Ahead of the 2024/24 Premier League season which is set to kick-off later this month, we profile five players who enter the campaign with a point to prove.
Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
Marcus Rashford was one of the most high-profile omissions from this summer’s England squad, with Gareth Southgate opting against including the 60-cap forward for Euro 2024.
Rashford, however, could have little complaint based on his form during the campaign, as the 26-year-old mustered just eight goals in all competitions for Manchester United. It was a sharp decline from the career-best highs of the previous season when Rashford became the first Red Devils player in a decade to score 30 goals in a season, on route to collecting the club’s Player of the Year award.
With increased competition in the forward line from summer signing Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo impressing in pre-season, Rashford must rediscover his spark to keep his place in Erik ten Hag’s side. As one of the club’s best-paid players, more is expected in 2024-25.
“I treat United the same way I treat my family.”
For Marcus Rashford, Old Trafford is home. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xdNxxWgDv6
— Players’ Tribune Football (@TPTFootball) February 29, 2024
“He has to prove his point,” Ten Hag told The Guardian this week.
“We will set the conditions [give him all support] and [then] he is very capable of doing this. The season before he scored 30 goals, so when he is in the right vibe, then he has such a high potential. And when he is really in that mood, he [can] again score 30 or even more goals.
“He should fight to be (at his best level), but we are not robots. We are dealing with human beings. And everyone – you [for example] are not always at your best.”
Darwin Nunez – Liverpool
Is this a make-or-break season for Liverpool’s ‘Agent of Chaos’?
Darwin Nunez is a paradox of a performer, simultaneously effective and wasteful. The Uruguayan is – often self-made – a chance magnet for the Reds and a nightmare for opposition defenders, but lacks refinement when opportunities arrive.
Last season the forward recorded an impressive 18 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for Liverpool, but his xG underperformance (-7) was the worst in the Premier League. At 25 and with two full seasons of Premier League football behind him, Nunez must show more if he is to be the spearhead of Arne Slot’s side. If familiar flaws continue, the transfer rumours linking Liverpool with centre-forwards will not disappear.
— Darwin Núñez (@Darwinn99) April 5, 2024
Mykhailo Mudryk – Chelsea
Another player with a big price tag and a frustrating inability to find consistency, Mykhailo Mudryk will hope for better fortunes in 2024-25. It’s been a tough adaptation to English football for the winger, who made the significant leap from Ukraine to England with limited senior football behind him.
The 23-year-old scored five goals and laid on two assists in the Premier League last season, from 18 starts as he struggled for an automatic role in the side. The appointment of Enzo Maresca could give him increased opportunities, as he looks to link up with Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer in a forward line rich with potential.
Mykhailo Mudryk. #CFC pic.twitter.com/2fkZkvT0f6
— Chelsea Photos (@ChelseaInPhotos) August 1, 2024
Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is one admirer of Mudryk, having coached the winger at Shakhtar Donetsk, and believes the winger has the raw attributes to become one of Europe’s best.
“Mykhailo has the potential for a top career. In my opinion, he can also win the Ballon d’Or,” De Zerbi told La Repubblica in January 2023.
“He is a player of the highest level but he is also very sensitive. He needs affection. We will see if he matches his potential.”
Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus has become the odd one out at Arsenal. The forward’s injury problems, coupled with Kai Havertz’s performances at centre-forward, have left Jesus facing an uncertain future at the Emirates.
Jesus was a big hit after his arrival from Manchester City with the Brazilian an influential figure as Arsenal secured a return to the Champions League in 2022-23. Last season he mustered just four Premier League goals from 17 starts and has been linked with the Saudi Pro League.
Another one for the Champions League collection 🤩
💫 @gabrieljesus9 pic.twitter.com/SHHEV6LZ9k
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 26, 2023
However, the 27-year-old will want to fight for his place in Mikel Arteta’s plans and can be a real asset to Arsenal when on-song. Jesus might not be the most prolific or clinical forward in the Premier League but he does an awful lot well. A return of a Premier League goal or assist every 113 minutes since his arrival in English football is evidence of his quality.
Jack Grealish – Manchester City
Jack Grealish joined Marcus Rashford on the sidelines this summer with a frustrating campaign at Manchester City costing the winger his place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Grealish made just 10 starts due to fitness and favour issues, in which he returned three league goals and just one assist.
The 28-year-old is another player who polarises opinion, with Pep Guardiola appreciating his ball retention, purposeful drive, and ability to draw fouls even if Grealish lacks the statistical output of elite widemen.
“I should have been in the squad!” 😠@JackGrealish cannot understand why he was overlooked by England at Euro 2024 and says he’s FIRED UP to prove people wrong this season 😤
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) July 30, 2024
Grealish has had huge success at Manchester City with three consecutive league titles, the Champions League and FA Cup won since his record-breaking £100m move to the Etihad. However, from an individual perspective, there’s an argument that more is expected. A strong start to 2024-25 will be crucial to keeping him in the thoughts of club and country.
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