9 players who need to repair their stock in the 2018/19 Premier League season

With the new Premier League season already throwing unexpected results and unscripted exclamation points, we take a look at a few forgotten men who are looking to find their own little renaissance.

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#9 Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

Martial started his first match of the season as at the AMEX Stadium. After inconspicuous 60 minutes, he was given the hook with United trailing 3-1, with and replaced by one Marouane Fellaini. There was no eye contact or handshake with the gaffer and he remained absent as Spurs demolished United at Old Trafford on Monday.

He arrived at Old Trafford in 2015 under Louis Van Gaal with the tag of the world-record fee for a teenager and became an overnight sensation when he Thierry Henry’d his way to a goal against Liverpool n his debut. Come to circa 2018 and the love affair has hit the rocks as they say. With the change of managers, Martial has not shown enough to win over the Portuguese, Jose Mourinho.

The indubitable statistics remain that in his 86 league appearances, he has only notched a paltry total of 24 goals and 15 assists. Given his playing time has fluctuated over the period but there have been players who have delivered a lot more with fewer opportunities. Especially concerning is his lack of response when called upon to bring a new dimension to the blunt attacking edge like the spell in late October 2017or even last week at Brighton. He can be a match winner and absolute elite-level superstar on his day. The problem is that his days are very few and unpredictably far in between

Missing out the French party at the World Cup in Russia, rumours started circulating that player's agent has sent out feelers for a new club. The player with only a year remaining on his contract the signs looked ominous. The pre-season absence and delayed return following the birth of his second child elicited a disciplinary proceeding and a subsequent fine from the Club. It looked for all intents and purposes that the Frenchman was begging for a move.

Tottenham looked like the most likely destination even though they are a direct rival to top 4 positions. There were rumours of possible overtures from the likes of Juventus, PSG and Bayern Munich but there did not seem to be an official interest. Manchester United’s stance was robust, seemingly uninterested in letting Martial leave this season. There are even rumours of a new 5-year extension on the current deal. Recently, Sevilla were touted to be chasing his signature on a loan agreement. However, he might have made an unexpected U-turn taking a year-long lease on a house 20 minutes from United’s Carrington training base.

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#8 Ross Barkley (Chelsea)

Ross Barkley

Having had a full and fairly uneventful pre-season for the Blues, Barkley seems to have brought the good form into the new season for Chelsea. Starting the first two games, the midfielder has caught the eye. His energy, technical qualities and technique may flourish in Sarri’s new 4-3-3 formation.

Braking out at Everton as a precocious young talent, Ross Barkley was supposed to be the next Wayne Rooney. His goal against Newcastle in March 2014 made a lot of sceptics take notice to that possibility too. Running almost the entire span of the pitch at St James' Park, the midfielder slalom his way to the Newcastle goal. Flooring defenders in his wake he unleashed an execute into the top corner. The talent was already there and now it might be the time for him to translate that into consistent displays.

After joining for £15m in January, he has hardly featured for the blues. Failure to convince Conte, in part due to his miserable injury record, he made only four appearances last season. But now, he is looking lean and ready. If (it is a big if) he can stay clear of injuries, he can make a strong case for a regular starting place alongside the likes of £50 million arrivals of and N’Golo Kante.

Another motivation for Barkley would be an England recall. He has been part of the Gareth Southgate team yet. He last played for the three Lions two years ago when Roy Hodgson was still at the helm. His 22 England games at the age of 24 can easily burgeon under Southgate who is not afraid to give youth a chance

#7 Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw had a swimmingly easy journey to the gates of Old Trafford. However, the theatre has given the player many a nightmare. A near career-ending injury against PSV triggered a three-year spell wherein he has found both form and fitness elusive. He showed great promise, especially under Van Gaal, and now he enters the final year of his contract with everything on the proverbial line.

The 3-1 shambles at the Amex brought the first defeat of the new campaign and with it a barrage of questions. The comical defensive farrago present by Bailly and Lindeloff deflected some of the heat that Luke should have felt too. But his lung-busting standout performance against Spurs amidst utter dross by other United defenders is difficult to undermine. He has been the only bright light for the Red Devils in a skyline of dark and gloom.

There have been times when it seemed like Jose Mourinho was hell-bent on breaking the player with public criticism of his fitness and lifestyle. But after the Tottenham defeat, there was an embrace between the two, a very public validation of his efforts.

Luke had a torturous strength and conditioning regimentation in Dubai before he returned to the preseason, ready to fight for a place against the designated left-back, Ashley Young. A meticulous and gruelling preseason later he has returned in the best shape of his life. Self-described as a ‘Wayne Rooney body-type’, he started like a house on fire with scoring the winner against Leicester on an opening day. He was also involved in the opener. In his first four seasons at United, he failed to score and only managed three assists. He already has one goal and one assist in the first three fixtures.

Tottenham's Danny Rose was touted as his replacement during the summer and but he certainly won that English battle even though United did not win much else on the night.

#6 Jack Wilshere (West Ham United)

Jack Wilshere

The 26-year-old’s 17-year journey with Arsenal ended this June when his contract expired.

He moved across London to join his first love, West Ham. He still holds the record as the youngest ever player and remains an adored figure by Arsenal supporters. His performance against a star-studded Barcelona midfield containing Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets will always be the yardstick he would be beaten up with though. Numerous injuries, off-field misdemeanours and online trolling later he is a now very experienced young man.

Till now it has been a tale of unfulfilled promise and unrealized potential. However, he is still just 26, and as one of the pillars of the Pellegrini makeover, he can write a new chapter, a healthy and glorious one. He still possesses a sound passing game and gazelle-like nimbleness of feet. He will need to adjust a lot as he will not be able to monopolize football like he could with the Gunners.

