We are currently in the midst of the 2nd international break and in the 7 rounds of matches we have been offered to till now, there has been no dearth of drama and entertainment. The quality of football has seen a rise, as expected and the matches have become more competitive with each passing day. Some surprising names are down at the bottom of the table while the top of the table holds a much more familiar look at this stage.
We will take a look at 3 midfielders who have had an underwhelming start to the season and need to step up for their teams when the Premier League resumes after the International break.
MESUT OZIL
The German playmaker has been oddly off colour for the longest period now. He notched up 19 assists last season and it was a tremendous achievement considering Giroud’s profligacy in front of the goal. And with a new striker and a hardened midfield and defence, this season the likes of Ozil and Sanchez were expected to fully express themselves. Although, the Gunners haven’t started badly at all and are currently on a 5-match winning streak, Ozil has problems of his own to deal with. The brilliant creative midfielder needs to pull his socks if Arsenal are to sustain their title challenge this season.
PAUL POGBA
The focal point of the biggest transfer saga of a long time, which ultimately concluded with Pogba becoming the costliest player of all time. A box to box midfielder who thrives in advanced areas, the player was expected to set the Premier League alight after blossoming into a superstar in Juventus.
But his start has been slightly anti-climactic with the French international having failed to find his feet till now in England. A paltry return of only 1 goal till now suggests that he needs to step up big time and with the expectations on his shoulders, needs all the support from the team management.
MARKO ARNAUTOVIC
The Austrian international single-handedly shoulders the weight of Stoke City’s attacking endeavours and has been doing it for a while. He was integral to Stoke finishing in the 9th position last term where he scored 11 goals and assisted 6 more, creating 49 chances for his teammates. But things haven’t been as smooth this time around and he has been a major part of Stoke’s current malaise as the Potters have basically built their team around the mercurial Austrian. In 7 matches this season, he has scored only once and has failed to create anything of note for his teammates. Stoke need him to step up, quickly.
