Top 3 Talismans To Watch Out For This Season – Featuring Arsenal And Leicester Stars

This summer’s transfer window saw some new exciting players join the Premier League on record deals for their clubs. It seems that most teams have emphasized on bringing in new midfielders from all around the world in order to attack more efficiently. A few significant newcomers include Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Granit Xhaka, Ilkay Gundogan and the list goes on. Surely with all these inclusions, the level of expectations from them and their respective teams has raised enormously. Now that only 4 days remains for the new league campaign to kick-off; most teams have almost settled their squad and will be eyeing on victory the very first day. Apart from the new signings, most managers will have to rely on their experienced players to lead the new ones into the battle and lead from the front. Let’s take a look at some talismanic midfielders who are expected to play a vital role for their clubs this upcoming season.

1. Mesut Ozil

This 27-year-old World Cup winner’s has an excellent ability to control the ball with a great vision which allows him to orchestrate the game even in the most difficult situations. His pinpoint passes opens the gate of opportunity frequently and Arsenal must make use of these every single time. Although Wenger’s side have the likes of Santi Cazorla’s influence in the deep midfield and Alexis Sanchez’s energy in the wings, it is Ozil’s agile feet that can do most of the damage. With 19 assists and 144 counts of chances created in the Premier League last season, it surely indicates how much crucial he is for Arsenal. Make no mistake, he must repeat his last season’s form to ensure their hope of winning the Premier League title. Wenger in regard to Ozil’s ability to unlock defences at ease with decisive goals, from either foot has stated,

“If Mesut starts to score with his right foot, that can be very interesting for us.” 

2. Riyad Mahrez

The Algerian international was Leicester’s most crucial player along with forward Jamie Vardy last season. His superb dribbling allows him to create non-stop opportunities for the men up front. With over 56% successful take on and 11 assists, seems like Mahrez is improving his himself every day. Most significantly, he has turned those take-ons into shots on target and chances created, with an awesome quality finishing. Manager Claudio Ranieri’s  favorite 4-4-2 relies on spaces and direct counterattacks. When Leicester’s defenders or midfielders win the ball, they tend to move the ball quickly to a space that has opened up. With his quick feet, Mahrez forces the opponents center backs to retreat aggressively which often leaves a huge gap between the midfield and backline. In this sort of quick forward play with counterattacks, he is nothing short of devastating. So, it goes without the saying that if Leicester City looks for continuing success like that of last season, Riyad Mahrez’s role in the team is extremely crucial.

3. Kevin de Bruyne

Manchester City signed this brilliant playmaker from Belgium for a club-record fee of £54m from German side Wolfsburg last summer. He became an important part of City’s attacking force easily and will be expected to take on more responsibility this season in the attacking midfield as Guardiola is a man who targets to dominate possession. Last year Manchester City’s league season would have been more successful had Kevin De Bruyne stayed fit throughout the season, yet he went on scoring 16 goals and providing 12 assists after his return. A player with boundless creativity and a constant goal-scoring threat in more areas than his teammates, he should be the one on whom Guardiola will lean heavily.  The 25-year-old under the guidance of his manager should become City’s best of the best if he can justify his talent.