The Premier League is well and truly back, and has already produced some exhilarating moments this season.
Big names are starting to find their feet, to little surprise. From Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes to Jack Grealish, Mohamed Salah and Romelu Lukaku, star players have taken little time to establish their quality.
However, there are certain players who are yet to get going. There is no doubt that many of these names will come good as the season progresses. For now though, they look a little rusty.
We look at the 5 stars who have had a slow start to the new Premier League season (2021-22).
#5 Patrick Bamford (Leeds United)
Patrick Bamford was regarded as a dark horse for a spot in England's Euro 2020 squad, highlighting how good he was last season.
Bamford's talent has never been in question. During his Chelsea days, the forward was a highly-rated youngster. However, several loan spells produced mixed results, with Bamford moving to Middlesbrough permanently from Chelsea in 2017. A year later, he joined Leeds United.
Here, the 28-year old has shone. Bamford scored 17 league goals and provided seven assists in the league last season. This season, though, the England international has made a subdued start. In four league games, he has registered a single goal and provided an assist. Not bad numbers given that it is the start of the season, but given the talent in the England squad, Bamford needs to do better.
#4 Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester City)
It was not long ago that Caglar Soyuncu was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the league and linked with Manchester City.
This was during the 2019-20 season, when Soyuncu was named in the PFA Team of the Year. Last season, the Turkey international was good as well, but he has started the new season in poor form. Soyuncu has struggled so far this season, and he has produced error-strewn performances for his country as well.
The 25-year old joined Leicester City from Freiburg in 2018 for nearly £19 million. Initially a squad player, the departure of Harry Maguire to Manchester United saw Soyuncu get regular game time. He has done well so far, but his current form is a source of concern for Brendan Rodgers.
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#3 Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Raheem Sterling was linked with a move away from Manchester City this summer. His appearances this season for his club have been limited.
Sterling is undoubtedly one of the best players in the Premier League. The England international joined Manchester City from Liverpool in 2015 for £57.3 million, and has established himself as one of the best wingers around.
The forward did not enjoy a good season last time around, but was excellent at Euro 2020. Sterling has made just one start in the Premier League this season, scoring a goal. He was linked with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Liverpool this summer.
#2 Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
Manchester United did well to sign Jadon Sancho this summer, paying Borussia Dortmund £76.5 million for his services.
Sancho is one of the best young players in world football, and there is no doubt that he will do well for Manchester United. The England international joined the club after some sensational years in the Bundesliga, where he impressed with his technical qualities.
The 21-year old is extremely young and will learn from Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani. Sancho has been a consistent feature for Manchester United so far, and should start finding some form soon.
#1 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Harry Kane's summer was dominated by the Manchester City rumours, as the player tried to leave Tottenham Hotspur.
Kane is one of the best strikers in world football. The 28-year old has is a product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy and has done well for his club. Kane was arguably the best player in the Premier League last season. He admitted a few months ago that he wanted to get his hands on silverware soon.
As a result, the England international was heavily interested in moving to Manchester. The move failed to materliase, however. Kane has made two starts in the league so far and is yet to open his account.
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