The Premier League season ended just last month, but excitement is already kicking off ahead of the following campaign with the transfer window having opened.
New and current players are expected to light up England’s top flight. Supporters are eagerly awaited Memphis Depay’s Old Trafford debut, while the future of Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling remains the centre of speculation.
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Take a look below at who CaughtOffside thinks could be the players to look out for in the 2015-16 campaign…
10. Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
The 21-year-old was outstanding for Spurs in the 2014-15 season, with his 21 goals winning his side 24 points – making the striker the most valuable player in the Premier League.
The England international wasn’t handed his first start for Mauricio Pochettino until November, and it will certainly be interesting to see how the striker handles the pressure of playing an entire campaign as the likely first choice centre-forward at White Hart Lane. Kane will be out to silence any doubters suggesting that he could be a one-season wonder, and should have the target of firing Spurs to a Champions League spot.
9. Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool
The Brazilian playmaker was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award and made into the PFA Team of the Year; however, there were plenty of Premier League supporters questioning his inclusion.
While the midfielder expressed glimpses of magic last term – including a stunning strike to seal three points against Manchester City – the youngster has much to prove. Brendan Rodgers and the Anfield faithful know that they have a special talent in their ranks and, particularly with Liverpool having faced criticism over their performances last season, Coutinho must start to step up and deliver consistently if they are to return to the top four.
8. Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal
The Chilean winger was last summer’s signing of the season – ending his debut campaign in north London with 23 goals and nine assists – including a stunning 25-yard strike in the FA Cup final last month.
The former Barcelona forward is expected to be even better in his second campaign at the Emirates after a year of settling into the Premier League. Arsenal, having posed a significant threat to Chelsea’s position at the top of the table after the festive period, will be out to threaten the title again, and Sanchez could be key.
7. Eden Hazard – Chelsea
The Footballer of the Year was crucial in helping return the Premier League trophy to Stamford Bridge for the first time in five seasons, and will have even more confidence when the Blues begin their quest to retain the title in August.
The Belgium international is one of the most exciting players to watch in England’s top flight – and, despite having showcased his unquestionable talent throughout his career so far in west London, there is the feeling that he still has plenty more to offer.
6. Angel Di Maria – Manchester United
The former Santiago Bernabeu winger has looked an almost entirely different player to the one that put in a man-of-the-match display in Real Madrid’s Champions League final in May 2014.
There’s little doubt that the Argentine forward’s confidence will have taken a hit after an underwhelming debut campaign at the Theatre of Dreams, and despite speculation suggesting Louis van Gaal may be tempted into selling, Premier League supporters will be eager for Di Maria to stay and put in the same performances that earned him global recognition from his time in the Spanish capital.
5. Petr Cech – Chelsea
The Stamford Bridge icon is being linked with a move to the Blues’ Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United. The stopper reportedly wants to remain in London, which puts the Gunners as the favourites to seal his signature [Sky Sports].
Cech remains a top-class goalkeeper, and given Arsene Wenger’s doubts over David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny being the club’s no.1, the Czech Republic international could provide the experience, along with ability and confidence, that the French manager is yearning for at the Emirates.
4. Memphis Depay – Manchester United
The Netherlands international has been the standout performer in the Dutch Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven; however, the Premier League will be a new challenge for the 21-year-old.
With perhaps the exception of Ander Herrera, Louis van Gaal’s summer signings didn’t deliver to the standard expected. Depay, therefore, is not only arriving at Old Trafford with the pressure of playing under the spotlight for one of Europe’s most famous teams, but will need to hit the ground running to prove his worth.
3. Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
The England international’s future looks likely to lie away from Anfield – if the winger gets his own way – and Manchester City opened the bidding with a £25m offer [via Sky Sports] on Friday, which was swiftly rejected by the Reds.
With his future uncertain – and Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd all rumoured [via the Daily Star] to be interested in his signature – Sterling remains the most exciting transfer prospect of the summer window. A move to a Premier League rival would show supporters just how well the winger can handle pressure for arguably the first time in his career.
2. Diego Costa – Chelsea
The striker, along with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez and Blues team-mate Cesc Fabregas, was one of the greatest imports of last summer’s transfer window. His 20 goals helped fire Chelsea to the Premier League title – despite spending much of the campaign struggling with a hamstring problem.
Jose Mourinho will be hoping that 26-year-old’s muscular problems will have been put to bed over the end of season break, and Costa is expected to lead the challenge for the Golden Boot, and fire Chelsea to more silverware.
1. Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
Chelsea and Manchester City are expected to be the top two teams fighting for the Premier League title – and a race for the Golden Boot between Aguero and the Blues’ Diego Costa is anticipated.
The form and fitness of both strikers could be the decider in where the trophy ends up. With the Argentine forward finishing the 2014-15 campaign as the top flight’s highest scorer with 26 goals, Manuel Pellegrini will be wanting a repeat of his performances in front of goal, as the Citizens aim to get back to winning ways.
The question remains, however, whether the 27-year-old can stay fit for an entire season.
