Premier League Players To Watch Out For 2012-2013

As the countdown to the premier league continues here's a quick look at key performers for each side if they are to be successful this season.

Arsenal - Oliver Giroud

We all know about Lucas Podolski and what he brings to the table for Arsenal this season as we have had so many glimpses during his Germany career, so we take a look at Arsenal's replacement for RVP as many believe. He finished last season with 21 goals in the French league and finished top goal scorer. He took Montpellier to the league title and at a price of 9.6 million much can be expected for the target man. Whether it be a replacement for him or alongside Arsenal will need a change of formation because both him and Van Persie are CF's.

Aston Villa - Darren Bent

Aston Villa were very poor last season with so many players like Agbonlahor and Heskey and many others out of form it was hard to see where the quality was going to come from. Darren Bent's important to the side is unimaginable. After falling awkwardly on the DW pitch at Wigan he was ruled out of the rest of the season and the European Championships as well. Despite this he still finished as top scorer again with 10 goals despite only playing a handful of games after Christmas. Now he's fully fit and should be expected to carry the goal scoring threat this season.

Chelsea - Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard was the hottest talent on the market after a successful season with Lille last season which yielded 22 goals and 16 assists and for a winger that is more than impressive it shows not only does he have pace and precision but also finishing and creativity for other players which is vital for a strong winger. Sometimes Flambouyant but alongside Marin and Torres this season could be vital for Chelsea's title challenge, although a lot depends on the form of Torres or perhaps a more on form player i.e Sturridge.

Everton - Nikica Jelavic

With a lack of funds and not many players coming in and especially with the departure of Tim Cahill to America, Everton need to look within their squad for goals. There is no need to look further than Jelavic who after signing from Rangers really put himself on the big stage. The biggest moment being the double he scored in the 4-4 draw at Old Trafford. Finished with 11 goals and top goal scorer. Seems to have a clinical edge up front and had a decent Euros so will be ready for when the Goodison faithful come calling.


Fulham - Clint Dempsey

As long as the American doesn't depart for Anfield and pastures new then you can  bet another big season is needed from this man. Fulham don't have a side which sparkle and many of their players are stalling to the end of their careers so this attacking midfielder is due another big season if he stays. His experience and eye for goal is unmatched at the top level as he continues to confound critics. Other players to step up are Hugo Rodallega and Bryan Ruiz who will need to catch the eye for Fulham to punch again above their weight.

Liverpool - Fabio Borini

We all know plenty about Suarez, Gerrard and co but a player to solve Liverpool's goal scoring problem from last season could well be Fabio Borini. With Andy Carroll to leave out on loan it leaves them with just Suarez and now Borini as main strikers for next season. Borini is a clinical finisher and has proved it at spells with Swansea and Parma and especially with Roma before he left for Liverpool including a double v Inter Milan which propelled him into recognition for his country, Italy. With Gerrard and perhaps more midfield investment providing the guile in midfield and Suarez indulging defenders this could be the perfect setting for Fabio Borini to show his class. Expect talent from Raheem Sterling as well, his dribbling is a huge asset alongside his pace, Youngster.

Manchester City - Carlos Tevez

You can bet that after last season's arguement, the Argentinian will be fit and firing this season. Towards the latter end of the season you could see how him and Kun Aguero were developing a formidable partnership. Both very silky dribbling and plenty of pace and precision with their shooting. With Balotelli inexcusable and Dzeko on the way out it leaves it down to these two, not a bad ultimatum to be left with?. As long as there's no more fall-outs with Roberto Mancini then expect plenty of goals and of course controversy.

Manchester United - Shinji Kagawa

There is no secret that United have lacked a midfield spark in the centre for many a year. If you look at when they have played the bigger sides it's the midfield that United have desperately needed improving. With Scholes and Giggs coming towards the latter end of their careers and Anderson and Carrick not looking particularly impressive last season. Sir Alex Ferguson brought in Kagawa and Nick Powell from very different backgrounds. Kagawa keeps the ball close to his feet and his creativity and vision is what sets him apart from good midfielders and great ones. He never wastes a pass and will learn so much under the older guard. Nick Powell another future star perhaps, can learn off the best in comparison.

Newcastle - Hatem Ben Arfa

There hasn't been many arrivals at Newcastle so far this season and this gives out the impression that why should they change a winning formula. The Senegal strike force of Cisse and Ba will be pivotal as always and will carry the goals between them but that's to be expected. After breaking his leg in the first season of his arrival, he finally got an injury free season with 30 appearances and 6 goals and 7 assists show clearly a man with potential and a call up to the French squad for Euro 2012. His unpredictability is what set's him apart from other wingers, he is left footed but plays on the right which appears to be the trend these days. His goal against Bolton last season from halfway described as 'A moment of genius'.

