The Scottish Premiership has been a tale of Celtic domination over the last decade or so, with the Hoops capitalising on the woes of their Old Firm rivals, Rangers, to brutal effect.
While it is those at Parkhead who have had the most to shout about of late, it would be wrong to suggest that they are the only reason for excitement in the division.
Indeed, there are a raft of other notable talents operating across the top-flight, with it easy for most to be overlooked due to the often intense scrutiny surrounding those in Glasgow.
The 12 most expensive signings in Scottish Premiership history
We have taken a look at the biggest transfers in the history of the Scottish top flight, so expect Celtic and Rangers to dominate.
2 ByRoss KilvingtonDec 31, 2024
We have taken a look at the best players in the Premiership right now, based on their ability and current form. The usual suspects appear, but there are a couple of surprises…
10 Will Ferry Dundee United
Will Ferry joined Dundee United from Cheltenham last summer, and the left-back adapted well to Jim Goodwin’s tactical system, which saw the Arabs occupy the heady heights of third place at one stage.
This season, the defender created nine big chances, averaged 1.8 key passes and succeeded with 54% of his dribble attempts – impressive indeed. Keep this up, and the 24-year-old will attract attention from elsewhere.
9 Alistair Johnston Celtic
Alistair Johnston was one of the biggest improvers at Celtic this past season. The right-back featured in 32 of their league games, scoring four goals and grabbing 10 assists in the process – excellent numbers for a full-back.
The Canadian also created an impressive 15 big chances for Celtic while keeping 12 clean sheets and winning 55% of his duels. He is going from strength to strength under Rodgers.
8 Sam Dalby Dundee United
Sam Dalby joined Dundee United on a season-long loan deal last summer in a bid to improve their attacking options. He led the Premiership scoring charts until the final few months of the campaign, proving to be an excellent addition.
His contract at Wrexham expires this summer and Jim Goodwin will surely be keen on securing his services on a permanent deal ahead of next season.
Dalby turned up in the big games this term and clearly gave United’s attacking department the boost they needed, securing a place in next season’s Europa League qualifiers.
7 Hamza Igamane Rangers
Hamza Igamane’s arrival at Rangers last summer raised plenty of eyebrows, especially given that he hadn’t played senior football outside of his home country, Morocco.
Since arriving, the striker has scored 16 goals for the Gers in all competitions, including four in the Europa League, which has led to a few clubs beginning to show some interest.
Domestically, he was also impressive, recording a hat-trick against Hibs at the start of the calendar year.
6 Lennon Miller Motherwell
Lennon Miller is arguably the finest young player in Scotland right now. Still a teenager, the midfielder has played over 75 competitive matches for the Steelmen.
Recording 12 goal contributions this term shows just how effective the youngster has been from the heart of the midfield. So impressive, in fact, that Udinese made a bid of around £2.5m for the 18-year-old in the winter window.
This was swiftly rejected – not surprising as Miller is probably worth a lot more than that given his performances.
5 Nicolas Kuhn Celtic
Nicolas Kuhn has enjoyed a wonderful season for Celtic. The German notched 21 goals and grabbed 15 assists under Rodgers, including a strike against Bayern Munich which so nearly helped send the Bhoys into the last 16 of the Champions League.
His presence on the right wing gave Celtic a new dimension going forward, and the wide-man caused plenty of havoc in the Premiership this term.
4 Vaclav Cerny Rangers
Before the season started, Philippe Clement knew that signing a top-class right-winger could make all the difference at Rangers. Last term, he had to rely on Scott Wright and Ross McCausland on that side of the pitch.
Vaclav Cerny has been a revelation for the Gers in that regard. In 52 games for the Ibrox side, the Czech sensation scored 18 goals and registered nine assists. 12 of those goals have come at Ibrox, where he clearly feels at home.
Meanwhile, six of his strikes came in Europe, proving that Cerny is exactly the type of player for the big occasions.
3 Arne Engels Celtic
Arne Engels cost Celtic a club-record fee of £11m last summer, but the Belgian midfielder has proved to be an inspiring signing.
He won his first caps for Belgium during his stint with Celtic, and has registered 23 goal contributions in all competitions since arriving at Parkhead.
He will only go from strength to strength, and could one day secure the club a significant profit.
2 Kasper Schmeichel Celtic
Many felt that replacing Joe Hart after his retirement last summer would be difficult. Step forward, Kasper Schmeichel.
The Dane has kept 24 clean sheets in 48 matches for Celtic, particularly impressing in the Champions League, helping the club reach the play-off round.
He is no spring chicken at 38 years of age, but there is plenty of life in the old dog yet.
1 Daizen Maeda Celtic
On current form, Daizen Maeda was certainly one of the players of the season.
He scored 33 times this term, while the Japanese star also scored against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their play-off clash in the Champions League.
His 10 domestic assists ensured he topped the domestic charts alongside teammate Alistair Johnston and Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin.
Overall, Maeda has scored 62 times for the club in 157 appearances since joining in the summer of 2021 under former manager Ange Postecoglou.