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With the new season about to commence, we have a lot to look forward to. New mangers, new players, promoted teams and many such intriguing factors need to be looked at. To welcome the new season, here is a list of players to watch out for. This list includes new signings as well as some familiar faces and what is expected of them in the new season.
Matija Nastasic, Manchester City
The Serbian established himself at the heart of City’s defence, partnering the irreplaceable Vincent Kompany. The 20-year-old had a wonderful debut season in the Premier League, displacing the more experienced Lescott and Toure.
His young age belies the calmness in his game; add to that composed passing and above average speed for a centre back, and we have a genuine world class prospect.
These attributes helped Nastasic put in some wonderful displays all along last season. It will be intriguing to know how the Serb progresses this year under a new coach and a new playing style. Barring injuries and change of preference from Pellegrini, Nastasic will progress on to becoming one of Europe’s finest centre backs in the coming season.
Wilfried Bony, Swansea City
Wilfried Bony
With the tag of being the club record signing for the South Welsh side on his head, a lot is expected from the Ivorian this season.
After scoring more than 60 goals in his last three seasons in the Dutch league, including more than 30 last season, it remains to be seen whether Bony can carry on that rich form into the much more challenging Premier League. Laudrup has a reputation for getting his transfer purchases right, so it seems Bony will not go the way of Afonso Alves and other similar big fish from the smaller Dutch ocean.
Maarten Stekelenburg, Fulham
Maarten Stekelenburg
A World Cup finalist and a first choice for the Dutch national team, Stekelenburg joined Fulham from Roma for fee of about 6 million pounds. At the age of 30, and with over 50 caps for Netherlands, Stekelenburg brings a lot of experience with him, and seems to be an upgrade on the departing Mark Schwarzer.
Stekelenburg will add much needed assurance and solidity to a fragile Fulham defence, which more often rolled over in favour of their opposition last season. Stekelenburg can look forward to using Fulham as a stepping stone. With a season or two of solid goalkeeping with Fulham, Stekelenburg can look forward to the bigger clubs in England, a path illustrated before by his more celebrated compatriot, Edwin Van der Sar.
Loic Remy, Newcastle United
Loic Remy
Joining the ever growing French presence on the Tyne side, Remy has joined the Magpies on a season long loan from relegated QPR. The French forward garnered a reputation as a sharp-shooter, by netting six league goals for a struggling QPR side.
With the presence of Ben Arfa, Cabaye and Cisse, Remy can expect more chances this season. If the Frenchman can provide a consistent goal threat in the league this season, Newcastle can hope for better finish than last time out.
Fernandinho, Manchester City
Fernandinho
Being the most-expensive signing of the summer so far, the highly-rated Brazilian’s signing has led to massive expectations off him. The Brazilian brings in much needed energy, drive and steel to City’s midfield.
Fernandinho is a significant upgrade on the likes of Barry and Javi Garcia and should take some pressure off the large shoulders of Yaya Toure.
With City being the wounded animal this season, a title challenge is a must from the blue half of Manchester, and Fernandinho is expected to be at the heart of it. Besides providing a solid shield to the City defence, he is expected to initiate attacks with his skillful passing ability. Fernandinho needs to adapt to the tempo of Premier League at the earliest, which is a much harder place than the calmer waters of Ukrainian football.
Stevan Joveti?, Manchester City
Stevan Jovetic (center)
Manchester City have had a long list of forwards who have turned out to be big money flops over the last five seasons. But in Joveti?, City have a real gem. Joveti? has developed into a wonderful player after five seasons with Fiorentina.
Capable of operating anywhere across the front line and with a keen eye for goal, Joveti? offers versatility and creativity to City’s front-line. With proper use by Pellegrini, at just 23, Jovetic’s signing could turn out to be coup for Manchester City. Let’s all just hope that all his potential is converted into performance, as this is one player who could light up the league.
Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool
Philippe Coutinho
The silky Brazilian, a winter buy last season, was an instant hit at Anfield. He adapted to Brendan Rodger’s style of play in the best possible way, taking over the creative mantle in Liverpool’s final third. His combination play with Suarez and Sturridge was eye-catching and his eye for the killer pass was exhibited on many occasions last season.
In most of pre-season games, he has been less effective with a role on the left flank of Liverpool, which has made it clear that he is much more effective through the middle. I personally expect Coutinho to continue his wonderful form this season, and become not only Liverpool’s key player, but a marquee player for the Premier League.
Juan Mata, Chelsea
Juan Mata
With 12 goals and 12 assists, the Spaniard was one of the best players in the league last season. Mata had a free role under Di Matteo and even Rafa Benitez did not restrict Mata’s creativity. With his intelligence and movement, Mata can easily slot into any role behind the front man.
However, similar to Coutinho, deployment on the wings restricts Mata’s influence on the game. In the pre-season, Mourinho has talked about deploying Mata as a left-footed right side player, more of an inside wide forward. Such a role will provide lot of room for Mata to take control of the game. However, with Mourinho’s history of putting creative players on a tight lease, it remains to be seen how Chelsea’s old ‘special one’ impacts their new ‘special one’.
Roberto Soldado, Tottenham
Roberto Soldado
For once, Spurs have a genuine presence to lead their attack. For all his poaching ability, Defoe has been less than convincing, playing the lone-man role upfront and the Spaniard (so many of them taking over the English League) is a significant upgrade on the inconsistent pair of Defoe and Adebayor.
After leading Valencia’s attack for three seasons, Soldado brings valuable experience to a young but talented spurs squad. His ability to hold-up the ball and involve in link-up play will aid Spurs’ other creative players, add to it his shooting ability, and Spurs fans can look forward to 15 plus goals from Soldado this season.
Wilfred Zaha, Manchester United
Wilfried Zaha
As of now, he remains United’s only significant addition to their squad. Zaha, with a bucket load of pace, dibbling skills and trickery will join an illustrious list of United wingers. Zaha was a key player in Crystal Palace’s promotion, banging in a brace in the play-off semi-final and playing a crucial role in the final.
Now, he finds himself thrust into the spotlight, into the biggest arena in world football. The sooner he understands the gulf between the expectations from Selhurst Park crowd and the Old Trafford faithful, sooner will he adapt to the challenging demands of Premier league.
Moyes had made it clear that Zaha will not be sent on loan, meaning he is part of his first team plans. Moyes, with a reputation for grooming young talent, is expected to play a crucial role in the development of this prodigiously talented winger.
