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The 2018 football World Cup has come and gone. What a memorable World Cup it was. It was full of surprises. Some top teams exited the competition early. Certain teams went further than expected. The old guard, footballing superstars, showed a glimmer of what they can do. But this World Cup saw the changing of the old guard. It’s the event where new footballing superstars were born – one in particular. Kylian Mbappé shone in the knockout stages of the World Cup and was instrumental in France lifting the trophy.
Although we’re all still on a bit of a World Cup hangover, it’s time to forget the events of the last couple of months. That’s going to be hard for some, fans and players alike. It’s time for the players to get back to their domestic clubs. Pre-season training is already in full swing.
It’s not long before the Premier League season gets underway. In a few weeks we’ll be getting our weekly dose of Premier League action once again. It’s all gearing up to be an exciting Premier League season. Before the season has even started, experts are tipping Manchester City to go all the way again. It’s hard to see who can take the title from them. Nevertheless, there’ll be a lot of teams challenging. If Leicester winning the title a few years back proved anything, it’s that nothing is impossible.
There have already been a number of changes made by Premier League teams this season. The likes of Arsenal and Chelsea are going through a transition period with new coaches at the helm. There have also been a lot of additions to the teams. There’s still time left in the transfer window, so you can expect plenty more chopping and changing.
But there are those that remain an integral part of their teams. There are stars that’ll shine on the pitch no matter who they’re playing for. Their careers may have had peaks and troughs. That’s inevitable when it comes to the life of a pro athlete. But they’re tipped to shine this year.
These are players looking to do something big in the upcoming Premier League season.
#1 GABRIEL JESUS
The Brazilian forward, Gabriel Jesus has made quite an impact on the footballing scene during his relatively short career. He’s got a good goal-scoring ratio for Brazil, and the domestic sides he’s played for.
Manchester City recognized there was something about him and he hasn’t let them down. Despite a lacklustre World Cup, Gabriel Jesus would be looking to get back to winning ways, personally on the goal-scoring front, and for Manchester City.
He’s tipped to be one of the Premier League’s leading strikers. If he can stay injury-free and gets more playing time, there’s a good chance he could end the season as the leading scorer.
#2 KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Everyone expected Kevin De Bruyne to shine at the World Cup and he did just that. He’s been doing that for Man City ever since he joined the club. It’s little wonder why Man City forwards score so many goals. They get such good service from the likes of De Bruyne and David Silva in midfield.
De Bruyne sets them up, but he’s also capable of finding the back of the net himself. He’s scored some ridiculous goals during his time in the Premier League. He's another one who put in a great showing at the recent World Cup. He will no doubt be looking to make 2018/19 another stellar season.
#3 ROMELU LUKAKU
Romelu Lukaku has all the attributes of a top-class striker. He’s been making it work for himself too and has been showing the world his prowess in front of the goal.
In recent seasons, he’s just been a goal machine for his club and country. It’s no surprise that Manchester United looked to acquire his services. He hasn’t let them down. But still, his goal-scoring ratio probably isn’t as good as he would have hoped it to be. He’s scored a lot of goals but he’s also missed a load of great chances. He will no doubt be looking to improve upon his tally this coming season.
#4 EDEN HAZARD
A few weeks is a long time in the footballing world. Who knows if the Chelsea playmaker will even be around in the Premier League next season?
Eden had a fantastic World Cup. He led from the front brilliantly as the Belgium captain. Due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock move to Juventus, there’s been plenty of talk about who’s going to replace him at Madrid. One of the front runners is Eden Hazard. He’s been linked with Real Madrid for quite a few seasons now.
As previously mentioned, Chelsea are in a transition period at the moment. Should he stay in London, he will no doubt be the main man. He will be the guy the team’s built around. Eden’s sure to make the most of that opportunity, given his status at Stamford Bridge.
#5 JACK WILSHERE
A lot of people were surprised when news broke of Jack Wilshere leaving the Gunners. Evidently, he wasn’t in the new manager’s plans. But Jack’s been an integral part of the Arsenal midfield over the last few seasons. The move caused eyebrows to be raised, as did the fact that Jack wasn’t picked for the England squad.
But looking at the situation from Jack’s point of view, moving to West Ham could breathe a new lease of life into his career. Playing for West Ham will suit his game. He could become their main man this season and also become one of the Premier League's best.
