The Barclays Premier League season is back!

Certainly, its only been seven weeks without the excitement, the allure and the thrill of arguably the most competitive competition in Europe, because of the current coronavirus pandemic.

There’s the argument that football really hasn’t been the same because of the current climate, with no fans allowed at stadiums, but that won’t stop the gut-wrenching action and drama that fills such a prestigious and decorated competition.

As the season reopens, there will certainly be the potential sub-plots and captivating stories that fans will certainly be looking forward in the engrossing nature of the Premier League title race, the fight for the Champions League & Europa League spots and of course, the devastating experience of relegation.

One aspect fans will be excited and intrigued by is which first-time players could potentially grab the headlines especially within the three promoted teams: Fulham, Leeds United and West Brom who will all have plenty to offer throughout the campaign.

So who are these potentially exciting Premier League first-timers and how could they get on?

Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace

One of the standout performers in the Championship last year. Eberechi Eze is enjoying a rapid and exciting upward curve in his career so far. 14 goals and eight assists in what was a remarkably potent and thrilling campaign for the midfielder who’s extraordinary talents could not be ignored by his new club Crystal Palace.

Playing for a mid-table side such as QPR and still put in numbers such as those is a testament to Eze’s abilities. It will be intriguing to see how Roy Hodgson deploys the attacking midfielder this campaign, will he enjoy playing with Wilfried Zaha or is he a direct replacement? That remains to be seen.

However, Eze is certainly a potential Premier League surprise package, a player who oozes confidence and class on the ball, he’s a nutmeg merchant, one truly capable in getting fans off their seats through his silky footwork, technical acumen and incredible vision. When on the ball, Eze makes things happen, whether its getting by his opponent through a such nimble footwork or threading an eye-of-the needle pass, and Palace need that. Hogdson’s side have often lacked the invention and imagination to open up teams especially last season only scoring 31 goals, the lowest tally out of any side in the division.

The latest additions of Eberechi Eze and Michy Batshuyai certainly addresses that issue.

Matheus Pereira, West Brom

Yet another standout Championship performer last season (there’s a few of them on this list). West Brom have smartly secured the permanent signing of Matheus Pereira from Sporting Lisbon after such an impressive loan spell and breakthrough first campaign in English football.

Pereira contributed to 24 goals for West Brom last season (8 goals, 16 assists). A stat which makes for spectacular reading, and a true indication as to the kind of ability the Brazilian holds in his amazing weaponry. The winger, deployed as Bilic’s sole creator last season has been a revelation becoming an influential figure in attack for West Brom.

Vision, ball control, passing, movement, creativity, work-rate and threat in front of goal. Matheus Pereira has got the lot, and you can see why Slaven Bilic was so desperate to secure his services permanently before last campaign drew to a close.

A tricky Brazilian that possesses eye-catching skills and a low centre of gravity – Pereira effortlessly found his feet in the Championship after two previous loan spells with Chaves and FC Nurnberg respectively. The Brazilian was the most fouled player in the whole division (2.7 times fouled per game), a testament to his remarkable technical attributes. As soon as he steps onto the field, defensive midfielders automatically know they’re in for a tough ride.

Matheus Pereira is simply deadly with the ball at his feet, particularly in set-piece situations too. He is Bilic’s assigned dead ball specialist and rightly so, his sweet left foot an effective weapon in itself.

Now, the question is whether Matheus Pereira can make the step-up required to continue his fantastic development. He’s certainly got all the attributes to become a Premier League star.

William Saliba, Arsenal

William Saliba has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most talented and coveted young defenders, enjoying a fantastic campaign with French outfit Saint-Etienne to continue his development and experience playing first team football, the reason Arsenal bought him and sent him out on loan.

Now the young Frenchman is back and already looks at home in his new colours. This is a defender with such admirable class and potential, and could be one of the leading centre-backs in the Premier League and Europe in the near future.

An assured and composed presence at the back, blessed with a blend of unique defensive skill sets both on the ball and without it. Saliba is an engaging defender, always on guard to snuff out oncoming attacks and stepping out to intercept or shield strikers away from the penalty area.

For his age, his build and frame is quite telling which means he’s always able to overpower his opponents even when you don’t expect him to. Per 90 last season, he won 1.31 tackles, 1.90 interceptions and 71% of his aerial duels highlighting his brilliant reading of the game and key defensive attributes.

Saliba could quickly become one of the best youngsters in his position this season.

