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It's never easy to deal with a drop in form. For many players, it could mean getting sidelined, enduring a spell with their club's youth system, or even being termed one of the worst transfers in the league.
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Players like Radamel Falcao struggled to find their form during their Premier League stint, but the star was able to get back to his goalscoring soon after he left for Monaco.
More notable players include Philippe Coutinho and Eden Hazard, both of whom have enjoyed scintillating careers in England's top tier league but have failed to achieve the same numbers while playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
Oftentimes, poor form can be caused by anything from a change in the environment to being unable to adapt to a new style of football. Even constant injuries can lead to players spending enough time on the sidelines to stagnate their careers.
For some players, however, finding the source of their dwindling form and making necessary changes can lead to better form. Like Falcao, who scored 30 goals for Monaco in a single season after managing just five goals during his two years in the EPL, let's take a look at five players who have returned to their best this season:
#5 David de Gea | Manchester United
After a difficult season with the Red Devils, the Spanish goalkeeper found himself stuck on the bench during international games through much of 2021. Apart from just four games in the group stage of the Nations League, David de Gea did not appear in any other competition or friendly for Spain.
In the last two years, the star goalkeeper has seen just seven appearances for his country; a stark contrast from the 13 he picked up in 2018.
Much of this has been due to the goalkeeper's poor form for Manchester United. Although he remains their best goalie by far, notable mistakes in-between the sticks cost Manchester United a few points last season.
This season, however, the star has improved for his club side. The Red Devils are still conceding goals, but they're hardly David de Gea's fault. Even the 5-0 loss to Liverpool this weekend was due to United's shoddy and porous defending.
#4 Joel Matip | Liverpool
After a 7-year stint with Schalke 04, Joel Matip joined Liverpool in 2016 on a free transfer. However, after three seasons with the Premier League side, Matip suffered constant injuries and struggled to find any playing time, managing to make just 25 appearances in the past two seasons.
Soon enough, he was replaced by Joe Gomez, who quickly became the preferred option alongside Virgil van Dijk.
However, things are looking up for Matip and this season has already seen the star appear in 10 games for Liverpool. His partnership with van Dijk has been instrumental in Liverpool's position near the top of the Premier League, as well as their winning streak in the Champions League group stage. It seems like Matip has put his injury woes behind him and is now focused on playing in top form.
#3 Edin Dzeko | Inter
After a brilliant career for Manchester City in the English Premier League, Edin Dzeko struggled with a poor run of form that led to him joining AS Roma. He continued in fine fashion again for the Italian side, but last season saw the Bosnian diamond dwindle rapidly, as he scored just 7 goals in 27 Serie A games.
However, a change in his environment has aided the 35-year-old to a change in fortunes once again: Ever since his move to Internazionale, Dzeko has become a rejuvenated striker.
He has taken over Romelu Lukaku's mantle with the side, guiding them to third place in Serie A with seven goals from nine appearances. With the star finding the net so often, he is currently the second-highest goalscorer in the Italian league this season.
#2 Noussair Mazraoui | Ajax
The 23-year-old right-back joined Ajax as a youth player and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the Dutch giants' most exciting prospects in recent years. During his sophomore season with the club, Noussair Mazraoui played 48 games, enjoying a brilliant run of form.
However, injuries have plagued the Morrocan international in recent seasons, and last season, he made just 19 league appearances.
Fellow right-back Sergino Dest, who took his place during his absence from the team, has moved to Barcelona, and Mazraoui is hopeful that he's gotten past his injuries once and for all.
If recent appearances are any indication, the star right-back has gotten back on form for Ajax, scoring four goals and making three assists in 14 games for Ajax this season. With AS Roma reportedly interested in his services, his scintillating performances will certainly play a part in driving up his value.
#1 Sebastien Haller | Ajax
Without a doubt, Sebastien Haller has been one of the most consistent players this season. His clinical quality and vibrance in front of goal have been important for Ajax, both in the Eredivisie and the Champions League. It comes as a surprise that he struggled to find the net as often with West Ham during the year and a half he spent with the club.
While in the Premier League, Haller could only manage seven goals during his debut season in all competitions, but his fortunes began to change during the second season. His move to Ajax came in January and he quickly flourished, scoring eleven league goals to guide the side to yet another Eredivisie title.
He's already started the season with 12 goals in 13 games, and is currently leading the goalscoring charts in the Champions League.
