EPL 2017/18: 5 players who could become household names

#3 Nathaniel Chalobah

Nathaniel Chalobah will finally get his chance at stardom with Watford

Another highly rated product of Chelsea’s youth academy, Nathaniel Chalobah’s move to Watford this summer came as a shock to many for a number of reasons. Firstly, Chalobah was one of the standout players for England’s U-21 side as they reached the semi-finals of the European Championships.

Secondly, with Nemanja Matic on his way to Manchester United, a spot had opened in Chelsea’s defensive midfield – Chalobah’s favoured position. Thirdly, the fee Watford paid - £5m - was tiny in comparison to some of the insane money being thrown around this summer.

Evidently Chelsea boss Antonio Conte couldn’t have rated Chalobah that highly – after all, he splashed out £40m for Tiemoue Bakayoko, arguing that the Frenchman’s Champions League experience was more valuable than the clear talent of the England youngster.

That means that Chalobah will be gunning to prove his former boss wrong at Watford, where he’ll be linking up with not only a highly rated boss in Marco Silva, but other exciting young players like his England U-21 teammate Will Hughes.

The move to Watford also means Chalobah goes instantly from a player on the fringes of the squad, struggling to make an impact, to one of his side’s key men and one of the first names on the team sheet. Only a fool would bet against a player of his talents being able to succeed highly, and even if Watford end up struggling, the fact that Chalobah will finally be getting first team football means that all eyes will be on him for once.

Gareth Southgate has already spoken of Chalobah breaking into the England senior squad due to the dearth of talent in his position, and a few good performances for Watford will likely see that come to fruition. With 2017/18 being a World Cup season, he might well be one of the names on everyone’s lips come the summer.