Every Premier League season produces standout players, but some go far beyond just strong performances—they shape the outcome of the entire campaign. Whether through goal-scoring explosions, defensive solidity, or sheer consistency under pressure, a select few shift momentum not just for their clubs, but for the title race, relegation battle, or European qualification. It’s why punters at bookmakers in the UK keep a close eye on form players—they often influence odds just as much as club tactics or manager decisions.
Below is a closer look at five players whose performances didn’t just impress—they changed the entire landscape of the 2024–2025 EPL season.
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland entered the 2024–2025 campaign with sky-high expectations after a record-breaking debut season. Critics wondered if he could maintain that level, or whether defenders would catch up. Instead, the Norwegian striker proved once again why he’s one of the most feared forwards in football.
| Statistic | Value (2024–25 EPL Season) |
| Goals | 32 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Shots on Target/Game | 3.6 |
| Key Matches Decided | 9 |
His contributions weren’t limited to just scoring. Haaland’s physical presence allowed City to stretch defenses and dominate late-match scenarios. In tight games against top-six rivals, his ability to strike at pivotal moments gave City a consistent edge. Without his reliability, Pep Guardiola’s side might have slipped behind in the title race.
2. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice’s £105 million move from West Ham drew plenty of attention last summer—and by May, even his doubters were silent. His transition from the Hammers to a title-chasing Arsenal squad was seamless, but what stood out most was his leadership in midfield.
The English international anchored Arsenal’s pressing system, covered for advancing fullbacks, and contributed several late-game winners that kept the Gunners firmly in the title conversation well past March.
His work rate and composure during matches against both mid-table clubs and direct rivals added a layer of balance to Mikel Arteta’s system. Arsenal’s control of midfield battles this season often came down to Rice’s presence, making him arguably their most consistent performer.
3. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s season was filled with ups and downs, but one name sparked genuine excitement and momentum: Cole Palmer. Signed from Manchester City, many expected Palmer to need time to adjust to his new surroundings. Instead, he became Chelsea’s go-to man—both creatively and as a goal threat.
Palmer’s influence grew as the season progressed. He ended the campaign as Chelsea’s top scorer and playmaker, often carrying the attack during key fixtures. His ability to convert penalties, take risks in the final third, and maintain composure in high-pressure moments helped Chelsea sneak back into European qualification after a dismal first half of the season.
For a player under 23, Palmer’s calm presence and intelligence on the ball made a lasting impact—and secured his place as one of the season’s revelations.
4. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
After an injury-riddled couple of seasons, Van Dijk’s return to top form couldn’t have come at a better time for Liverpool. With Jurgen Klopp managing a team transitioning both tactically and in personnel, the Dutch defender brought back structure and reliability to a backline that had previously shown cracks.
Van Dijk’s numbers may not leap off the page, but his leadership and ability to organize those around him were central to Liverpool’s top-three finish. The Reds went unbeaten at home largely thanks to his presence, and his aerial dominance in both boxes rescued vital points late in the campaign.
While attackers often grab headlines, Van Dijk’s resurgence gave Liverpool the defensive foundation they had been missing.
5. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
While Haaland grabbed the goals, Foden often created the chaos. Operating from wide positions or more central roles, the Manchester-born midfielder finally found the consistency many fans had been waiting for. His dribbling, creativity, and work rate made him an ever-present danger for opponents.
Key highlights from Foden’s season:
- Match-winning brace vs Tottenham in February.
- Hat-trick against Brighton during a title chase week.
- 14 goals and 9 assists across all competitions.
What made Foden indispensable was his willingness to do the hard running as well as provide flair. He filled in during injury crises, maintained his performance during congested fixture periods, and offered Guardiola a tactical wildcard when needed most.
Final Thoughts
While football is always a team game, individual brilliance still plays a defining role in a season’s direction. These five players not only delivered for their clubs, they shifted momentum, changed outcomes, and forced fans, managers, and pundits to recalibrate expectations. Whether through a late-season surge or consistent match-to-match dominance, their fingerprints are all over the 2024–25 EPL narrative.
Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if these stars can repeat—or if new names will rise to shape what comes next.
