English Premier League: The Top 10 Surprise Players of 2010-2011

The 2010-2011 English Premier League season has been one of the most exciting and competitive campaigns which has been a joy to watch for all football fans. What's even better is that world football's toughest league still has a month of competition left.

The relegation battle is almost impossible to call for all three positions, whilst the battle for Champions League positions in the top four has also been excruciatingly tense, and the battle for the title is destined to go down to the wire between giants Arsenal and Manchester United.

Furthermore the goals. Goals have come thick and fast during the season, with an outstanding 838 goals so far. Not to mention upsets too—West Bromwich Albion shocked Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates in September, Wolves surprised Manchester United 1-0 in February and Blackpool have recorded victories over Liverpool to ensure World Football has been kept on their toes for the entire season so far.

The vast improvement of players has been an impressive highlight. 2010-2011 has frayed away from the usual dominance of Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, Didier Drogba and the other EPL superstars, with a number of players emerging as surprise packages this season.

With Bolton, Newcastle United and West Bromwich all currently above the status quo in terms of positions and form, which has provided a breeding ground for unlikely players to step up and enforce their worth.

So without further wait, here are the top 10 surprise players of 2010-2011.

The Welsh keeper has been at Wolves since 2006 where Hennessey was a dominant force in the Championship, becoming one of the most regarded lower league keepers. However since Mick McCarthy's men introduction back in the Premier League in 2009-2010, American shot stopper Marcus Hahnemann became the first choice gloveman at the Molineux.

There was no denying the 24-year-olds talent, a consistent but Hahnemann's experience and leadership was invaluable for Wolves. After predominantly featuring in the opening months of the season, Hahnemann's place has diminished with Hennessey emerging as the key Wolverhampton keeper in recent months.

The Welshman has been in strong form for Wolves despite their poor form this season with 21 appearances for Mick McCarthy. The former Manchester City keeper has been in sublime touch which has attracted attention from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Hennessey is touted as a huge figure in Wales's future and is destined to remain in the Premier League regardless of Wolves's finish.

Blackpool, at various times during the season, have surprised many with there exciting attacking prowess, as well as the odd shock result. But what has also been a pleasant surprise for England fans is the rise of D.J. Campbell.

Signed permanently during the Summer, the striker had endured a torrid few months prior to a stellar loan spell with the Tangerine's last season, in which the 29-year-old amassed 11 goals in 18 appearances. This season, Campbell has repaid manager Ian Hollaway's faith with some assured, clinical performances.

23 games have brought about 9 goals for the former Birmingham City sharpshooter, but that is not all that has surprised the EPL. Campbell's work ethic has been an impressive feature for Blackpool alongside a general improvement in pace and balance.

The Englishman will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Blackpool avoid relegation. 

This time last season, Jermaine Beckford was performing strongly in League One with Leeds United. Fast forward a year and the English forward is quickly becoming one of the strongest strikers in the Premier League, as his form for Everton gradually moves the Toffee's up the Premier League ladder.

At 27, 2010-2011 is Beckford's debut season in the Premier League, yet the Englishman has taken to world football's toughest league with ease, slotting nine goals in 30 appearances for David Moyes. The former Leeds striker has formed a clinical partnership with Louis Saha, as well as exhibiting terrific strength up against renowned defenders.

After never expecting to make it in the EPL, Jermaine Beckford looks set for a blossoming career with Everton. 

The Ivorian defensive midfielder arrived at St. James Park during the Summer from Dutch giants FC Twente for £3.5 million and has since put that value to good use with a stellar first season with the Magpies. In 22 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, Tioté has been a shinning light with a commanding presence in the midfield.

A strong build coupled with good strength, pace and awareness, the Ivorian has been one of Alan Pardew's most consistent performers this season, prompting Newcastle to secure the Ivory Coast international's services until 2017. Nonetheless, the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool are all highly interested in acquiring one of the surprise players of 2010-2011.  

2010-2011 has been a rapid rise for Mattew Jarvis. Arguably Wolves best performer of the season so far. The 24-year-olds efforts ensured Jarvis received his first England cap alongside establishing himself as one of the best young wide midfielders in the English Premier League.

