Premier League analysis: Five players who enjoyed a breakout season in 2025/26
While plenty is made of the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland, and Declan Rice, which players really kicked into gear this season to become proven Premier League assets?
It’s worth mentioning a few honourable mentions first: Anton Stach (Leeds United), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Michael Kayode (Brentford), and Mateus Mane (Wolves).
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Gabriel Mills highlights five players who have gone above and beyond in the league, from teenagers bursting onto the scene to reliable players finally hitting their peak.
Nico O’Reilly – Manchester City
A frighteningly easy inclusion, Nico O’Reilly has rightfully gained plenty of admirers this season, me included.
The 21-year-old could play anywhere on the pitch and not look out of place, having been deployed at left-back, in midfield, and even pushed further forward at times.
With a balance of strength, skill, intelligence, defensive solidity, and an eye for goal, O’Reilly has already become one of Manchester City’s main men.
Having racked up just over 500 minutes of Premier League football over nine appearances last season, the young Englishman has featured in all but three matches for Pep Guardiola this time around and multiplied his league minutes by five.
Despite playing the majority of his games at left-back, O’Reilly has found a real knack of ghosting into the box and heading home crucial goals.
O’Reilly has netted nine times in all competitions this season, a second-half brace in the League Cup final against Arsenal undoubtedly the highlight of his season.
Eli Junior Kroupi – Bournemouth
This guy is sensational and I’m happy to admit I am already something of a Junior Kroupi superfan.
Bournemouth have enjoyed a brilliant season under Andoni Iraola despite having many doubters at the beginning of the season.
Losing Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabanyi, Milos Kerkez, and Kepa Arrizabalaga felt almost self-destructive for Bournemouth, meaning a drop-off would be extremely likely.
Almost the opposite has happened, however, as the football played by the Cherries this season has been breathtaking and irresistible at times.
Nineteen-year-old Junior Kroupi is a key part of that, with the Frenchman breaking the Premier League record for most goals by a teenager in their debut season (13).
It is an impressive total, but even more impressive is the highlight reel because the sheer quality of his goals is outrageous.
And for any lovers of expected goals (xG) statistics, over half of his goals have been under 0.2xG, which is unheard of.
In simple terms, this fearless youngster is scoring long-range screamer after long-range screamer for Bournemouth this season.
His versatility as a forward also means he is able to play as a number nine or number 10 and be effective in both roles.
Linking up in build-up play is another impressive part of his game – indeed, Eli Junior Kroupi will be a star.
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Rayan Cherki – Manchester City
Although many already knew of Rayan Cherki’s quality and technical brilliance, his debut season in England has raised his profile exponentially.
The Man City forward has racked up 12 assists in the Premier League this season – only Fernandes has more (20).
Cherki feels like a real throwback in an era of tactical rigidity, with his free-flowing and unpredictable nature making him arguably the most entertaining player in the Premier League.
Despite Man City settling for second place, the former Lyon man has possessed the key to unlocking defenses in crucial moments this season, most notably against Arsenal at the Etihad and away at Chelsea during must-win matches in the season’s run-in.
Man City, without Guardiola, will look to snatch back the title next campaign and Rayan Cherki will surely have a big role to play.
James Garner – Everton
If you’d have told England fans a year ago that James Garner would be unfortunate to miss out on the 2026 World Cup squad, I’m not sure they would believe you.
That it is genuinely unfortunate is a testament to the brilliant season he has enjoyed in Everton blue this season.
Despite being the oldest player on this list at 25, Garner has stepped up massively this season and is an important part of the positives at Everton.
He really is the all-action, well-rounded midfielder that Toffees fans have been raving about – and now Premier League fans have begun to take notice too.
No player has made more tackles than Garner this season which underlines his strong desire to win the ball back for his side.
With a tireless defensive work ethic, great vision, and an impressive passing range, James Garner has emerged alongside the likes of Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as a strong option for England going forward.
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Alex Scott – Bournemouth
I’m finishing the list with another English midfielder and another Bournemouth player.
Alex Scott has been an important cog in an extremely efficient Iraola team.
After two standout Championship seasons for Bristol City, Scott earned a move to the South Coast in 2023.
The 22-year-old struggled to hit the ground running as injuries plagued his opening two seasons with Bournemouth.
This time around, with no such injury issues, Scott has been able to find consistent high-level performances week after week.
He has featured in every single match for Bournemouth this season, forming an effective partnership with Tyler Adams in the heart of midfield.
It is safe to say England have a bright future in midfield – it is also safe to say Alex Scott will be a part of it.
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