5 players set for a big Premier League season

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We’re approaching the start of a new Premier League season, as everyone looks to find a way to beat Manchester City after their record-breaking run to the title last season.

There were a number of breakout stars in the Premier League last season. Mo Salah announced himself as a world-class talent as he broke the record for most goals in a 38-game Premier League season, Nick Pope came into the Burnley side and earned a spot in England’s World Cup squad, and Leroy Sane earned the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Every season we see a few players come through and make their names on the big stage, and there are sure to be a few more this season. The three promoted sides of Wolves, Cardiff City and Fulham will be hoping they have the players who can make a big impact on the Premier League, while Arsenal and Chelsea will be looking for a return to the Champions League.

We could still see massive changes at the likes of Everton and West Ham, as respective new managers Marco Silva and Manuel Pellegrini look to make their mark on their new sides.

Some teams have already made their moves in terms of transfers. Manchester United have bought in Diogo Dalot and Fred, Leicester City have spent big on Ricardo Pereira and James Maddison, and Liverpool have added to their midfield with Fabinho and Naby Keita

Some players who are already here will be hoping to take their chance to make an impact. Here are five players who will be looking to make their mark this time around.

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Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)

Christensen returned to Chelsea last season after an impressive two-year loan spell with German side Borussia Monchengladbach. He initially spent a lot of time on the bench, but started to hold down a place in the starting XI after David Luiz fell out with Antonio Conte, often earning rave reviews for his impressive defending and how comfortable he looked on the ball.

He did fall out of favour a little as the season drew to a close, so will be hoping to return to the team when the season resumes. He has played well for Denmark at the World Cup, and this may prove crucial, as we still don’t know who will be Chelsea’s manager next season. At 22, he still has a lot of work to do, but he certainly has all the attributes to go all the way.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)

Leicester paid £25 million to bring Kelechi Iheanacho to the club from Manchester City last summer, and would most likely have hoped for a better return than the four goals he scored in the league. The 21-year-old scored 21 goals in his two seasons in City’s first team, mainly from the bench, earning him a move to the King Power Stadium.

The Nigerian was involved more towards the end of the season, including scoring a stunner against Tottenham, and the Foxes will expect him to take that form into the start of this season. He is an accomplished finisher, and with Leicester likely to lose Riyad Mahrez in the next few weeks, Iheanacho will be tasked with the job of stepping up and providing the goals in his place.

Richarlison (Watford)

It was somewhat of an impressive coup for Watford when they pulled off the signing of Richarlison from Fluminense for £13 million. The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea were linked with a move for the Brazilian, but he eventually made the move to Vicarage Road. He started the season in impressive form, scoring on his first start against Bournemouth, and playing a crucial role as Watford began the campaign well.

He fizzled out slightly after that, with many putting his drop in form down to the fact he hadn’t had a sustained break in nearly two years thanks to international selection. He didn’t score after November, and was left on the bench for five of the last seven games of the season. He is a massive talent though, and having had a break over the summer, will be back fully fit for the start of the new season.

Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

Sessegnon lit up the Championship last season with Fulham, as he helped secured a Premier League return through the play-offs for the Cottagers. He won five individual awards at the end of the season, including Player of the Year, and Young Player of the Year. He also became the first Championship player to be nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

At 18, he is already a crucial part of this Fulham side, scoring 15 goals in the league last season. There were rumours that he would be selected for the World Cup this summer, but missed out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad. For many, he is the real deal, and it seems likely that he will go to the top of the game. Fulham will expect to stay in the Premier League this season, and Sessegnon will be key to whatever success they have.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea)

The last 12 months have been crucial in the career of Ruben Loftus-Cheek. An impressive year on loan at Crystal Palace led to international recognition, and then selection for the World Cup. He is now widely regarded as one of England’s best young players, and it is now time for him to get the amount of Premier League football that reflects that.

The 22-year-old made 24 appearances on loan at Palace last season, and it is likely he would have made more had he not picked up injuries. There is no doubt that he will play in the Premier League next season, it’s just a matter of where. He will be desperate to play regularly in the league, and if he isn’t promised that at Chelsea, expect him to leave Stamford Bridge.