Boasting a lethal cross, extreme pace and impressive strength, the Englishman's efforts this season have also ensured Wolves have maintained a genuine competitive attack throughout the season. With 33 appearances and five goals, Jarvis has been consistent and commanding as he tries tirelessly to maintain Wolves position in the EPL.

More England caps are destined to follow as Aston Villa, Fulham and Newcastle all show a genuine interest should Wolves admit to relegation. Jarvis's presence is simply too strong for the Championship, and the 24-year-old could be up for grabs.

It has taken two years but finally Bolton's £8.2 million signing in 2008 has flourished in the Premier League, conveying the skill that was so evident at Toulouse. Under Owen Coyle's superb management, Bolton have become the surprise team of the 2010-2011 season, as they aim for a UEFA Cup spot.

Elmander's performances have been a huge contributor to the rise at the Reebok Stadium as the Swedish sharpshooter has now emerged as one of the most dazzling forwards in the EPL. Twelve goals have materialized in 39 appearances for Elmander—most of which have been at the highest calibre.

Furthermore, the Swedish international has been a prominent assistant for Bolton goals, alongside providing a great presence against the more physical side. Elmander's form has forced Coyle to admit that it is unlikely Elmander will remain at Bolton with a number of big name clubs chasing the Swedish star.

The Omani keeper came to Wigan Athletic during the summer from Bolton Wanderers on a season-long loan deal in a bid to gain regular playing time and truly establish himself as a dominant keeper. Al-Habsi has done just that since the opening exchanges.

The 29-year-old leaped-frogged veteran Chris Kirkland as Wigan's first choice shot stopper before cementing his place in Roberto Martinez's XI with consistent, assured performances. In 26 matches for the Latics, the Oman international has helped Wigan keep a strangle hold on avoiding relegation, but just.

Many believe Al-Habsi will return to the Reebok next campaign and immediately replace long standing Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. That is unless the numerous clubs who are monitoring Al-Habsi strike.

Gareth Bale was always going to be a superstar. Since joining Tottenham in 2007 as an 18-year-old starlet for £7 million, it was evident the Welsh winger had talent and was destined for big things. However, Bale's performances this season have been a surprise due to the rate his promise has developed.

The 21-year-old has been devastating down the left wing with superb pace, balance and a ferocious shot. The Wales international has carved through some of the strongest Premier League defences, alongside dominating in Europe.

With 11 goals in 31 appearances Bale is a prime contender for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award which would be thoroughly deserved should he succeed.

Blackpool's fearless leader has not stopped working in the Seasiders midfield since the opening day of the Premier League campaign. The Scottish enforcer epitomizes the no-nonsense yet skillful footballer, as Adam combines natural skill and incisive passing with out an out strength and defensive prowess.

The 25-year-old's superb performances has ensured he is nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award as well as sparking interests from Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham. Twenty-eight appearances, 10 goals, numerous assists and endless passes, tackles and interceptions are just a small fragment of what Adam brings to the Blackpool XI, and there is no denying that regardless of how Ian Holloway's men end the season, Charlie Adam will stay in the Premier League.

After a strong loan spell with Bolton, fans and critics alike expected Jack Wilshere to become an integral part of the Arsenal first team, having been on the scene since 2008 as a baby-faced 16-year-old. However, none expected the English midfielder to have quite an effect like he has.

Arsene Wenger's men have always boasted a congested, immensely talented midfield, but Jack Wilshere by sheer determination and quality, has enforced his presence into the midfield trio and maintained it there throughout the season. This has resulted in restricted times to premier midfielders Denilson, Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky.

However, few cease to care because the young gun's presence has been immense as Wilshere has not only become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and Arsenal's best player of the season, but a full-fledged English international, all in the space of a season.

In 42 appearances for the Gunners, the 19-year-old has added an extra dimension to Wenger's midfield alongside extra physicality. It is almost certain that young Jack will become the best midfielder in World Football in the coming years.