England’s top tier, others fail to cut the grade and are quickly forgotten.
With that, we here at WhoScored.com have formulated a team of the season of players in their debut Premier League campaign using our unique rating system.
GOALKEEPER
Cardiff would have sunk quicker than a stone this season had it not been for goalkeeper David Marshall. The Scot proved his worth in the Premier League with a string of fine performances for the Bluebirds. Though his displays were not enough to keep the club in the top flight, Marshall made more saves (153) than any other stopper and few would be surprised if he is plying his trade in the top division next campaign for another side.
DEFENCE
Southampton have made a habit of producing fine English players and in Calum Chambers they boast another diamond. The teenage right-back was forced to share a starting spot with Nathaniel Clyne, but impressed when called upon. Chambers has impressed defensively as highlighted in his tackles (2) and interceptions per game (1.6). Big things are expected of the Englishman next term.
Saints teammate Dejan Lovren also features in the newcomers XI after a commendable season which has seen him linked with a big money move to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United. The Croat may have attracted unwanted attention as a result of the fee Saints paid to secure his services, but he has lived up to the billing, averaging more interceptions per game (2.7) than any other player at the club. Furthermore, only Maya Yoshida won more aerial duels (3.5) and only Jose Fonte made more clearances (8.3) than Lovren for Saints (3.3 and 7.7, respectively).
Manchester City’s Martín Demichelis partners Lovren at centre-back. The Argentine was on the receiving end of plenty of criticism earlier in the campaign, but played a crucial role in their title win in his debut season in England. Of every centre-back, only Martin Skrtel (7.45) and Curtis Davies (7.4) attained a higher WhoScored rating than Demichelis (7.39) this term, while the experienced defender averaged the most interceptions (2.6) and clearances (6.8) for City.
Joel Ward completes the back four on the back of an impressive campaign for Crystal Palace. While Ward made 3 Premier League appearances for Portsmouth in the 2009/10 campaign, it was obvious he was not ready for the rigours of England’s top tier and it’s perhaps harsh to discount the full-back having amassed just 145 minutes of first team top-flight action prior to this season. Ward has been a sturdy performer for Palace this term, with only Mile Jedinak averaging more tackles (3.5) or interceptions (3.7) of every Eagles player (3.2 and 2.4, respectively).
MIDFIELD
Willian attracted criticism from Spurs fans having supposedly undergone a medical with the north London side before signing for rivals Chelsea last summer. Without question, Spurs’ loss has been Chelsea’s gain, with the 25-year-old taking to the Premier League like a duck to water. No Blues performer averaged more key passes per game than the Brazilian (2.6), while only Eden Hazard (3.8) and Mohamed Salah (1.6) completed more dribbles per game than Willian (1.5) of every player currently at the club.
Compatriot Fernandinho has also impressed in his first season in England, with the midfielder forming a title-winning partnership with Yaya Touré in the middle of the park for Manchester City, with Manuel Pellegrini able to field two men up front as a result of how athletic his two central midfielders are. The former Shakhtar ace took to his duties for the Citizens with aplomb, with only fellow new arrival Demichelis averaging more tackles per game (3.4) than him (2.9).
Jedinak partners the Brazilian in the heart of midfield following his blistering start to life in the Premier League. The Australian played a pivotal role in Crystal Palace’s eventual 11th placed finish, despite the Eagles being tipped to drop back into the Championship at the first time of asking. Making more interceptions (139) and tackles (133) than every player, Jedinak was a solid performer in the middle of the park as his WhoScored rating (7.55) suggests.
Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen completes the midfield on the back of his commendable debut campaign at White Hart Lane. While the Dane took time to adjust to his new surroundings, the midfielder found his feet in the second half of the season and has arguably become their most important player. He is certainly their most creative, having registered the most assists (8) and averaged the most key passes per game (2.7) of every Spurs player this term, while only Emmanuel Adebayor (11) scored more league goals than the 22-year-old (7).
ATTACK
Expectations were high when Wilfried Bony arrived from Vitesse this summer and after a settling in period, he enjoyed an impressive campaign. The Ivorian ended the campaign with 16 league goals, with only Luis Suárez (31), Daniel Sturridge (21), Yaya Touré (20), Sergio Agüero and Wayne Rooney (both 17) bettering his return.
Samuel Eto’o partners Bony in attack, even if José Mourinho recently admitted he wants to sign a striker this summer. The Portuguese worked with Eto’o during their time at Inter, so a move for the striker came as little surprise. Eto'o repaid the faith shown in him by netting 9 times in the league, though his away form left a lot to be desired with all of his goals coming at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, the experienced frontman performed admirably in his debut season at Chelsea.
Who do you think has been the best newcomer in the Premier League this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
