There is a world beyond the likes of Messi & Ronaldo who have been monopolizing individual awards for more than a decade. Some players are consistent performers, some have had a bad time. Here we are with a list of five players who’ve come leaps & bounds to establish themselves as top-flight stars this season. Let’s take a look at five most improved players this season in top 5 leagues.
5. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Martinez struggled to live up to the expectations last season as he scored just 6 goals in 27 Serie A games. But this season he has improved dramatically. Inter’s fine start to the season began with a 4-0 win over Lecce and the Argentinian hasn’t let his form slip since. His link-up play, movement and deadly finishing have been the result of Conte’s tactics. He has scored six goals this season so far and has formed a formidable duo with Lukaku. He has shown similar performances with Argentina in the international break.
Stats (Serie A - 2019/20):
Games - 13
Goals - 6
Assist - 1
4. Gerard Moreno (Villareal)
Like many players in their first season at a new club, Moreno struggled to adapt at Villareal and scored just 8 goals in the 2018/19 season. But this season it has been a different story. He has bounced back from a disappointing season and has scored 8 goals in the league so far, matching his tally from 2018/19 season. He has been the reason of Villareal’s brilliant start to the season, though they’ve been struggling lately. He is among the top scorers in La Liga this season and is in contention for the Pichichi (Spain’s top goalscorer award).
Stats (La Liga - 2019/20):
Games - 14
Goals - 8
Assists - 2
3. Keiran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
Trippier was frustrating at times at Tottenham and showed quality occasionally. He was defensively poor and was Spur’s weak spot at times. But a move to Atletico has brought a massive change in his performances. He has become an instant fixture in Simeone’s side. His move to Spain has restored confidence and has totally transformed him defensively. He has appeared in 11 matches so far and is already above Arias in the pecking order for the RB spot.
Stats (La Liga - 2019/20):
Games - 11
Assist - 1
Tackles - 19 (68%)
Chances created - 20
Dribbles - 10 (67%)
2. Chris Smalling (AS Roma)
Poor Smalling had never really got going at Manchester United. He was the latest United player to switch to Serie A in search of consistent playing time and new challenges. That has really paid off. At Roma, Smalling has truly begun to shine. He has featured in 9 games in all competitions so far. He has two goals and one assist in Serie A this season. He has made 38 clearances, 17 interceptions and 3 blocks. He looks better than ever and is in fine form for Roma.
Stats (Serie A - 2019/20):
Games - 9
Goals - 2
Assist - 1
Passing accuracy - 91% (426)
Clearances - 38
Headed clearances - 27
Interceptions - 17
1. Amine Harit (Schalke 04)
Almost everyone questioned Wagner’s appointment as the new Schalke manager but he has silenced his critics by acquiring 22 points from 12 games. Under him, Amine Harit has been flourishing. This season has been an unexpected renaissance for the Moroccan, who has been central to Schalke’s brilliant start to the season. The 22-year old has stepped his game up with 6 goals and 2 assists so far. Considering his goal tally in the last three seasons was 5, that’s a huge huge improvement. Harit has not only improved but became one of the most exciting players in the Bundesliga.
Stats (Bundesliga - 2019/20):
Games - 12
Goals - 6
Assists - 2
Chances created - 23
Dribbles succeeded - 28 (74%)
