Top Player Profiles

ALISSON BECKER

Liverpool

With Jordan Henderson having left Liverpool for the Saudi pro league and Mohamed Salah’s and Virgil van Dijk’s best days now probably behind them, Alisson will be key in goal during the upcoming season. In addition to this, the Brazilian keeper will also have to play a big role as a motivator and leader on the field.

The 30-year-old is perfect for Jurgen Klopp’s high line, and often saves the Reds on breaks.

Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and is now also probably Liverpool’s most important player.

Liverpool missed out on Champions league football last term, and their aim for this season will be to rebuild into a top-four-worthy team, as well as challenge for major trophies on offer

MARCUS RASHFORD

Manchester United

After years of glimpses of brilliance, Rashford finally established himself as a true world-class talent last season. he hit 30 goals in all competitions to help United to a third-place finish in Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge of the club. If Rashford can continue to build upon the progress he made last season under the guidance of Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy – who is a United first-team coach – he has the potential to be a contender for the Golden Boot award. after winning the league Cup last season, united will look to challenge for all the important silverware on offer next season to rebuild themselves into a giant of world football. Rashford’s performances will be vital for them

MARTIN ODEGAARD Arsenal

Arsenal led the premier league for a total of 248 days last season before a slump led to them losing out on a title for the first time in nearly 20 years.

While the Gunners will be frustrated by missing out on the league title, the club still did show remarkable progress last season, and are now once again among the elite sides in England after several years of under-achievement.

It will be up to Odegaard this season to ensure that his side builds upon the resolve they showed last season and continue to challenge for the league title.

The Norwegian is constantly organising and is a hard-working player who has shown that he is brilliant at executing instructions given by manager Mikel Arteta

KEVIN DE BRUYNE

MancheSter city

Manchester City won the treble last season and will be keen to maintain their dominance as arguably the greatest football club in the world at the moment.

With Ilkay Gundogan having left the club to join Barcelona, Kevin de Bruyne is the key leader within the team now. at 32 years old, De Bruyne remains on top of his game, and can still unlock any defence in world football on his good days. his aims for now will change, though. In addition to continuing world-class playmaking, he will also be tasked to develop the next set of core leaders within the City dressing room. De Bruyne probably has at least another two years of high-level football left in him

THIAGO SILVA

Chelsea

Last season was an absolute disaster for Chelsea, who finished the league in 12th place. This season will be key in determining the future trajectory of the club, and a key figure in helping them improve will be veteran defender Thiago Silva.

A top-four finish under new manager Mauricio Pochettino will mean that the club are well on course towards rebuilding.

The core of the Chelsea team has also changed, with several figures having left this off-season, so the experience of Silva will be key next season for the club on and off the field.

The Brazilian turns 39 soon, but remains a class talent. his defensive abilities and leadership skills will be key in maintaining calm and stability when things go wrong