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A belated end to the 2020-21 season followed by a busy summer of international football meant many players had a shorter pre-season ahead of the new campaign.
A few players have hit the ground running, though. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku had sparkling international campaigns in the summer. They have carried forward that form into the new season, despite moving to different clubs.
However, a few other big-name players are yet to hit their stride this season. On that note, here's a look at four such players, in no particular order:
#4 Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann is one of several big-name players yet to get going this season. That's surprising because the Frenchman's lean spell hasn't extended to the international arena.
Griezmann scored once in France's Euro 2020 campaign, and has netted thrice in as many FIFA World Cup 2022 qualification games this month. However, the striker has failed to replicate his decent club form from last season.
The Frenchman was expected to lead Barcelona's charge in the post-Lionel Messi era. But his insipid performances in the first three league games -- no goals or assists -- this season meant he was booed by the Camp Nou faithful. Griezmann was subsequently sent out to Atletico Madrid on a two-year loan deal.
Even at his old stomping ground, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is yet to register a goal contribution in four games across competitions. Griezmann's poor early-season form shouldn't concern manager Diego Simeone just yet, as the holders are two points adrift of Real Madrid after six games.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman will look to open his account soon and help Atletico keep within touching distance of the early pacesetters.
Also Check Out: Antoine Griezmann Net Worth
#3 Jan Oblak
Jan Oblak is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the game at the moment.
The Slovenian played a key role in the Rojiblancos' first La Liga win in seven years last season. Oblak featured in all 38 games, conceding only 25 goals, to win his fifth Zamora Trophy in six years. But he hasn't been at his fluent best this campaign, letting in five goals in six games while keeping only two clean sheets.
Although that is not alarming, Diego Simeone will hope his star man can hit his stride soon. Atletico will need to regain their defensive resilience if they are to retain their La Liga title this season.
#2 Harry Kane
Harry Kane had one of his best campaigns in club football -- 33 goals, 17 assists across competitions -- last season. He followed that up with a sparkling Euro 2020 campaign, scoring four goals to help England reach their first major final in over five decades.
However, after a move to Manchester City did not materialize in the offseason, Kane has largely struggled to get going this season. He has scored thrice in seven games, but none of those strikes have come in the Premier League.
Of course, a short offseason didn't help Kane's cause, as he was not match-fit at the start of the new season. That appears to be the case a month into the new campaign as well.
Tottenham enjoyed a rousing start to the season, winning their first three games without conceding to go top of the table. But Spurs' early-season form cooled off, and they fell to successive 3-0 defeats in their next two games.
It is imperative that Kane rediscovers his mojo soon as Nuno Espirito Santo's men hope to stay within touching distance of the top teams.
Also Check Out: Harry Kane Net Worth
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has experienced contrasting emotions this summer. He led from the front for Argentina, scoring four goals and providing five assists, as they ended their near three-decade-long trophy drought at Copa America 2021.
After a vacation, Messi returned to Barcelona, only to learn that the club wouldn't be extending his contract owing to La Liga's financial fair play rules. PSG soon snapped up the services of Messi, whose 17-season stint at Camp Nou drew to an unexpected close.
However, the Argentinian, widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, has struggled to get going at his new club. Visibly short of match fitness, Messi is yet to score for PSG. He has struck the woodwork twice, but he has not looked at his fluent best.
Messi's indifferent form is hardly a matter of concern for manager Mauricio Pochettino, though. That's because a star-studded PSG are already seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 this early in the season. Although they were held to a draw at Club Brugge in their Champions League opener, PSG are expected to make another deep run in the competition.
It is surely only a matter of time before Messi rediscovers his stride and wreaks havoc with his attacking colleagues Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
