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Recency bias has now become an inherent part of football, with players judged on the basis of what has happened in the past few games.
Little can be gleaned from a small sample size, and it is necessary to understand the various circumstances before criticizing a player. Injuries, personal issues and teething problems in a new league may all be reasons for their lack of output, and one has to wait before pronouncing judgment on a player.
Last season saw various big-name players come under the spotlight for a poor season. These players have all been at the top of their game at some point in their careers, and still have what it takes to attain that level.
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We look at 5 superstars who could bounce back this season (2020/21).
#5 Timo Werner (Chelsea)
Timo Werner was not poor last season, but his catalog of missed chances was not well received by various Chelsea fans.
The Germany international signed for Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2020 for £47.7 million in a high-profile move. Much was expected from Werner after a sensational 2019-20 season, when he scored 34 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for RB Leipzig.
However, the forward endured a mixed debut season in the Premier League. While his movement off the ball and his ability to find space was highly appreciated, Werner's misses, often comical in nature, became a major talking point. The 25-year old made 29 Premier League starts last season, scoring six goals and providing eight assists.
#4 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
The decision to offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a new three-year contract last September now appears to be a dubious one.
Aubameyang was Arsenal's best player during the 2019-20 season, and he was seen as an essential figure in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. The striker had scored 22 league goals during the 2019-20 season and was regarded as one of the best forwards in the Premier League.
Last season, though, there was a shocking dropoff. The Gabon international made 26 Premier League starts, scoring 10 goals. Aubameyang relies heavily on his pace, and at 32, there is a worry that the striker is now declining. Arteta has often used him on the left-wing, but he might be better utilized as a No.9 from now on.
#3 Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)
Dele Alli's decline has been saddening to witness. Once regarded as one of the best young players in the world, Alli's 2020-21 season was abysmal, to say the least.
The midfielder was often linked with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur last season. Jose Mourinho was not happy with Alli's contributions and was willing to let him go. The England international was heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain as a result.
Mourinho is now gone and Alli will be hoping for a fresh start. The 25-year old made seven starts in the Premier League last season and provided only one assist. Much more is expected.
#2 Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
It is hard to comprehend Paulo Dybala's career so far. He has enjoyed world-class seasons with Juventus, but not at a consistent level. He almost always seems to be on the verge of becoming a superstar in the game, but fumbles when he is about to reach that level.
Last season was arguably Dybala's worst season for Juventus. The Argentina international made just 14 Serie A starts, scoring four goals and providing three assists. La Joya's contract remains a source of concern for the Serie A giants, with just a year remaining on Dybala's current deal.
The 27-year old joined Juventus from Palermo in 2015 for £36 million. In 254 appearances in all competitions, Dybala has scored 100 goals and provided 41 assists. A versatile and creative forward, Dybala's 2021-22 season will be extremely important for both the player and the club.
#1 Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Liverpool's feared attacking trident of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were not at their very best last season.
Mane, in particular, endured a quiet season by his lofty standards. Regarded as one of the best forwards in the Premier League, Mane made 31 Premier League starts, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists last time around as Liverpool finished 3rd.
The Senegal international, who is capable of winning games single-handedly, looked off the pace throughout the season. A fully fit Mane is a danger for any opposition defender, and manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the 29-year old makes a strong return next season.
Also Read: 5 footballers who can take over Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy
