Pre-season games these days are very important considering the stiff competition amongst the clubs. High profile clubs are often engaged in a rigorous battle before the season starts as it gives the manager to ponder over a number of formation and strategies.
Players hardly get time to take their due break after the season ends as they are often summoned pretty early to take part in the pre-season camp to maintain their fitness and to discuss the possibilities in the next season.
Since the new television deal has been struck in the Premier League, competition has gone on to a completely different level. Even smaller clubs like Watford and Burnley have surprised everyone by spending without abandon in the transfer market.
A number of pre-season games have already been held and the new signings have started to take part in the setup. Let’s have a look at the three players who have impressed so far.
Michy Batshuayi
The Belgian forward was on the verge of leaving the Stamford Bridge after spending most of the time in the dugout last season. Diego Costa started most of the games as the youngster hardly got the chance to impress.
He has been linked with a number of clubs this time but the shaky situation regarding the transfer of Diego Costa has been a boon in disguise for him. Until the arrival of Alvaro Morata, there has been uncertainty over the Spaniard’s position at the club but now that Morata has arrived he is certainly going to depart.
Batshuayi’s performance against Arsenal will compel Conte to reconsider his situation. The Italian gaffer has been considering a number of players as a cover for Morata but after this scintillating display, there could be drastic changes in Conte’s plan.
Romelu Lukaku
A fellow country man of Batshuayi, Lukaku has been the star attraction of this transfer market. There was a severe tug of war between United and Chelsea but the latter had to leave the ground after the Belgian decided to switch his allegiance to United from Everton.
In the three games he has taken part so far, he has looked very sharp providing the much-needed tooth in the United attack. Both of his goals were pretty neatly taken and it could set a benchmark for the upcoming season. United’s strike force will be dependent heavily on his performance and Jose Mourinho looked quite happy with his contribution.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool fans would be in a jubilant mood after watching the winger get off to a flier. The tricky Egyptian showed why Liverpool utilised their cheque book to bring him from AS Roma.
There have been concerns over his success as his previous stint in the Premier League failed miserably when he came to England to play for Chelsea. But he looks a far more confident and calm player this time around and is set for a big season.
