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After a summer that has offered plenty of drama on and off the field, we are set to welcome club football again. Two of Europe's top five leagues, the Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, are kicking off this weekend. The Premier League and La Liga will follow in the August 14-15 weekend.
Several clubs have improved their squads this summer, making lucrative deals in the transfer market. Manchester United have hogged plenty of headlines, finally landing Jadon Sancho after a year's pursuit and a quality center back in Raphael Varane. But their cross-city rivals have dominated the headlines in the last few days, especially with the signing of Jack Grealish.
While clubs such as United and City have splurged, many clubs have made use of free transfers and loans. There are other teams who are seemingly content to wait and make moves for players whose contracts run out next summer. The financial ramifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic are bound to be felt for a few more years.
Many clubs have also adopted a new route that seemingly follows in with the fluid nature of modern football. That has seen players move from their preferred positions to one that better suits the team. Kevin de Bruyne operating as a false 9 last season is one such example.
This trend is expected to continue in the 2021-22 season as well. On that note, here's a look at the top five players who could impress while playing in unfamiliar positions:
#5 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | Liverpool
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's career at Liverpool has been underwhelming to date. The Englishman has played 104 matches for Liverpool since joining in 2017, but has struggled to get into the first XI due to injuries.
For the 2021-22 season, the Reds' preferred midfield three is likely to consist of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alacantara and Fabinho. The Ox is likely to serve as a rotational option, but he could also operate as a false 9.
Last season, Roberto Firmino struggled to assert his dominance in games as a supporting striker for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. The Brazilian was sluggish, but continued to play due to a lack of chemistry between the front three when Diogo Jota played instead of Firmino.
If Oxlade-Chamberlain can keep himself fit this season, he could be a potential replacement for Firmino. The Englishman's off-the-ball movement has been excellent at times, while his work rate has been reasonably good as well.
Still only 27, this might be Oxlade-Chamberlain's best chance to impress at Liverpool after an injury-ravaged four years.
#4 Sergino Dest | Barcelona
Barcelona are a club in turmoil, but Sergino Dest is one of the few bright spots to have emerged in the last year. The American right-back impressed during the 2020-21 season, and is only expected to improve in the upcoming campaign.
Dest will face more competition this time around, though, with the Blaugrana signing Emerson Royal. The Brazilian is a fabulous right-back who offers a bit more stability in defence than Dest, who often prefers going on marauding forward runs. It is also worth noting that Barcelona still don't have a backup for left-back Jordi Alba. Given their horrendous financial situation, they are unlikely to purchase one this summer.
Alejandro Balde, a promising youngster from La Masia, has been heralded as an Alba backup by many. But with the youngster being just 18, Dest could be used as a makeshift left-back in case of injuries or suspensions.
Given his pace and dribbling ability, the American is likely to impress even if played out of his usual position.
#3 Kai Havertz | Chelsea
Kai Havertz excelled for Chelsea towards the end of the 2020-21 season in an unfamiliar role. The German, who predominantly played as a winger for Bayer Leverkusen and Germany, was deployed as a false 9 by Tomas Tuchel.
The move paid rich dividends, as Havertz managed five goals and six assists in the 21 matches he played behind the forward line. The most significant of these strikes was his winner against Manchester City in the Champions League final.
Chelsea are looking to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer as an out-and-out striker. If the move goes through, Havertz could return to his position as a left winger. Alternatively, he could also be deployed as a second striker or from midfield to feed Lukaku.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old could excel wherever he plays on the pitch, as he looks much more at home at Stamford Bridge heading into the new campaign.
#2 Jesse Lingard | Manchester United
Jesse Lingard's return to form has been absolutely phenomenal. Considered surplus to requirements at Manchester United, the 28-year-old moved to West Ham in January 2021. Lingard made an instant impact and helped the Hammers secure European football with some scintillating performances.
The Englishman made 16 appearances for David Moyes's side, netting nine goals and providing five assists. Most of those goals came when Lingard played just behind the attackers in an attacking midfield role. He is unlikely to be able to play there for United, though, due to the presence of a certain Bruno Fernandes, which could limit his creativity.
However, Lingard also played as a second striker and left winger for West Ham in six matches last season, managing three goals and an assist to prove his versatility. With Marcus Rashford injured for at least a couple of months due to surgery, United might use Lingard on the left wing to partner Edinson Cavani and Jadon Sancho.
Alternatively, he could also prove to be an able backup in that position if the Red Devils choose to start Anthony Martial or Mason Greenwood.
#1 Jack Grealish | Manchester City
After an emotional English summer, Jack Grealish has finally completed a move to Manchester City. In the process, he has also become the most expensive Englishman in the history of the game.
Grealish joins the English champions after a stellar Euro 2020 showing. The former Aston Villa winger has arrived at a stacked City front six that already includes Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.
With Pep Guardiola at the helm, almost every player is seemingly required to be able to play in multiple positions.
The Spaniard knows he's getting an immensely talented player in Grealish. While the Englishman has largely played on the left wing throughout his career, it won't be surprising to see Guardiola use him as a false 9 this season.
It was no wonder that City prioritised Grealish's signing after Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to let go Harry Kane. Jack Grealish is only 25, despite his impressive technical ability. Under Guardiola, he could not only play in multiple positions but also excel doing so.
