English Premier League Preview | Top Five Players to Watch

EPL Stars Who Could Define the Season

Date: Aug 16, 2024
Author: Michael Terry
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Card Culture, Cole Palmer, English Premier League, Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Michael Terry, Mohamed Salah, Soccer
Length: 634 Words
Reading Time: ~4 Minutes

English Premier League action gets underway on Friday after a busy summer of international soccer. Manchester City is favored to repeat as champions, Arsenal hope to finally get over the hump, Liverpool move into a new era after the departure of manager Jürgen Klopp, and Manchester United and Chelsea attempt to re-emerge as contenders after disappointing campaigns last year. Let’s look at the top players from these teams whose performances will go a long way to determining the success of their clubs’ seasons.

Mohamed Salah, RW Liverpool Football Club

THE STORY

• fifth player in Liverpool history to score 200 goals with the club
• remains at club despite speculation over future and a lack of a contract extension

the task ahead

• provide stability and continuity as new manager Arne Slot takes over
• after scoring only 18 goals last year, needs to find the net more often if Liverpool is to improve on last year’s third-place finish

What They’re Saying

• “He likes it at Liverpool, and he’s been excellent, so they will want to keep him, but if someone did knock on the door and offered £100 million, I think they’d take it. – former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson

Erling Haaland, CF, Manchester City Football Club

THE STORY

• scored a ridiculous 63 goals in 66 EPL appearances
• won titles in both of his seasons at Manchester City

the task ahead

• must stay healthy as the club’s only true striker following sale of Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid
• become first player since Thierry Henry to win the EPL Golden Boot three years in a row

What they’re saying

• “When you have a season where it’s a little bit less, people don’t appreciate what you’ve done…He’s been amazing again, and he’ll always do what he does.” – kevin de Bruyne on Haaland’s last campaign

Bruno Fernandes, AM, Manchester United Football Club

The story

• provided crucial assist as Manchester United won fa cup over rival Manchester City
• United slumped to eighth-place finish and their second-lowest points total (60) in EPL history

the task ahead

• bring play-making threat for attack featuring many new and young forwards
• find consistency needed to help club challenge for champions league qualification

What they’re saying

• “When he’s in the final third, there’s no other player in that team that I want on the ball for delivery into other players or shooting. He is majestic in those positions.” – Former United star Rio Ferdinand

Cole Palmer, AM, Chelsea Football Club

the story

• lone bright light for Chelsea in first season at the club following transfer from Manchester City (32 goal involvements in 34 games)  
• Named EPL young player of the season

the task ahead

• show that he can back up incredible first season with a comeback effort
• Help Chelsea discover identity amidst roster and management turnover

What they’re saying

• “Cole has been the decisive player, maybe of the season…He’s an exceptional player. We knew that when he was here.” – Palmer’s former manager, pep guardiola

Martin Ødegaard, CM, Arsenal Football Club

The story

• has reached potential as a world-class midfielder for an Arsenal club that has run Manchester City close in back-to-back seasons
•t-fifth in big chances created last year (17)

the task ahead

• help push Arsenal on to first EPL title since 2003/04
• bring goal-scoring tally closer to the 15 he notched two years ago (scored only eight last season)

what they’re saying

• “I think he’s really easy to watch, brilliant, drifts, makes himself space, intelligent use of the ball, great vision. I’m going to go for him as my player of the year” – former Scotland striker ally mccoist


More Topps Soccer


Related

First Look | 2024 Topps Baseball Update Series First Pitch
Oct 14, 2024
Topps Digital Roundup | October 14-20
Oct 14, 2024
Lawrence Taylor Cards to Collect
Oct 14, 2024
First Look | 2024 Topps Allen & Ginter Buzzin’
Oct 11, 2024