Even with a four-point deduction, Nottingham Forest once again survived the Premier League drop.

While Murillo has earned plenty of fans for his strength and composure at the back, as well as a fine passing range and a propensity to go on an occasional mazy run, it’s Morgan Gibbs-White who is undoubtedly Forest’s star.

Eyebrows were raised when Wolverhampton Wanderers managed to get a $44 million-plus fee for the man from Stafford, but his value to Forest has been perhaps double that in two consecutive battles against relegation.

Gibbs-White could take the same path as former Forest star Brennan Johnson, with Tottenham Hotspur rumored to be interested, according to Football Insider.

And Forest might need to cash in, given the club’s issues with profitability and sustainability rules. But Gibbs-White’s energy, ball retention and eye for the unconventional have made him a fan favorite, and 10 goals and 18 assists across two Premier League seasons have been so important to the club’s fortunes.

Brentford: Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney’s return from an eight-month ban for breaking Football Association betting rules started hot, with four goals in five games. But it soon fizzled out, with none in his next 12.

Regardless, the 28-year-old pips Bryan Mbeumo and Matias Jensen to be named the Bees’ top talent, although that’s perhaps more based on what he can do than what he’s done this season.

Top clubs might be hesitant to splash the cash on Toney this summer given that drop in form, but it’s still likely he’ll move on.

If he doesn’t, Brentford won’t complain. The 2024-25 campaign will allow Toney to remind everyone of his capabilities, whichever club he is at.

Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite

While Jordan Pickford might be Everton’s most important player, Jarrad Branthwaite is the club’s best.

The 21-year-old had a true breakout campaign with the Toffees after impressing on loan with PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season.

Branthwaite has been colossal at the back, performing like a seasoned veteran despite featuring in his first campaign as a Premier League starter.

In a Sean Dyche side that relies so much on defensive solidity, Branthwaite has set remarkable standards, keeping the Toffees comfortably clear of relegation despite an eight-point deduction.

Now it’s a matter of whether they can hold on to their new star.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Pedro Neto

Injuries kept Pedro Neto sidelined for much of the 2023-24 season—as has been a frustrating habit for the Portuguese during his time in the West Midlands—but he’s still clearly Wolverhampton Wanderers’ top talent.

Wolves were far better than many predicted they would be, even despite Neto’s absence, and his form either side of his time on the treatment table was a big reason why.

Two goals and nine assists in 20 Premier League games only tells part of the story, with his pace, skill and movement giving opposition defenders a real headache. His ability to hit top form after long periods out is also remarkable.

Wolves may yet keep him next season if clubs are put off by that injury history, but there will at least be some inquiries for the 24-year-old.

Fulham: João Palhinha

Rodrigo Muniz looked like an unearthed gem during a February to March hot streak that saw him deliver eight goals and an assist in eight games for Fulham.

That cooled off significantly, with only one goal in his next eight games, although he will certainly be one to watch next season.

For now, though, João Palhinha is the gold standard at Fulham. The Portuguese was nearly out the door at the start of the season with Bayern Munich sniffing, but the Cottagers were able to keep hold of their midfield warrior, who was once again a standout in the 2023-24 campaign.

Snapping into tackles, organizing his teammates and chipping in with a few goals, Palhinha was once again a force to be reckoned with. Fulham might not be so lucky in keeping him in London this time around.

Bournemouth: Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke finally showed he can deliver consistently in the English top flight in the 2023-24 season, bagging 19 goals in 38 games.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola seemingly unlocked the 26-year-old’s potential, proving Solanke is much better than a Championship-level striker.

Solanke was key to getting the Cherries to the lofty heights of 12th in the final Premier League table, their best finish since 2017-18.

There will be interest in the former Chelsea and Liverpool man, but he might be wise to build on that season on the south coast. Bournemouth will have higher ambitions next season, and Solanke will be key to the cause.

Brighton & Hove Albion: Kaoru Mitoma

It speaks to the club’s ambitions that an 11th-place finish was somewhat disappointing for Brighton & Hove Albion.

The fact Kaoru Mitoma only suited up for 19 games might have been partly to blame.

Despite promising talents like Evan Ferguson, João Pedro, Simon Adingra and Julio Enciso being on the club’s books, and Pascal Groß continuing to defy the laws of aging, the Japanese is still the Seagulls’ brightest star.

If he can come back fit and firing next season, he will help Brighton return to the table’s top half.