Ferran Torres, Manchester City

While the modern day interpretation of a winger is one who cuts inside and becomes one of most influential components in an attack, Ferran Torres is one of the few players making exceptional strides as a traditional winger, one who is well versed in causing havoc in getting to the byline, and providing for his fellow forwards.

Manchester City have signed a true gem in Ferran Torres, and its a real certainty that the Spanish wingers game will continue to evolve and develop under the guidance and tutelage of Pep Guardiola, just ask Raheem Sterling.

The former Valencia is already of the most prominent and exciting young wide-forwards in Europe and holds all the ingredients to become a Premier League great in his position. Torres is a speed merchant, an incredibly agile and a tricky winger with bags of showboating skills, pieces of movement and is fast becoming a much more potent force in front of goal with his decision-making and use of the ball.

Averaging a direct goal contribution every 188 minutes last season, Ferran Torres also impressively equated 1.1 key passes per 90 minutes in the domestic top-flight and averaged 1.9 key passes in the Champions League. With his blistering pace and mazy dribbling skills, the winger is also averaged 2.2 dribbles per 90 minutes at a success rate of 56%.

Just the perfect replacement for the departed Leroy Sane.

As the season progresses, you’ll certainly catch glimpses of why Ferran Torres is so highly rated.

Donny Van de Beek, Manchester United

One of the leading lights in European football over the past couple seasons. Netherlands international Donny Van de Beek will finally be provided with the opportunity to grace the Premier League, and already the midfielder is garnering enough praise and positive anticipation as he awaits his Manchester United bow.

Efficiency. Hard-work. Craft. Personality.

Donny Van de Beek is a true embodiment of what a great Premier League midfielder looks like and he truly holds all the attributes and qualities to really become one. An exceptional player and incredibly intelligent capable of both scoring goals and also creating them too.

Though, its his understanding and awareness of space in which to hurt the opposition that marks him out amongst his peers. He knows where defences weaknesses are, and will exploit it with to such devastating and swift effect. It’s his versatility that stands out too, and its down to the tremendous education that the Ajax academy brings, being able to fulfil different roles across the pitch.

Van de Beek is a simple and an excellent example of the Ajax way, not only being effective in attacking midfielder but in a box-to-box or in defensive midfield. It will be interesting to see how Solskjaer utilises the midfielder this season, but we do know the Norwegian wants more goals from midfield and Van de Beek offers just that.

Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United

Dubbed ‘The Yorkshire Pirlo’. Leeds United captain Kalvin Phillips is a footballer tailor-made for Premier League football, and his achievements with Leeds has deservedly brought him this far. Also, now a full English international after his impressive performance in the 0-0 stalemate with Denmark.

He played 80 minutes in that game, and in that time you could already see what he will bring to the English top-flight. A calm, cool and measured presence with the ball and without it. Phillips holds such massive importance to Marcelo Bielsa well constructed Leeds side, in that he’s the one to keep things ticking over in possession and also the one that glues both the defence and midfield together, and that’s exactly what he showed on his England bow.

A commanding presence and astute too, screening in front of the defence brilliantly, always aware of oncoming danger and a fantastic leader too. Kalvin Phillips is on course to enjoy a very fruitful first campaign in the Premier League.

Matheusz Klich, Leeds United

Another key figure in Marcelo Bielsa’s exciting side, and a true midfield enforcer. Matheusz Klich may be something of an unknown quantity to Premier League fans, but if he can better or match the performance levels of last season in the Championship then there’s no reason why he can’t also become an efficient and effective presence in one of the toughest leagues in Europe.

6 goals and 5 assist in Leeds’ title winning campaign. Klich played as bigger role in their success as Kalvin Phillips did. The Polish international is an energetic, tenacious and skilful midfielder, proving such an effective component both in attack and defence, and its his high performance levels and edge-of-seat nature that makes him so valuable to Marcelo Bielsa. The Premier League requires midfielders such as Klich and that’s why he’ll be a huge success this season if Leeds can find their groove.

Fabio Silva, Wolverhampton Wanderers

Spending £35million on a 18-year-old is a huge risk, especially in the current climate. It’s been said that Wolves spent most of their budget through this deal, and while that may prove silly to some, Fabio Silva may yet prove down the line that he is worth the huge outlay.

He’s a player for the future, and a tremendously talented one too. A real fox-in-the box striker, always in the right positions at the right time, an invaluable trait for any top striker.