Wilshere can impose in a side like the Hammers. He can still be the talisman in a different shirt than Arsenal’s. However, as three defeats out of three starts have amply shown, the third an emotional but unsuccessful return to the Emirates on Saturday, it is going to be along the season of trials.

#5 David Luiz (Chelsea)

David Luiz

Chelsea defender David Luiz, who has made over 200 appearances during his two spells at Chelsea, is eager to stay in the Premier League and is hungry to win trophies with new manager Maurizio Sarri. The 31-year-old returned to Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016 but only made 10 league appearances last term under manager Antonio Conte. Consequently, he was omitted from Brazil's World Cup squad for Russia.

After an injury-riddled season, he has started in fine fettle as Chelsea secured three wins form the first three matches this weekend. Sarri's public vote of confidence has given Luiz vim and vigour to reignite his Chelsea career.

The Brazilian had a run-in with Conte over tactics, however, seems on board with Sarri's attacking style of play. He has always had a penchant for the flair and flamboyance and might find a haven to re-establish himself with the new gaffer at the Bridge

#4 Chris Smalling (Manchester United)

Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling was reportedly on his way out of Manchester United in July. With just a week left in the transfer window, he was about to seal a move to Wolves, the newly promoted Championship conquerors. Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho public pursuit of a new centre-back only added more grist to that rumour mill. But as the move did not materialize the dominos stayed intact and Smalling remains a United player.

Smalling joined United from Fulham in 2010 and has played 289 times for Manchester United. He has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the Europa League during his 8-year spell at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old, who did not make the cut for England at the World Cup, had an impressive 46 appearances for the Red Devils last time. A feat he gives his wife full credit for. His partner Sam, a former model, implored him to become a vegan. Taking up vegetarianism as a lifestyle choice the defender enjoyed his most successful season in terms of avoiding injuries.

Unfortunately, all the herbs and shrubs in the World cannot teach a person to pass a ball and that is Smalling’s anathema. As advertised by England coach Gareth Southgate, Smalling lacks composure and finesse on the football. This would not have been a problem with his long reach and quick turn of pace, except it is not 2012. It is 2018 and the world of football has undergone a sea change. As brutal as it sounds, the fact is that Smalling seems a misfit at United, especially when they are expected to rebuild their in-house brand of attacking flair.

But then again, after the Bailly-Lindelof horror-show at the Amex, there might still be some rope left for Smalling to munch on. He was decent against Spurs apart from a second-half blooper against a trailblazing Lucas Moura.

#3 Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)

Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck has always divided opinions. Even at his former side, Manchester United, he garnered as many yays as nays. Therefore, scoring Arsenal’s final goal against West Ham United on Saturday will come as a welcome reminder of his talents to Unai Emery, before he closes the file on the Mancunian.

With an Arsenal manager who is refreshingly forward-thinking and flexible in his tactical approach, Welbeck may still has a lot to offer to the Gunners’ cause, even it be predominantly from the bench.

Welbeck was never a 20-goal plus striker, a ‘fox in the box’ or ‘Johny on the spot’. He lacks the sheer charisma and natural skill to ever become a virtuoso either. But he brings a solid work ethic and game diligence that can be crucial at various points in a game especially the last 30 minutes. He is athletic, rapid and versatile as far as position play goes.

He is the quintessential reserve engine can revive Arsenal’s late charge in a game they trail in or help run the clock down in the game they are leading.

He will get ten goals a season and more importantly bring value in the big matches as his counter-attacking potential works best away from the Emirates.

#2 Joe Hart (Burnley)

Joe Hart

When Pep Guardiola landed at the Etihad, Hart was coming off a disastrous Euro 2016. Culpable for England’s exit at the hands of minnows Iceland, the vultures were already circling around the English goalkeeper. Unsurprisingly, he was stranded in an unwelcome spot and rapidly falling down the pecking order.

Loan deals to Torino and West Ham followed but he could not salvage his spot in the national side as England boss Gareth Southgate snubbed him for the World Cup. He has a tough fight on his hands with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Nick Pope (also at Burnley) making up the national ranks.

However, he moved to Turf Moor this summer for £3.5 million hoping to secure a Three Lions recall. Hart, a veteran of 75 international caps has two League titles and will bring that wealth of experience at the very top to the Clarets.

Hart was an academy graduate at City spending 12 years there. With Burnley enjoying the lofty heights of Europa League this season he might get the stage to prove his doubters wrong. With glorious endorsements from the likes of former City mates Adebayor and Vincent Kompany, the move to Burnley may just be what the doctor ordered for him.

For Hart, he needs to convince people that he can still perform at the highest stage. A stellar showing against the likes of City, Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United will get the chatter going again. After the recent turmoil, the only way for Hart seems up.

#1 Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge was a lethal foil to Suarez under Brendan Rogers. But after the slip by Gerrard his career has taken a nosedive of its own. Plagued with a litany of injuries he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion in January.

However, a bright and injury-free pre-season later he returns a confident not-so-young man fighting to earn a contract renewal. He has 12 months left on his current deal.

An opportunistic finish against West Ham on the opening weekend seems to suggest that he is in a better place than when he was escorted out at the start of the year. Sturridge, who was omitted from England’s squad for the World Cup certainly has higher goals to look forward to. He has never lacked the pace, control and finishing required to excel in the Premier League. Hopefully, with injury blues behind him, he can concentrate on building his match fitness back.

Given the talent at Klopp’s disposal, the Anfield side is shaping up to be a real challenger to Manchester City’s domestic dominance. The league drought since 1990 will need more hands to the mast and Danny boy might be well served to grab the chance when it comes his way.