The 2017/18 season saw Manchester City claim the Premier League title , finishing the campaign with a record-breaking 100 points, 19 points clear of second-placed Manchester United. City also broke the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season with 106.
Chelsea, the defending champions, finished fifth and missed out on European qualification altogether.
The season saw Swansea, Stoke and West Brom relegated.
The Topps English Premier League 2017-2018 set is a small set but features quite a few rookies, mostly from promoted teams, so the rookies aren’t necessarily young. This set also sees the introduction to a Premier League icon! Lets get into the top 10!
The Topps English Premier League 2017-2018 Complete Album
10 – Philip Billing Rookie Sticker – #115
Philip Billing plays as a central midfielder for Bournemouth.
Billing is a tall and physically strong player with a powerful presence in midfield. He is known for his late runs into the box and his ability to score goals from midfield. His passing range is also a notable aspect of his game, as he is able to play long balls and switch the play.
During the 2018/19 season, Billing played in 27 Premier League games for Huddersfield, scoring twice. He was an important player for the team, providing a solid defensive presence in midfield while also contributing to the attack with his late runs into the box. Despite Huddersfield’s struggles that season, Billing earned a move to Bournemouth the next season
Fast forward to 2023, and Billing has really added goals to his game. So far having 7 goals in the 2022/23 season for Bournmouth.
Not an amazing rookie sticker but Billing is an improving player. If he continues on this trajectory, he can get more call ups to the Danish National Team.
9 – James Tarkowski Rookie Sticker – #53
Tarkowski is known for his strength and physicality on the pitch. He uses his height to his advantage when defending crosses and set pieces. His aerial ability is impressive, and he has often been praised for his ability to win headers at both ends of the pitch.
In addition to his physical attributes, Tarkowski is also an intelligent defender. He has good positional awareness and is able to read the game well, making crucial interceptions and clearances. He is not afraid to put in a tackle, and his timing is usually spot on.
During the 2017/18 season with Burnley, Tarkowski played a key role in the team’s impressive defensive record. The club finished seventh in the Premier League, and Tarkowski played in 31 of the team’s 38 league matches.
Now at Everton, recently united with Sean Dyche, Tarkowski is a ket player in their defence.
Tarkowski is not a household name, but he has had a solid career in the Premier League. I think this is a nice rookie sticker to have.
8 – Lewis Dunk Rookie Sticker – #36
Dunk is a commanding centre-back who is known for his aerial prowess, strength, and physicality. He is also a good ball-playing defender and is comfortable with the ball at his feet, capable of making incisive passes from the back. Dunk is a leader on the pitch, currently the Brighton captain
During the 2017/18 season, Dunk played a crucial role in helping Brighton avoid relegation from the Premier League, playing 31 league matches for the Seagulls.
Dunk’s ability to read the game and make important tackles and interceptions made him a key figure in the team’s defence. He also provided a threat from set-pieces and was a constant danger in the opposition box.
Brighton are now one of the danger teams in the Premier League. As of writing, May 8 2023, they are a chance of making champions league qualification, and Dunk has been instrumental for their success at the heart of the defence.
I think Dunk is a very underrated player. I don’t have this sticker yet, but I will definitely be wanting to add one to my collection.
7 – Solly March Rookie Sticker – #40
March has been at Brighton since 2011! He is known for his pace, skill, and technical ability on the ball. He is capable of playing on either flank and likes to cut inside onto his stronger left foot. March’s dribbling skills are particularly impressive, as he is able to take on defenders in one-on-one situations and create space for himself and, often, get a shot off.
During the 2017/18 season, March played an important role in Brighton’s survival in the Premier League, since being promoted the previous year. He showcased his versatility by playing in a number of different positions, including as a left winger, right winger, and attacking midfielder.
March’s work rate and defensive contribution are also notable, as he is willing to track back and help out his teammates in the defensive phase of the game. His tactical intelligence and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset to Brighton’s squad.
The 2022/23 season has been a breakthrough season for March in terms of goals. Under new coach De Zerbi, he has managed a career best 7 goals so far this season, helping Brighton push for a champions league place.
I think this is a very cool rookie sticker. Not often in this era do you see a one-club player. Technically, at 16, March played 1 match for Lewes FC, a semi-professional team in England, before moving to Brighton. But for all intensive purposes, I think he should be considered a one club player. Of course, this would change if he left Brighton.
6 – Harry Maguire Rookie Sticker – #127
I am sure everyone reading knows the much maligned Maguire. If you don’t, Maguire is known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and leadership skills. He is also comfortable on the ball and is capable of starting attacks from the back with his effective distribution.
During the 2017/18 season with Leicester City, Maguire was one of the standout performers in their defence. He played in 38 of the 38 Premier League games, helping his team to finish ninth in the league.
Maguire’s style of play is based on his physical attributes, which allow him to dominate in the air and win duels against opposing attackers. He is also a good reader of the game, able to anticipate and intercept passes. In addition to his defensive skills. He is also a threat from set-pieces, often being a target for crosses into the box, which has been particularly evident for England, where he has over 50 caps.
As most reading would know, Maguire is subject to a lot of criticism at Manchester United and has been dubbed a terrible defender. I personally don’t think he is a bad defender. I think he is being expected to play a system that doesn’t suit him, (high line) given his lack of speed. He is extremely low on confidence and needs a change of scenery.
