With the Premier League resuming this weekend, both familiar players and fresh faces are the talk of many an English town as I currently type. The action is hotly anticipated, with a whole host of exhilarating talent, whether well-known or just plucked from the youth ranks, joining the division as of this summer.
It seems that new assets are the focal points of conversation, but what about those players coming back for another nail-biting season? In this article, I’ll talk you through ten players that I’m expecting to be knee deep in the buzz of the Premier League this season.
Premier League Preparation: 10 To Watch
Callum Wilson – Bournemouth
There appears a plethora of opinions regarding Bournemouth’s game this season; the Dorset side have newly been promoted to the division, and will enjoy their first ever spell in such cushioned surroundings. It really is rather major news that Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth have joined the upper echelons of English football. With that borne in mind, Callum Wilson, the Cherries’ leading striker who netted 23 goals last season, is already under mass scrutiny. It might seem a tad unfair for Premier League fans and pundits, who might know less about the lower divisions and Wilson himself, to subject him to such debate, but it really is rather necessary.
Callum Wilson is only 23 and only possesses experience of being part of fairly minor teams in the country. Suddenly emerging as ‘one to watch’ in the top flight must be quite frightening, and could perhaps be too much pressure to stomach. If that becomes the case, Wilson’s gameplay might be less exciting, courageous and steady, leaving Bournemouth in a sticky situation in such a competitive league. However, he might thrive; Callum Wilson could relish the challenge, and feel that a place in the Premier League is blessing enough, so he might as well enjoy the moment. The latter is what I hope will happen; I have no doubt that Bournemouth will be a joy to witness this season, and can really make a superb top ten finish (much like fellow south-coasters, Southampton) if they put in the hard yards.
Alexis Sánchez – Arsenal
The 2015/16 season will see Chilean dynamite, Alexis Sánchez, slip back into old Premier League habits, taking control of his position and dominating assist ratios and the pitch itself. This man was commanding, insightful and dazzling last season, so I’m expecting the same again.
Arsenal fans, depending on which side of the fence you sit on, were either lucky or plain unfortunate last season. Indeed, they didn’t scrape the Premier League title, but they did achieve glowing results in other competitions, making them targets of both criticism and positive energy this August. Given that Arsène Wenger’s chaps will be pressing for a cleaner result as mid-2016 draws in, Sánchez will be ready for action and seeking to obliterate feisty opponents. This is definitely a man to focus on, as he will want to retain his great name, but up his game from last season.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – Manchester United
Coming over from wonder team, Bayern Munich, and the ever so one-sided Bundesliga, a shift to a new order within the Premier League could be just the ticket to spice up the game for German veteran, Bastian Schweinsteiger. Acclimatising to an unknown division could be a tough task for a man who has only experience with one league and, really, one club. However, under Louis van Gaal, Schweinsteiger should be given ample help to make his transition smooth and effective.
This man will definitely be on the radar of many a seasoned football fan; his prowess at both national and club level is unquestionable, and he really is a class act on the ball. His role in midfield is often one of bridging gaps between the line of defence, and the eager attackers poised up the field. For a newly energised Manchester United, Schweinsteiger could be just great to guide the way. Luke Shaw has already spoken out about how invaluable Schweinsteiger’s advice will be. However, I remain slightly apprehensive as to whether his talents could have been better suited back with Bayern.
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Kane reached something of legendary status last season. For those who hadn’t glanced at his name before, he very rapidly made the headlines as a sublime player for Spurs. The 22-year-old has been the subject of several loans from Spurs during prior seasons, but really made his mark more recently. His slicked back hair and willowy exterior don’t make him appear too much of a threat, but let me assure you that he really is.
In 45 appearances in a Spurs jersey, he has bagged 24 goals, which is quite a tight tally. Kane is now starting to pick up fixtures for England’s national team, completing his promotion from the Under 21s to full adult status; this, of course, is a direct consequence of his omnipotence and aptitude with Spurs last season. Given how he has fared of late, he will be under the spotlight immensely; if he is able to bring the same form he did last season to 8th August and beyond, he will be commended and have an even more promising future ahead.
