Matheus Cunha: Wolves’ Shining Star
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been on a roller-coaster ride this season, transitioning from the brink of relegation under Gary O’Neil to now having a real shot at survival with the arrival of Vitor Pereira. At the heart of this turnaround is Brazilian sensation Matheus Cunha. Since joining Wolves for a hefty £44 million fee in 2023, Cunha has consistently delivered, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in the Premier League. His effectiveness in many statistical categories is a testament to his stellar performance, with 49 successful take-ons out of 101 attempts, placing him seventh in the league. Often playing as a second striker behind Jorgen Strand Larsen, Cunha has created 12 big chances, ranking eighth in the Premier League for 2024-25. Remarkably, only three of his goals have come from big chances, and he has yet to score a penalty, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net in challenging situations. If Wolves are relegated, it’s highly unlikely they will retain Cunha, but the club should still be able to recoup a significant portion of their investment thanks to his February contract extension. Honourable mention goes to Rayan Ait-Nouri, who has also been a standout performer for the team.
Liam Delap: Ipswich’s Lighthouse
Liam Delap’s performance this season has been a beacon of hope for Ipswich Town, a side that has struggled immensely in front of goal despite being newly promoted. The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided two assists, contributing to an astounding 46% of Ipswich’s 26 league goals. His goal-scoring prowess has won the team five crucial points, which, in the context of their overall 17-point tally, underscores his importance. Without Delap’s contributions, Ipswich would be in a dire situation, languishing on 12 points and 10 shy of safety. Despite his young age and the team’s struggles, Delap has caught the eye of several "Big Six" clubs. If Ipswich faces relegation, retaining Delap will be nearly impossible, but his performances have certainly put him on the radar for bigger clubs looking for a dynamic forward. Honourable mention goes to Leif Davies, who has also been a vital player for Ipswich.
Wilfred Ndidi: Leicester’s Steady Rock
For over eight years, Wilfred Ndidi has been the bedrock of Leicester City’s midfield, and the 2024-25 season has been no different. The Nigerian international has continued to excel, registering the most assists (four) and the most tackles per 90 minutes (1.9) for the Foxes in the Premier League. Ndidi’s journey with Leicester has been marked by highs, such as the FA Cup victory in 2021, and lows, including the club’s relegation to the Championship in 2023. Despite these ups and downs, he has remained loyal to the team. However, with interest from clubs like Atletico Madrid and AS Monaco in January, it’s becoming increasingly evident that Ndidi’s time at the King Power Stadium may be drawing to a close. His unwavering performance and leadership make him a prime candidate for a move to a more competitive European club, where he can continue to shine and challenge for top honours. Honourable mention goes to Mads Hermansen, who has also been a consistent presence in Leicester’s midfield.
Mateus Fernandes: Southampton’s Bright Spark
Southampton’s 2024-25 season has been a disaster, with the team on track to finish with just 12 points. Amidst this turmoil, one player has stood out: 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Operating in the central role in Ivan Juric’s 3-4-3 formation, Fernandes has logged the second-most goal contributions (three) in the league for Saints. He has been the club’s best playmaker, creating the most chances (24) and accruing the most Expected Assists (2.6) for his side. Despite the team’s overall poor performance, Fernandes’s talent and potential are undeniable. His ability to create opportunities and contribute to goals in a struggling side has earned him a place in this list and could very well secure him a move to a more competitive Premier League club next summer, where he can continue to develop his skills and make a bigger impact.
The Broader Impact of Relegation Battles
The intense pressure of a relegation battle can often bring out the best and worst in players. For Wolves, Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton, the upcoming summer transfer window could be a crucial turning point. Players like Matheus Cunha, Liam Delap, Wilfred Ndidi, and Mateus Fernandes have not only performed admirably but have also shown enough to attract interest from bigger clubs. Their potential moves could significantly alter the dynamics of their current teams, but it also highlights the opportunity for these players to take their careers to the next level. The Premier League is known for its high stakes and fierce competition, and these players have demonstrated the qualities needed to succeed in such an environment, regardless of their current team’s struggles.
Looking Forward
As the season winds down, the fate of these four relegation-fighting clubs hangs in the balance. For Wolves, the return to form under Vitor Pereira gives them a fighting chance, and they will be keen to retain Matheus Cunha if possible. Ipswich Town will need to brace themselves for the possibility of losing Liam Delap, a player whose value has skyrocketed thanks to his crucial performances. Leicester City, with Wilfred Ndidi at the heart of their defense, has a strong backbone even in difficult circumstances, but his potential departure could be a significant blow. Southampton, despite their poor season, can take pride in the emergence of Mateus Fernandes, a young talent who could bring a much-needed financial injection if he moves on. Whatever the outcome, these players have proven their worth and will undoubtedly be sought after by clubs looking to bolster their squads for the coming season.
