With the 2016-17 Premier League campaign set to kick off this weekend, Sportsnet takes a look at the 10 players to watch this season…
Olivier Giroud, Arsenal: The Frenchman is coming off a productive Euro 2016, where he scored three goals in six appearances for France. However, if Arsenal has any title aspirations, it needs Giroud to be clinical in matches against the other “big” clubs. The 29-year-old scored four goals in 11 games versus Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea last season.
Scott Arfield, Burnley: The Canadian was a regular for Burnley the last time it was in the Premier League during the 2014-15 season. Arfield started all 46 games for the club in the Championship last year and he will surely be key to the Clarets’ survival hopes.
N’Golo Kante, Chelsea: One of Leicester City’s “big three” will be donning the blue of Chelsea this season. Kante was vital to Leicester’s Premier League triumph, providing defensive stability in midfield, endless stamina and strong passing abilities. Chelsea will be hoping for more of the same as they try to improve on last season’s disaster.
John Stones, Manchester City: The central defender is one of many young English talents in the Premier League, but after a rocky campaign last season, Stones needs a strong showing this year, especially after his big-money transfer from Everton to Manchester City.
Ahmed Musa, Leicester City: The Nigerian became Leicester City’s record-high signing (£16.6 million), and with his pedigree, he should be a valuable acquisition. Musa is still 23, is lightning quick out wide, and provides an extra scoring boost, which can alleviate the pressure on Jamie Vardy.
Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City: The Belgian’s 2015-16 season was cut short due to injury, but when he was fit, Manchester City was a significantly stronger team. The Citizens did not lose a Premier League game in 2016 when De Bruyne made an appearance.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United: No summer signing will draw more attention than Ibrahimovic’s move from PSG. He will likely start between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial in a front three. The Swede has won a league title with every club he’s represented. Can he win the Premier League with Manchester United?
Dele Alli, Tottenham: Last season’s teenaged star recently turned 20 and is entering his second full Premier League campaign. Alli looked fatigued at Euro 2016, so it will be even more intriguing to see how he performs. The midfielder was crucial to Tottenham’s rise a year ago and assisted seven of Harry Kane’s 24 goals, more than any other player.
Dimitri Payet, West Ham United: The forward started Euro 2016 with a bang, scoring twice in France’s opening two games, but fizzled out as the tournament continued. Nonetheless, Payet was West Ham’s best player last season and attracted interest from Real Madrid. If the Hammers want to crack the top four, the 29-year-old will need to replicate his form from a year ago.
Paul Pogba, Manchester United: The most anticipated deal of the summer is complete. Manchester United paid Juventus an exorbitant amount of money to buy the player Pogba could become. Jose Mourinho was apparently keen to sign the 23-year-old last summer while at Chelsea, so the Portuguese manager will surely take the midfielder to the next level at United.
