Five players who must avoid being one-season wonders

It was a record breaking season in the Premier League last season, as Manchester City romped to the title, and in doing so, became the first team to win 100 points during the Premier League season.

It was a memorable season in so many ways. It also marked the final year for Arsene Wenger in the Premier League, as his reign at Arsenal came to an end after 22 years in charge of the Gunners. Chelsea joined Arsenal as one of the ‘big six’ to miss out on the Champions League places, and the Blues also changed their manager, replacing Antonio Conte with Maurizio Sarri.

At the other end of the table, all three of the promoted clubs, Newcastle, Brighton and Huddersfield, survived for just the third time in Premier League history. In the end, it was West Brom, Stoke City, and Swansea City, who suffered the fate of relegation.

But it wasn’t just the teams who put in some notable performances. There were also some excellent showings from individuals, particularly those who moved to the Premier League as part of the record billion pound spend by clubs before the season began.

Their task this season will be to avoid joining the list of famous ‘one season wonders’; players who sparkled in their debut season in the Premier League, but went downhill afterwards.

The most famous of these is undoubtedly Michu, who joined Swansea for just £2 million from Rayo Vallecano in 2012. He went on to score 18 league goals in his first season, but just two in the following campaign, at the end of which he left Swansea.

Here are five men who will hope to avoid being the latest ‘one-season wonder:

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#1 Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham)

Sanchez had an excellent first year with Tottenham

Sanchez joined Tottenham last summer in a club record £42 million deal from Ajax. On paper, this was a bit of a risk. Sanchez had spent just a single season with the Dutch giants, which incidentally was also his only previous experience of European football.

However, he adapted well to English football, and formed an excellent partnership with Jan Vertonghen. He played well in the absence of Toby Alderweireld, whose number of appearances were restricted by injuries and disagreements over a new contract.

It wasn’t perfect though from Sanchez, and there are parts of his game that he needs to improve in the coming season. There were times where he looked like he struggled to read the game slightly, and made some rash challenges.

Mauricio Pochettino will continue to give him game time this season, so he will have the chance to improve. There will be more scrutiny on him however, as he is now a year older, and doesn’t lack in Premier League experience as an excuse.

#2 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah scored a record 32 league goals in his debut season with Liverpool

Salah was undoubtedly the standout player in the Premier League last year, netting 32 goals, breaking the record for most strikes in a 38-game season. After his move from Roma, he hit the ground running, and was a key part of Liverpool’s team who retained their place in the top four, and helped take them to the Champions League final, where they were beaten by Real Madrid.

He was sensational all season, but he has to now prove that he can do it long-term in the Premier League. He struggled with Chelsea in his time there, and must show that he can do it in a second year with Liverpool.

Not many have hit the heights that Salah has and then failed the next season, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Teams will be making plans to stop Salah by any means necessary, and that is something he is going to have to deal with. He is certainly capable of doing it, but it will be more of a test for the Egyptian in his second season.

#3 Richarlison (Everton)

Everton spent £50 million on Richarlison

There won’t be much more pressure on any player in the coming season than Richarlison. A year ago, the young Brazilian moved to Watford in a £13 million deal from Fluminense, and now he has moved onto Everton for a massive £50 million fee.

He had a terrific start to his time with the Hornets, but he fizzled out after Christmas, as he looked tired, perhaps suffering from playing non-stop football, either in Brazilian club football, or the youth international sides.

He didn’t score a single goal after November, but he was still a regular for Watford, and despite not always producing the final product, he was a constant threat. The second season is normally the biggest challenge for any player coming to the Premier League for the first time, and it is an even tougher test for Richarlison. All the pressure will be on him after his big money move, and whether he can deal with it or not will decide if he is a one-season wonder.

#4 Pascal Gross (Brighton)

Gross cost Brighton just £3 million last summer

Gross was probably the bargain of the season in the Premier League last year. He cost Brighton just £3 million from Ingolstadt this time last year, and he ended up playing a crucial role as the Seagulls stayed up in the top flight in impressive fashion.

The German provided some memorable moments for supporters in his first season with Brighton. He scored their first ever Premier League goal against West Brom in September, and he got the winner against United late on in the campaign, which secured their Premier League status for another year.

It will be another tough season for Brighton this time around. They have strengthened well over the summer, but they are still one of the smaller teams in the league, and are likely to be in another relegation battle. Gross is their talisman, and much will be expected of him, especially given how quickly he adapted to English football. Brighton need him to produce again this year, or they may be staring down the barrel of a return to the Championship.

#5 Mario Lemina (Southampton)

Lemina was one of few bright sparks for the Saints last season

It was a season to forget at St. Mary’s, as Southampton survived relegation by the skin of their teeth. There were clear problems at the club, with Mark Hughes replacing Mauricio Pellegrino as the manager in March.

There weren’t many positives at Southampton, but the performances of Mario Lemina were a rare highlight in a tough season. The Gabonese midfielder was one of a few Saints players, who lived up to expectations.

There have been rumours that Manchester City will make a move for Lemina, and there is still a chance that could happen, given that they missed out on both Fred and Jorginho. It looks unlikely though, and he will be hoping for another strong season with Southampton, who will undoubtedly be looking to improve on last season’s showing. The Saints have spent big money this summer, so Lemina will be playing alongside better players, and he will be looking to make the most of that.