EPL 2017/18: 5 players who need to have big seasons

As the 2017/18 Premier League season approaches, clubs and their players are knee-deep in preparation. The coming season is shaping up to being one of the most competitive seasons yet, with clubs splashing the cash on players they need the most.

Competition for places within clubs is also very intense in today's game, which means players need to raise their game.

Managers and fans always have certain expectations from their players. Going into a new season, every player at a club wants to maintain consistent and top quality performances, but sometimes certain players are under more pressure to perform than others. Whether it be because they are facing the axe, or because they need to string together performances to break into national teams in a World Cup year, some players simply need to have big seasons in order to keep their careers on track.

Here are five players who need to perform this time around.

#1 Aaron Ramsey

When Ramsey first broke into the Arsenal team, he was considered a player who could go on become a club legend. Unfortunately, the horrific leg-break he suffered in the game against Stoke cost him a large chunk of his young career.

He overcame that set back and showed the Arsenal faithful what he was capable of during the 2013/14 season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions from midfield. Since the 13/14 season though the Welshman has found it difficult to keep up that level of performance.

Other than the two goals in two cup finals, Ramsey has not been able to assert his influence on the team from midfield. Fans have grown frustrated with lackluster performances from the midfielder, and have called on Wenger to sign a more dominant player to partner Xhaka in midfield.

Wenger has kept his faith with the former Cardiff player for the coming campaign and with a strong pre-season under his belt, the Arsenal no.8 has to have a big season. If he fails to deliver, Wenger’s patience may run out.

#2 Anthony Martial

When Martial made the move from Monaco to United, many predicted him to be the “next Thierry Henry” and in his first few games, showed that the tag was justified. Sadly, for the Frenchman, he has not been able to live up to expectations since his first few outings for United.

Many thought that his time at Manchester was over when his shirt number was given away to Ibrahimovic without notice, but he decided to stay and fight for his place. His opportunities have been limited under Mourinho due to the rise of Marcus Rashford, but his performances this pre-season have shown that the talent is still there.

Mourinho himself has stated that Martial needs to do more, and whenever he is given a chance this year, the forward has to take full advantage. The former Monaco man must show his coach and the fans why he was once tipped to emulate the great Henry.

#3 Daniel Sturridge

The English striker has so far had a career that has been plagued by injuries. Since Klopp’s arrival at Liverpool, the front man has not been able to put together a string of solid performances. If he does not have a good season and prove to Klopp that he can be a reliable asset to the team, Sturridge could find himself at another club next year, or even in January.

The first priority for the Englishman would be to stay fit for the duration of the season. Time and time again the former Chelsea man has shown that if he stays fit, he is as good as anyone in the Premier League.

Adam Lallana recently stated that seeing Sturridge fit and playing is like “two new signings” and he is not wrong, because when fit, the speedy striker is a handful for any defender in the world. Let’s hope Sturridge can keep fit and show the club and the fans what he is really capable of.

#4 Wayne Rooney

Rooney is finally back home after achieving all he could with Manchester United. Many see his transfer as a retirement move, but Everton fans and Ronald Koeman would feel otherwise. Everton are now a very ambitious club, with fans that ask more and more of their team as seasons pass.

Besides the expectation at club-level, the coming season is also a World Cup year and Rooney will have every intention of making the squad that travels to Russia. If he cannot perform for his club, there is no chance that Southgate would take a chance on the veteran.

The Englishman has a lot to prove to the Everton faithful who were unhappy when he left the club for United, and they will not accept anything less than his best. Rooney himself has stated that he is there to win trophies, and if he does not perform, he could see his homecoming cut short, resulting in him sitting at home to watch the World Cup.

#5 Kieran Trippier

Tottenham have had an extremely quiet transfer window, with their only piece of notable business being the departure of Kyle Walker to Manchester City for a whopping $68 million. With the departure of Walker, Kieran Trippier will take over the starting spot at right full-back.

In the past, the Spurs No. 16 has proven that he is a solid option at full-back but now he has to take over from Walker, with Spurs competing on the domestic front, and in Europe.

Pochettino has put all his eggs in one basket with Trippier, which adds to the pressure on the player. The Englishman has to step up and fill the boots of Walker or risk losing the backing of his manager. In addition, Trippier will also have his sights set on usurping Walker in the England team for the World Cup.

Now that the former Burnley man will be starting week in, week out, he will be able to stake his claim for an England spot provided he shows up with top quality performances.