5 Stand-out Players From The Premier League This Weekend

With the Premier League returning this weekend, I have taken a look at my five stand out players from the curtain raisers in the English topflight.

Ross Barkley

This has been built as a make-or-break season for 19-year-old Barkley. A little harsh considering he age, but then that only highlights just how talented the Everton faithful deem the midfielder to be.

Having played a bit part role at Goodison over the previous two years, coupled with two loans spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds respectively, it seems Roberto Martinez is now ready to give him a chance to shine. Barkley repaid that faith in dividends on Saturday – with a man of the match performance at Carrow Road, which included a first ever Premier League strike.

It is early days, of course, but Barkley could be one of the outstanding young talents of this season.

Asmir Begovic

Heavily linked with a move away from Stoke in the last window, the transfer talk has gone quiet in regards to the Bosnia stopper. Things, however, may start to pick up again if he can continue to produce the sparkling form that he showcased at Anfield – with Begovic being the only reason why Liverpool only put one past the Potters.

With the window starting to creak shut Begovic’s heroics could yet see some late interest in his signature. Stoke fans will be praying that this is not the case given their largely insipid display at Anfield and their over reliance on the keeper.

Danny Welbeck

Having contributed just a single league goal in 27 appearances last term, Welbeck took just one game this time round to not only get off the mark but double last season’s tally.

Further to that, the early signs are good in relation to the England man’s partnership with Robin van Persie – which can only be good news for his potential future game time. With Wayne Rooney now looking like staying at the club it remains to be seen whether Welbeck will continue to start games but he certainly gave his chance a boost with Saturday’s brace against Swansea.

Kevin de Bruyne

Having been farmed out last season to Germany there were some suggesting that de Bruyne might be forced to spend another year waiting to make a long overdue Chelsea debut. However, the arrival of Jose Mourinho has seen the Belgian firmly thrust into the first team spotlight.

Making his debut on Sunday, the wide man produced a lively display and capped that with a superb assist for Oscar’s opening goal. He is unlikely to start consistently, nevertheless de Bruyne looks likely to be a key part of the squad – particularly if he can continue to produce the form shown against Hull.

Dejan Lovren

There were many who raised eyebrows when Southampton broke their transfer record to sign a player who in truth had a largely inconsistent season in Ligue 1 last season.

His composed and assured performance on Saturday against West Brom however suggests that his struggles with Lyon last term might be a mere blip and his could be set to produce the sort of form for Southampton that saw him gain such a reputation in the first place.