Jordy Clasie – Southampton
Dutch 24-year-old midfielder, Jordy Clasie, was scouted earlier this summer as a new, saintly recruit for Southampton. Ronald Koeman has been handpicking many fine young stars since he seized the reins along the south coast last season, and has not failed to nurture some truly fantastic talent. Snatched from Feyenoord’s first team, Clasie has accepted a five-year deal under Koeman; the pair already look chuffed with that decision, and Clasie’s sleeping face has been part of a rather timely joint ‘selfie’, as seen on Graziano Pellè’s rather luxurious Instagram page. Clearly, he’s fitting in.
Both Ronald Koeman and Premier League pundits will be aware of how much of an innovative player Clasie could be for Saints. Essentially filling Morgan Schneiderlin’s boots, Clasie could be a really deft, fast-paced summer signing, and one to make a huge difference to the club’s assists and, therefore, orchestrated goals.
Morgan Schneiderlin – Manchester United
It still saddens me somewhat to know that Morgan Schneiderlin will be getting cosy in a Manchester United shirt this Saturday. However, it does please me that a man of this calibre will be healthy, active and spritely in a very sought after role at a bigger Premier League side.
For a while now, French midfielder, Schneiderlin, appeared to be seeking an ‘out’ from his position under Ronald Koeman’s increasingly achieving Southampton. Back in January, rumours suggested that he had been perusing the situation at Spurs, in a bid, possibly, to get back to former manager, Mauricio Pochettino, and shake his career up somewhat. However, that didn’t go ahead. Months ago, though, it was confirmed (after an agonising period of waiting around) that United’s bid was successful, and that Schneiderlin was to shift from Saint to Devil. For that reason, I’ll be keeping a beady eye on him.
Olivier Giroud – Arsenal
Hailed as the Premier League’s most aesthetically attractive player, Olivier Giroud has been heckled as a bit of a showpony for Arsenal. Personally, I think that’s only partially true; indeed, Giroud can be a tad wooden, and can go games without connecting successfully with the ball. However, when he has real moments of clarity, his flair comes across in spades, and goals are snatched.
The more questionable area could be, then, Giroud’s consistency. Club legend, Thierry Henry, criticised Giroud months ago, claiming that Arsenal would not win the league with the man still attacking for the club. Debated verdict and comments about Henry’s statement aside, Giroud has the skill to prosper given the right situation. Often, that can be derivative of a decent ball in. Perhaps all Giroud needs are some reliable assists, and then goals will be his. We’ll just have to watch.
Georginio Wijnaldum – Newcastle
24-year-old attacking midfielder, Georginio Wijnaldum, has been recruited by Steve McClaren’s Newcastle to inject some pace and opportunity into the flailing team. Last season, they narrowly scraped their retained position in the Premier League, but hopes could so readily and easily have been dashed. The addition of the ex-PSV Eindhoven man could be what the Magpies require.
14 goals were tied to Wijnaldum’s name last season, making his presence in the box precarious to opposing teams, but vastly thrilling for Newcastle fans. Tactical runs and expert precision from Wijnaldum could offer Newcastle the edge to boost them from lagging Premier League club to deserving mid-table warmers.
Diego Costa – Chelsea
One of the Premier League’s most fiery-tempered hotshots, Diego Costa, will be under the microscope once again this season, no doubt. His dubious conduct on the pitch isn’t my chief motive for wanting to monitor his performances; Costa very quickly rose as a player to be very wary of when opposing. His skills are deft, polished and he possesses pace; these are attributes any team coming up against Chelsea this season should be very cautious about – as many have previously.
Although there are raised concerns about Diego Costa’s fitness ahead of their match this weekend against Swansea, he will undoubtedly remain a threat, and will probably seek to mix things up when he’s back on the pitch. Costa’s astonishing 20-goal tally of last season was somewhat intimidating, yet inspiring, to behold.
Raheem Sterling – Manchester City
England international, Raheem Sterling, is not a chap we consistently hear good things about; in fact, he isn’t entirely reliable on the field, either. Qualms with his attempts for the English national team aside, Sterling was prosperous with Liverpool for a time, but then became rather desperate to be let off the leash.
From 2010 through to this summer, Sterling was part of the action for Liverpool from youth level through to senior. His experience has grown abundantly, and the call-up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad has also been a consequence of his progress with The Reds. However, now under Manuel Pellegrini, his ability could soar with silver medallists, Manchester City. Although his finishing skills could be upgraded, his decision making and knowledge of width and space could be great resources to the team, going perhaps a little way to validating his hefty price tag.
