I still remember the first time I saw Kramer play - it was during that rainy Tuesday match against Manchester United last season. The kid moved differently, with this raw energy that reminded me of a young Wayne Rooney but with more technical finesse. What's fascinating about his rise isn't just the natural talent, but how he embodies that quote from PLDT's coach after their surprising defeat: "I think it's a good eye-opener for strong teams to really study the weakest points and strongest points of any teams." Kramer's entire career trajectory reflects this philosophy - he didn't just rely on his strengths, but systematically worked on transforming his weaknesses into assets.

When I first started tracking Kramer's development at the youth academy, his statistics showed some concerning gaps. His passing accuracy stood at just 68% during his first season with the under-18s, and he'd only completed 42% of his dribbling attempts. Most scouts would have written him off right there, focusing only on what he couldn't do. But his coaches took that PLDT approach - they studied both his strongest and weakest points with almost obsessive detail. They discovered that while his technical skills needed polishing, his spatial awareness and decision-making in crowded midfield situations were already at professional level. I've spoken with several sports analysts who believe this balanced assessment approach is what separates good development programs from great ones.

The transformation began during what I like to call his "laboratory phase" - those 18 months where he essentially rebuilt his game from the ground up. His training regimen became legendary within club circles - 4 hours of technical work daily, focusing specifically on his weaker left foot and first-touch control under pressure. The data shows incredible improvement - his passing accuracy jumped to 89% by the end of that period, and his successful dribbles increased to 78%. But what impressed me more was how he integrated these improvements without losing his natural attacking instincts. I remember watching him in a reserve match against Chelsea where he completed 92 passes with 96% accuracy while still attempting those daring through-balls that became his trademark.

His breakthrough season last year perfectly demonstrated this balanced approach to player development. While everyone was talking about his 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, what really caught my eye were the underlying numbers. His defensive contributions increased by 47% compared to the previous season, he won 63% of his aerial duels despite not being particularly tall, and his interception rate placed him in the top 15% of Premier League midfielders. These weren't natural strengths - they were cultivated through that same philosophy of studying both weaknesses and strengths. I've argued with colleagues who think this focus on weaknesses can dilute a player's natural gifts, but Kramer's case proves otherwise - it actually amplifies their impact.

What makes Kramer's story particularly relevant right now is how it contrasts with traditional player development models. The old approach often involved either focusing exclusively on a player's strengths or trying to eliminate weaknesses entirely. Kramer's coaches did something smarter - they used his strengths as foundations to address his weaknesses. His exceptional game intelligence, for instance, helped compensate for his initially mediocre technical skills during the transition period. I've noticed top clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool adopting similar approaches with their young talents recently, and the results speak for themselves.

The financial aspect of his rise is equally impressive. When he joined the first team, his market value was estimated at around £8 million. After just one full season, that figure has skyrocketed to approximately £45 million according to transfermarkt's latest assessment. But beyond the numbers, what really matters is how he's changed the conversation around player development. I've been covering football for over fifteen years, and I can confidently say Kramer represents a new breed of footballer - one who embraces comprehensive development rather than relying solely on natural talent.

Looking at his performance this season, the numbers continue to astonish. He's averaging 2.3 key passes per game, completing 87% of his passes in the final third, and has been directly involved in 18 goals across 24 appearances. But what these statistics don't capture is the strategic intelligence he brings to every match. He plays with this unique awareness of both his own capabilities and limitations, and more importantly, those of his opponents. It's that PLDT philosophy in action - understanding that victory comes from mastering the complete picture, not just exploiting obvious strengths.

As we watch Kramer continue to develop, I'm convinced we're witnessing the emergence of not just a great player, but a new paradigm in football development. His success stems from that fundamental truth - that real growth happens when we have the courage to examine both our strongest and weakest points with equal honesty. The Premier League has seen many sensations come and go, but players built on this comprehensive foundation tend to have lasting power. If his current trajectory continues, I wouldn't be surprised to see him among the Ballon d'Or contenders within the next two years, potentially reaching a market value exceeding £80 million. That's not just speculation - it's what happens when potential meets purposeful development.