With 10 days to go for the 2014/15 English Premier League season to began, we have a look at the top 10 players to look out for this season:
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1) Daniel Sturridge:
The 24-year old striker was the second top scorer in the 2013/14 Premier League for Liverpool. The influential Englishman scored 21 times for the Reds last season and almost helped Liverpool to win the title. The Kop would be looking towards Sturridge to carry them this season after mainman Luis Suarez' £75million transfer to Barcelona.
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2) Wayne Rooney:
The Manchester United striker has been firmly in the spotlight since making his Premier League debut for Everton at the age of 16 and first breaking into the England side aged 17. Much has been said about whether he has truly lived up to his potential but there is no doubt Rooney is still considered among the best in the world and he is arguably the finest English player of his generation. The striker scored 17 times last season, but could only help the Red Devils to a mere 7th place. But, knowing Rooney's hunger for success, the fans are convinced that the Englishman would bring United back on track this Premier League season.
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3) Yaya Toure:
There are few things better in football than watching Yaya Toure in full flow. The human steam train is almost unstoppable when he bursts forward from midfield and he possesses an enviable combination of grace, power, speed and composure. The Ivorian midfielder was one of the most influential players last season as he netted in 20 goals for Manchester City and subsequently helping them to win the title. The fans would be hoping Yaya to repeat last season's performance if they are to win the title again.
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4) Eden Hazard:
Eden Hazard's rise over the past couple of years has been meteoric, with the Belgian starlet undergoing a remarkable transformation from a Lille youngster to Ligue 1 sensation to one of the most sought after players in Europe. The fleet-footed attacker has drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Hazard had 14 goals and 7 assists to his name last season and was influential in Chelsea's 3rd place finish. Hazard has been impressive for the Blues since he joined from Ligue 1 club Lille and would be hoping to do one better this season.
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5) Sergio Aguero:
One of the world's most highly rated strikers, Aguero draws obvious comparisons with his former father-in-law Diego Maradona due to his nimble footwork, dribbling skills and clinical finishing. Scoring 17 goals for Manchester City, the Argentine was a driving force for City's title win. Aguero scored the dramatic stoppage time goal in 2012 on the last day of the season to hand Manchester City win their first Premier League title, and edge out city rivals Manchester United on goal difference.
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6) Diego Costa:
The man who kept pace with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in last season’s La Liga scoring charts has arrived Chelsea and is looking to make a bigger impact in the Premier League. Costa netted 27 times for Atletico in the La Liga last season. The lack of a prolific finisher was the downfall in Chelsea’s title race last term but Costa has plenty of creative and talented players behind him to provide goal-scoring chances and finally offer Chelsea the fire power they were starved of up front.
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7) Juan Mata:
The 26-year old playmaker was a ray of light in Manchester United's disastrous season last year and impressed with his performances for the Red Devils. Mata made a £37.1million switch from Chelsea to Manchester United in January 2014 and scored 6 goals in 18 appearances for United. With Ander Herrera partnering him in midfield and a strike partnership of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, the Spanish playmaker has his work cut out. Mata is definitely going to be the one to look out for.
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8) Romelu Lukaku:
Hailed as the next Didier Drogba, 21-year old striker Romelu Lukaku announced himself in the Premier League last season after scoring 15 goals for Everton. The Belgian international was on loan at the Merseyside club but just last week made his deal permanent as he signed for the Tofees from Chelsea for a fee of £28million. Funnily, Chelsea resigned Didier Drogba from Galatasaray to replace Lukaku. Basically, Drogba's replacement was replaced by Drogba. The Evertonians would be hoping for Lukaku to fire them into the Champions League next season.
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9) Alexis Sanchez:
The £31.8 million arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona has injected fresh optimism into Arsenal, and a sustained title challenge will now be the minimum expectation with the Chile international on board. The 25-year-old heads to the Premier League following his best season in La Liga, in which he scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists from the right side. And Sanchez’s role at Arsenal will be an intriguing story that is set to unfold this season. The Chilean is adept at playing anywhere across the front three, and Arsene Wenger has already earmarked his latest marquee signing for a central position, spearheading Arsenal’s attack.
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10) Adam Lallana:
26-year old Adam Lallana made his move to Liverpool this summer for a fee of £25million after a more than impressive season at Southampton where he scored 9 goals from midfield. Comfortable with the ball at both feet, he has the versatility to play anywhere in the midfield and a great eye for a pass. His vision and creativity mark him out as well as a wonderful technique that sets him apart from his peers. The Kop are expecting an impressive season out of Lallana who has Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling in his side.
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