EPL Stars Who Could Define the Season
English Premier League action gets underway on Friday after a busy summer of international soccer. Manchester City is favored to repeat as champions, Arsenal hope to finally get over the hump, Liverpool move into a new era after the departure of manager Jürgen Klopp, and Manchester United and Chelsea attempt to re-emerge as contenders after disappointing campaigns last year. Let’s look at the top players from these teams whose performances will go a long way to determining the success of their clubs’ seasons.
Mohamed Salah, RW Liverpool Football Club
THE STORY
• fifth player in Liverpool history to score 200 goals with the club
• remains at club despite speculation over future and a lack of a contract extension
the task ahead
• provide stability and continuity as new manager Arne Slot takes over
• after scoring only 18 goals last year, needs to find the net more often if Liverpool is to improve on last year’s third-place finish
What They’re Saying
• “He likes it at Liverpool, and he’s been excellent, so they will want to keep him, but if someone did knock on the door and offered £100 million, I think they’d take it. – former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson
Erling Haaland, CF, Manchester City Football Club
THE STORY
• scored a ridiculous 63 goals in 66 EPL appearances
• won titles in both of his seasons at Manchester City
the task ahead
• must stay healthy as the club’s only true striker following sale of Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid
• become first player since Thierry Henry to win the EPL Golden Boot three years in a row
What they’re saying
• “When you have a season where it’s a little bit less, people don’t appreciate what you’ve done…He’s been amazing again, and he’ll always do what he does.” – kevin de Bruyne on Haaland’s last campaign
Bruno Fernandes, AM, Manchester United Football Club
The story
• provided crucial assist as Manchester United won fa cup over rival Manchester City
• United slumped to eighth-place finish and their second-lowest points total (60) in EPL history
the task ahead
• bring play-making threat for attack featuring many new and young forwards
• find consistency needed to help club challenge for champions league qualification
What they’re saying
• “When he’s in the final third, there’s no other player in that team that I want on the ball for delivery into other players or shooting. He is majestic in those positions.” – Former United star Rio Ferdinand
Cole Palmer, AM, Chelsea Football Club
the story
• lone bright light for Chelsea in first season at the club following transfer from Manchester City (32 goal involvements in 34 games)
• Named EPL young player of the season
the task ahead
• show that he can back up incredible first season with a comeback effort
• Help Chelsea discover identity amidst roster and management turnover
What they’re saying
• “Cole has been the decisive player, maybe of the season…He’s an exceptional player. We knew that when he was here.” – Palmer’s former manager, pep guardiola
Martin Ødegaard, CM, Arsenal Football Club
The story
• has reached potential as a world-class midfielder for an Arsenal club that has run Manchester City close in back-to-back seasons
•t-fifth in big chances created last year (17)
the task ahead
• help push Arsenal on to first EPL title since 2003/04
• bring goal-scoring tally closer to the 15 he notched two years ago (scored only eight last season)
what they’re saying
• “I think he’s really easy to watch, brilliant, drifts, makes himself space, intelligent use of the ball, great vision. I’m going to go for him as my player of the year” – former Scotland striker ally mccoist