Fabio Silva is the future of Portuguese football and Nuno Santo acknowledges it, that’s why he believes Silva will have no problems fast-tracking to the Premier League. Built in the same mould as their Mexican hitman Raul Jimenez, Silva holds such unique attributes needed to become a top forward. Blessed with a fine first touch, a good understanding of where to be in the penalty area and is well capable in linking up nicely with his fellow forwards.

Exciting and inventive young footballers are always welcome in the Premier League, and Fabio Silva certainly fits the bill. What’s that famous old saying in football? If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

Josh Onomah, Fulham

Breathe… Josh Onomah is finally back in the big time. A player who really deserves his shot in the Premier League, and a player with a point to prove too.

The 23-year-old hasn’t had a taste of the English top-flight since the 2015/16 campaign when he was just 19 years of age at Tottenham Hotspur, the club he came through in. But now, this season is his chance, his opportunity to really prove that he is indeed good enough for Premier league football.

If you need any reminders or indications as to the talent that Onomah holds, you only need to watch his wonderful solo run and goal against Cardiff in the Play-off semi-final first leg tie against Cardiff last season. Showing his silky ball-control, balance, dribbling and craft.

Josh Onomah is a very crafty midfielder and has so far impressed and shone through under a manager in Scott Parker who believes in him, and will once again be vital to any hope Fulham may have of avoiding a swift demotion back down to the Championship.

Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa

Have Aston Villa finally found the potent number 9 they’ve been crying for?

Brentford’s Ollie Watkins has reportedly completed his move to Villa Park and if last season in the Championship is anything to build upon, he may just be the type of striker Aston Villa need in order to challenge higher up the league table.

26 goals in the Championship last year, finishing top-scorer, Watkins has enjoyed such a stellar rise so far in his career and it certainly seems as though Aston Villa is the perfect career move for him at this moment in time. But questions will be asked on whether he can replicate his form from the Championship into the Premier League. Few have tried and failed.

£30million is huge money, and its up to Watkins to justify Villa’s return for him. Though, Watkins may just surprise a lot of people. He’s a striker with an incredible blend of unique attributes in his arsenal. Potent in front of the goal, can hold and link up play well, skillful on the ball and is incredibly quick for his size.

Last season, he had Said Benrahma supplying him the opportunities, now he’ll be hoping Jack Grealish remains at the club to provide him with the same creative qualities. The fans will be expecting much from Watkins because of his price tag, and it will certainly a big test for him. The pressure to deliver is on.

Ben White, Brighton & Hove Albion

It said much that Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City were all scouring for Ben White’s signature after his impressive at Leeds United last year.

Marcelo Bielsa desperately tried to bring him back to Elland Road permanently, reportedly making three bids for his services which were all knocked back by Brighton.

Graham Potter sees something special in the 22-year-old, as much as we all do, and rightly so. Ben White is an upward trajectory, and don’t be surprised to see him winning his first England cap within the next couple of years.

Composed on the ball, dominant aerially, calm under pressure with his passing and tackling, White impressively adhered to the robust nature of the Championship with consummate ease. It’s as if the time spent in the Championship proved a step down rather than a learning curve.

Ben White is the composite, modern day centre-back. His smooth transition from League Two level football to the Championship has seen him maintain his unique trait of performing so cool in possession, and its why he is the perfect component for Graham Potter’s possession-based style.

For a player who only made his Championship debut in August 2019, White’s progression into the required standard was remarkable and swift meaning he is highly adaptable and a quick learner. The Championship brought him face-to-face with the most rigorous of attacks with forwards in the current era possessing more intelligent movement, greater athleticism and unique styles.

The Premier League will bring much sterner and more lethal tests, but White holds the character and the ability to thrive despite it.

Ethan Ampadu, Sheffield United

Sheffield United have coughed up a steel in signing Ethan Ampadu. The on-loan Chelsea defender will almost certainly be refining his game and development under the sound tutelage of Chris Wilder.

His time at RB Leipzig may not have bore much fruit for him, but it was a lesson that he would have learned a lot from, and he will feel his move to Bramall Lane may just be the perfect platform and opportunity he needs to grow into his promising potential.

Ampadu will be playing in a team that is brilliantly put together, organised, rigid and one perfectly adhering to a specific plan and style. That’s just what Ampadu needs, playing in a team that will surely provide him with some confidence and a chance to work on his game defensively in terms of his positioning and awareness.

A full Welsh international now, and a player who will have no qualms trying to familiarise himself with the rigours of such an incredibly demanding league. He’s got the talent, the willingness to learn which means the 19-year-old may just prove to be one of the surprise packages this season.

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