There’s an old saying that “one man doesn’t make a team” in football. However, there are certain individuals that are defying that logic during the 2019-20 Premier League season. Players who are producing singularly exceptional levels of consistency or performing to such a high level, it’s fair to they have become completely indispensable to their managers and teams.
Looking at the statistical weight of their individual contributions during the campaign so far, these are three of the most outstanding players for their sides, making them untouchables who either inspire greater collective displays for the more successful teams or seem like they’re personally carrying those who are struggling.
Danny Ings – Southampton
The first half of the 2019-20 season is one that many Southampton fans will be eager to forget, with their team facing the very real threat of relegation after a terrible start to the campaign. Aside from leaking goals, including nine in one match alone against Leicester City, the Saints might be in a far worse situation if not for the efforts of Danny Ings and scoring contribution.
Danny Ings has scored 12 Premier League goals in a single season for the first time.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 28, 2019
On fire. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pUZ89SpVUj
Reaching the midway point of the season with 19 games played, Ings had contributed 48% of Southampton goals according to whoscored.com statistics, having netted 11 from a total of 23 goals in the Premier League. Just as importantly, his run of 7 goals in 8 games helped the Saints gain valuable points with much-improved form during November and December, as they began to steadily pull away from the relegation zone.
Adama Traoré – Wolverhampton Wanderers
After a fairly average first season at Wolves during the 2018-19 campaign, many pundits had wondered when or even if the best was yet to come from Adama Traoré. During the first half of the 2019-20 season, it’s fair to say those who doubted what he can offer have had their answer, given the 23-year-old has matured into a muscular marvel who is proving to be absolutely priceless for his team.
We fight until the end. We are Wolves. pic.twitter.com/TLoIrU4r76
— Adama Traoré Diarra (@AdamaTrd37) December 28, 2019
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has sometimes deployed the power and pace of Traore in the right wingback slot, although it’s playing as a winger or a forward where he has truly excelled, including 4 man-of-the-match displays in 18 appearances. Priced at 10/1 to finish in the top four this season, the latest Premier League betting odds would indicate that Traore could even help Wolves clinch a Champions League spot if his exceptional form continues to lift the team.
James Tarkowski – Burnley
Rising head and shoulders above anyone else at Burnley this season, 27-year-old James Tarkowski has matured into a fine central defender with the Lancashire club over the last few years, even earning himself a couple of England caps in 2018. More opportunities might come with the Three Lions in 2020, based upon his excellent individual form during the first half of 2019-20 Premier League campaign.
James Tarkowski was the Gameweek’s highest scorer, for the second week in a row! 👏
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) November 26, 2019
Is it time you brought in the Burnley defender?#FPL pic.twitter.com/WGyFtimNgM
Comfortably topping the charts for headed clearances during the first half of the season, the aerial power of Tarkowski has been formidable at the back for Burnley, while his number of blocks and successful tackles have been just as impressive. Such has been the quality and consistency of his performances, the Clarets are now bracing themselves for inevitable bids in the January transfer window, with Leicester City amongst a number of teams preparing offers.