The Premier League is just one week old, but the pressure is already building. Here’s a list of some footballers who’ll be looking over their shoulders…
1. Alberto Moreno
What a game! #LFC record a 4-3 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates!
A photo posted by Liverpool Football Club (@liverpoolfc) on
Poor Alberto Moreno. As Liverpool were celebrating a superb 4-3 win at the Emirates, the Spanish full-back was singled out for the wrong kind of attention.
While Liverpool claimed all three points, Jurgen Klopp was visibly unhappy with his defence, leaving many to question why the eclectic former Mainz boss hadn’t bought an upgrade on Moreno sooner.
The Reds face a trip to newly-promoted Burnley next, in what could be the perfect fixture for Moreno to make his mark (presuming he’s picked…) We’re rooting for you Alberto!
2. Willy Caballero
Much like an episode of Holby City, everyone knew there were going to be some casualties when Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City.
Joe Hart appears to be the first person to play the part of ‘Wounded Man’, axed from the first XI in favour of Willy Caballero.
Caballero has so far only made a smattering of appearances for City, and if England’s number one is to leave the club, the Argentinian will undoubtedly be in the spotlight. Can Caballero handle the pressure?
3. Calum Chambers
3ï¸â£ days till kick off…
A photo posted by Calum Chambers (@calumchambers95) on
Perhaps it’s a bit unfair to direct the spotlight onto Chambers at this juncture. The England defender has struggled for selection at Arsenal, and did score a goal against Liverpool in the 4-3 home defeat.
The 21-year-old is only playing as a result of some seriously unfortunate circumstances at the Emirates, but it’s difficult to look beyond Arsenal’s defensive ineptitude on Sunday.
With Wenger looking to buy, and Laurent Koscielny nearing a return to match fitness, Chambers might only have a couple of games to convince his manager. We’re sure Jamie Vardy will give him an easy time though…
4. Jamie Vardy
Speak of the devil! Vardy might not be on the verge of being dropped from Ranieri’s first team, but the England striker will be desperate to prove he’s made the right choice staying with the Foxes.
And with a game against Arsenal fast approaching, losing to the Gunners could prove untimely for the 29-year-old, whose decision not to join Arsene Wenger would doubtlessly be the source of many an internet meme.
A goal or two certainly would do a lot to settle Vardy into the season, and against Arsenal’s fragile defence, now is the perfect time to capitalise.
5. Paul Pogba
Home. #POGBACK pic.twitter.com/N0irgKbuv5
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 8, 2016
Not many players have played with this kind of pressure. Being the world’s most expensive player creates expectations that, unsurprisingly, only the very best can live up to.
So that’s the task facing Pogba this season. Can the France midfielder justify the Pogback hashtag? (Can anyone?!)
For the cost of Pogba (£93 million) you could buy your own Caribbean island… better start scoring goals, Paul!