Despite his poor form, I still think this is a rookie sticker is a good pickup. If his career severely goes downhill, it will always be good to have this sticker for a laugh.
5 – Harry Kane – #279 – Rookie Sticker from Topps English Premier League 2014-2015
Harry Kane has established himself as one of the best goal scorers in world football. He is known for his clinical finishing, excellent movement, and ability to create chances for himself and his teammates.
Kane has an exceptional ability to find the back of the net, both with his feet and with his head. He is a natural finisher who can score from any position on the pitch.
In the 2017/18 season, Kane had another outstanding year for Tottenham Hotspur. He finished as the Premier League’s top scorer for the second season in a row, with 30 goals in 37 appearances.
Kane’s contribution to Spurs’ attack cannot be overstated. He is a talismanic figure for the team, and his goalscoring exploits have helped them to consistently challenge for a top-four spot in the Premier League. His finishing ability has earned him comparisons to some of the greatest strikers in the game’s history.
A great sticker to pickup! Anytime a player score 30 or more goals in a season, I think that warrants getting their sticker!
4 – Mohamed Salah – #151 – Rookie Sticker from Panini UEFA Champions League 2013-2014
Salah had an incredible 2017/18 first season with Liverpool, in which he broke numerous records and established himself as one of the best forwards in the world.
He scored a total of 32 goals in the Premier League, breaking the record for most goals in a 38-game season and winning the Golden Boot. He also scored 10 goals in the Champions League, helping Liverpool reach the final.
Salah’s has speed, agility, and incredible finishing ability. He is known for his ability to get in behind the defence and create chances for himself and his teammates. He is also an excellent dribbler, able to take on multiple defenders and create space for himself. Once he gets into scoring position, he is deadly in front of goal, with a powerful shot and the ability to place the ball accurately into the corners of the net.
A super sticker to have in the collection. His first ever Liverpool sticker and a super season to go along with it. Already a Liverpool legend, all Liverpool fans need this sticker!
3 – Nathan Ake Rookie Sticker – #10
Nathan Ake is known for his ability to read the game, his technical skills, and his composure on the ball.
He is a strong, physical defender who is not afraid to go into tackles, but he also possesses good positional awareness and is adept at intercepting passes and breaking up opposition attacks. Ake is also a good ball player and is comfortable playing out from the back, with his accurate long-range passing and dribbling ability helping him to start counter-attacks.
During the 2017/18 season, Ake established himself as a key player for the Cherries. He played all 38 games in the Premier League, helping the club to finish in a respectable 12th place finish. Ake’s impressive performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year award.
Pep Guardiola signed Ake at the start of the 2021 season. In his first season, Ake’s match time was limited, but now (2023) he has established himself as a regular in the left back position, and is looking likely to get the Premier League title!
Ake is a very good choice for a cheap rookie sticker investment. It is looking likely that he will end his career with many trophies to his name.
2 – Dominic Calvert-Lewin Rookie Sticker – #106
Calvert-Lewin is a physical and powerful striker with an impressive leap and heading ability. He has a great understanding of how to create space and get into good positions to score goals. He is also an intelligent player who can link up play with his teammates and has a good sense of where to move on the field.
During the 2017/18 season, Calvert-Lewin was a key player for Everton, making 32 appearances in the Premier League. He often played as the lone striker in a 4-3-3 formation and was tasked with holding the ball up, bringing his teammates into play and getting on the end of crosses into the box.
During the 2019/20 season, Calvert-Lewin had his breakout season. Over the span of two seasons he scored 29 goals in the league.
He has since been in and out of the team because of persistent injuries.
With the recent appointment of Sean Dyche and his 442 system with strong emphasis on wing play, Calvert-Lewin may be able to thrive with his aerial capabilities.
Because of this I would consider his rookie sticker a safe gamble. It pretty much depends on him staying injury free. Assuming he does, he won’t be starved of opportunities.
1 – Tammy Abraham Rookie Sticker – #263
Tammy Abraham is the best rookie sticker in Topps English Premier League 2017-2018.
Tammy Abraham is a talented striker who possesses a range of skills that make him a valuable asset to any team. He has a tall and athletic frame which makes him a physical presence in the box. One of his key strengths is his ability to finish chances with both feet, as well as his head, thanks to his impressive leap .
Abraham is not just a target man, however. He also possesses impressive pace and dribbling ability, which he uses to run at defenders and create chances for himself and his teammates. He has a good understanding of the game and is able to read the play well, making intelligent runs and finding space in the box.
During the 2017/18 season with Swansea, Abraham was on loan from his parent club Chelsea. Despite Swansea struggling for form throughout the season, Abraham managed to score a respectable 5 goals in 31 appearances.
Currently Abraham has established himself as one of the top strikers in Europe. Signed by Mourinho’s Roma for the 2021/22 season, Abraham didn’t disappoint, scoring 17 league goals in his first season.
Mourinho has a reputation of making killer strikers! I would be getting every one of these rookie stickers you can find. You never know, he may be the leading man for England in a future World Cup.
Summary
I hope you enjoyed the list! I am happy with Abraham as my number 1 spot, he seems like he has the most upside as a sticker investment. This was quite an interesting set to rank and a fair few rookies missed out.
A few of these rookies include: Tom Davies, Davinson Sanchez, Tommy Smith, Mathais Zanka, Alfie Mawson, Rajiv van La Parra and Nathaniel Chalobah.
Thanks for reading!