5 players with a point to prove in the 2014-15 Premier League season

The 2014/15 Premier League season is crucial for a host of players. Some will be trying to resurrect their waning reputation, whereas others will look to build their careers. Whatever happens, the current season could end up making or breaking many careers.Here is a list of 5 players who have a point to prove in the upcoming season:

#1 Joe Hart

Joe Hart had an eventful year in the previous campaign. After a solid start, mistakes and complacency set in, resulting in Pellegrini temporarily dropping him to show that his position is not invincible. A brief spell on the bench seemed to have taught Hart a hard and vital lesson and saw him play much better in the second half of last season.

Two Premier League medals and Englands undisputed no.1 by the age of 23, and yet the word undisputed seems unconvincing. Hart has his weaknesses (with complacency among them) and is still yet to nail down his England position like how goalkeepers such as Lloris, Neuer and Buffon have made them theirs. Unlike last season, he has genuinecompetition from Willy Caballero (no one signs a goalkeeper for 6 million poundsjust to warm the bench).

With the Argentine in his shadows, Hart cannot afford even a temporary blip, as it will be more difficult regaining any lost spot from Caballero than from Pantilimon. And any such blip will benefit Fraser Forster more than anyone else when it comes to the English squad.

#2 Fraser Forster

The 6 feett 7 inch goalkeeper has a more commanding presence than his England senior. He has moved down the border from Celtic to Southampton, citing a lack of competitiveness in the Scottish League. A move up into a tougher league will no doubt improve his abilities and at the same time help him contend better for England’s no 1 jersey.

A solid season on the South coast for Forster will definitely keep Joe Hart on his toes and increase the competition for England’s starting goalkeeping spot.

#3 Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere, the prodigal son of Arsenal was once touted as England’s answer to Spain’s gifted footballers, and the future of English football. The problem with Wilshere is that, the word future is always mentioned as an “if” and not “when”.

Arsene Wenger recently stood in defence of his talented midfielder, bemoaning the pressure on his tender shoulders. While it was a brave attempt to mitigate the backlash received due to an irresponsible lifestyle (aka penchant for smoking), it is only fair for the fans to expect the potential in him too actually translate into actual performances on a consistent basis.

Increased competition within Arsenal will constantly push Wilshere to perform. Similar to Rodwell, Wilshere has a wonderful opportunity to not just stamp his authority on his club, but also to fill the great vacuum in the heart of England’s midfield.

A youngster who was hailed as the greatest England talent in living memory has been completely overshadowed by the fairy tale comeback of another young midfielder in the form of Aaron Ramsey. Wilshere can either follow in the footsteps of Ramsey and improve his performances and come of age in terms of consistency, or he can stare at the prospect of being yet another talented English player with a career always on the threshold of greatness, but one that never managed to cross it.

Though Hodgson is a big fan and will always be patient with Wilshere, it’s time for Jack to grow into a man and translate all his potential into reality.

#4 Mario Balotelli

Speaking of the need for someone to grow into a man, no one is required to do that more than Liverpool’s latest acquisition, Mario Balotelli. The words “last chance” have been brandished across all newspapers, with reference to his move to Liverpool, which is absolutely true. While many media outlets declared the 16 million pounds signing as a gamble for Liverpool, I believe that it is a move of very limited risk.

If Balotelli remains the same, with his antics creating more headlines than his performances, Liverpool will still have a suitor next summer, for a million less than what they paid for Falcao and have ready made replacement in Origi (on his loan return from Lille). But on the other hand, if Balotelli cleans up his acts and plays to his potential, they will own a 50-60 million pound player nearing his prime.

At Liverpool, Balotelli will have a manager who has a proven record of resurrecting young careers gone off-track and a club that always stands behind its players. With the renowned sports psychiatrist Steve Peters at Anfield, Balotelli will be provided with all the support he needs. It’s up to him to do his part to take up this “last chance”. At just 24 years of age, Balotelli still has the time to clean up his act and set out on a path of greatness on the pitch, and any such cleaning up has to start from this season.

#5 Jack Rodwell

The 21 year old Englishman was once hailed as the country’s future midfield general. What followed was a big money move to the blue half of Manchester, some lengthy injury spells and the brink of obscurity.

Unlike other young English players of his age, Rodwell seems to have a genuine love for the game and a desire to succeed on the pitch. This has prompted him to take a step back and sign for Sunderland.

Away from the pressures of playing for a top side, and away from competition with World-Class players, Rodwell has a perfect atmosphere to put his City misadventure behind him and put his ailing career back on track. In Gus Poyet, he has a manger who will support his natural ability.

With the retirements of Gerrard and Lampard, there is a great vacuum left behind in the English midfield, which Rodwell can genuinely aspire to fill. A solid season in the North-east will put the man from Merseyside back in Roy Hodgson’s plans for Euro 2016.