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Arguably the most ardent league in this world — Premier League, has yielded the best of players from across the globe.
Top-flight football in England has garnered a lot of admiration from lovers of the sport, eliminating national barriers. From the presence of the 'Top-Six' to attracting the strongest legs in Europe, the Premier League's intensity is not unknown to the fans.
A lot has happened over the last year within England. From mouthwatering transfers to managerial shifts, another exciting year awaits Premier League fans. A combination of high-profile transfers alongside budding talent within the ranks has put a bunch of teams at the forefront.
With EPL, there is never a favorite. Taking 2015-16 as an example, could anyone have predicted Leicester to be crowned champions of England over the big clubs?
Speaking of which, let's take a look at the top five players to watch in 2021-22 Premier League Season
#5 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Premier League fans, especially the Liverpool faithful, are looking forward to the return of their formidable player. The Dutch international was sidelined for about a year after picking up an ACL injury in the early stages of the previous season.
A series of good runs in the red jersey that saw van Dijk win the UEFA European Player of the year and Ballon d'Or second place in 2019 raised his fans' expectations. However, that went down the drain following the ill-fated incident that sent van Dijk stretchered from the pitch.
As Liverpool are knitting tactics to make a comeback following a trophyless season, their number 4 — Virgil van Dijk, is the player that fans are most excited to see.
#4 Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
The former Manchester United defender, who marks his comeback to the Premier League, occupies the next spot on our list.
Ashley Young, a massively talented wing-back whose experience is almost equivalent to the age of some young stars within the league, returns to the Premier League after two years.
Having had an incredible season with the Old Trafford natives, Young moved to Italy and played for Inter Milan for two seasons. He won the Scudetto with the Serie A side.
At the age of 36, the former England international is readying himself to re-enter the fast-paced league EPL with his former club Aston Villa.
#3 Rúben Dias (Manchester City)
Another Premier League star, the 24-year-old from Portugal — Rúben Dias. He bagged the Manchester City's player of the season as well as the Premier League player of the year award and is a highly looked-upon individual this term.
The fact that Rúben Dias collected these accolades in his debut Premier League season is an astonishing one. Rúben Dias is backed by massive confidence from his coach and peers. He has also emerged as one of the favorites among the Cityzens within a short span of time.
He takes a responsibility in the good and bad moments. At his age, it comes from his dad and mum, all his teammates and manager at Benfica. He's always thinking to improve. The feeling comes every day in training, how the prepare, the way he eats, thinking he can do better. - Rúben Dias' coach Pep Guardiola about his young defender.
Dias' flair and improvised defensive techniques are second to none. It will be worth the wait to see what this Sky Blue star has to offer this season.
#2 Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
After a record-breaking lengthy stint at Bayer Leverkusen, Kai Havertz took a flight to England just last year. Crowned as the Champions League in the debut season, Havertz' contribution towards the Blues' success has been massive.
An energy powerhouse, the German owns the midfield like no other. His link-up with the clubs forwards — Cristian Pulisic, Timo Werner and the others often puts the opposition defenders in distress.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man has been directly involved in 9 goals for Chelsea in the last season of the Premier League.
He has had his influence consistently in Chelsea's Champions League triumph as well. With, the deflected chip that was converted by Timo Werner to see Real Madrid off, being the major one.
#1 Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
Real Madrid fans aren't currently in a pleasant spot, losing two of their centre-backs in quick succession. Madridistas have had a summer transfer season to forget. While Sergio Ramos has found his home in Ligue 1 with PSG, Raphael Varane, with age on his side, chose the Premier League.
Manchester United consider Varane to be one of their biggest signings in the recent era. The Red Devils' gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjær tips Varane to be one of the top players within the league this term.
At the age of 28, the Frenchman has already won a lot that exceeds the achievements of many. And as the former Real Madrid stopper aims to add the Premier League title under his belt, let's wait and see how the 2021-22 Premier League season unfolds.