Norwich City - Grant Holt

Grant Holt has been with Norwich for many years and has always been the target man and his strength and his ability to work hard for his team put him in England contention last season. 17 goals up front last season is a huge return in the league. He is loved by the fans and despite wanting to quit the club last season after not being offered a new contract last season he performed a u-turn with new manager Chris Houghton and pledged the rest of his career to the club. Expect another big season from the big man. 

QPR - Adel Taarabt

QPR have brought in plenty of reinforcements during the summer but if there's a player with undoubted talent it's Adel Taarabt. He can pass, shoot and his tricks make him a player no defender wants to contain. His problem seems to be his attitude but if Mark Hughes can sort him out and give him regular playing time then there is no reason why he can't show his class on the biggest stage of them all. He can also take set pieces as well which illustrates he has all the attributes bar the attitude to influence each game.

Reading - Adam Le Fondre

Adam Le Fondre after signing from Rotherham he didn't really make it at Reading to begin with but started to make a name for himself as a super sub particularly towards the latter end of their Championship winning season. A typical forward with an eye for a goal it's the perfect combination, with Jason Roberts and Noel Hunt the first choice strikers for Reading if given the chance could suprise many next season and is very underrated.

Southampton - Adam Lallana

Adam Lallana is a talent there's no doubt about it and with players like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott and AOC all hailing from ST Mary's you can see another prodigy beginning. Often players on the left wing or right or even down the centre and can trick his way into the box and can join in with other attackers and managed to get 13 goals from midfield. Has an element of James Mclean from Sunderland about him. Can use both feet which is a bonus at the top level.

Stoke City - Peter Crouch

As usual Stoke will carry on doing what they do best, the long ball theory which has served them so well can only work with certain types of players like Peter Crouch. The target man maybe heading towards the end of his career but his ability to cause havoc in the box and even score a few wonder goals like against Manchester City last season. Other players like Kenwyn Jones and Palacios will be influential to keep the side in the division again this season.

Sunderland - Stephane Sessegnon

Another one of those tricky customers, He really carried Sunderland along some games last season with his dazzling footwork. He played 42 games last season with 8 goals and 9 assists. His value to the side is crucial, he seems to be the go-to man when they need something special. Alongside James Mclean you can expect more goals from this man and his ability to find space is another crucial asset in the side.

Swansea City - Michu

With Michu and Johnathan De Guzman signing for Swansea this summer there is plenty of re-inforcement in the middle of the park. With De Guzman's delivery and passing range and Michu's finishing and his ability to pop up in the right place at the right time you can expect more goals this season this as long as the strikers are firing. Michu was the highest scoring midfielder in La Liga last season with 17 goals in a struggling Rayo Vallecano side. At 6 foot 1 he can also add some height to a very small side in essence. A direct replacement for Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Spurs - Gylfi Sigurdsson

Gylfi Sigurdsson is well known now after his loan move to Swansea last season paid off with the attacking midfielder scoring 7 goals in his time there including a few winners. What he does well is that he can strike the ball from long range better than anyone in his position. His range of passing and creativity is vital as well and could well be a world class player in the making. Has already scored in a Spurs shirt and can expect plenty more although where he plays in the team is left to be decided.

West Brom - Peter Odemwingie

Peter Odemwingie has always given the Baggies something to cheer about and don't expect anything different this season. The Nigerian striker always plays on the shoulder of the last defender and has plenty of pace to put the ball in the net. As long as he stays fit and ready for the season then the side can definitely avoid relegation. Much has been made about his future over the past few seasons but he has pledged his future to the Baggies. Alongside Shane Long expect plenty of hard work and endeavour.

West Ham - Ricardo Vaz Te

Ricardo Vaz Te after signing from Barnsley last season has been a bit of a revelation on the flanks supporting Carlton Cole for West Ham and scored a crucial goal in the Play-off final last season in the Championship. He has plenty of pace and experience and makes intelligent runs behind the defender to play off. Always a handful and always look destined for the top level. His versatility around the front three is also crucial this season, particularly if injuries happen. Expect 5-10 goals from this man.

Wigan - Victor Moses

With Rodellega leaving for Fulham there is much owness on Moses as long as he doesn't leave with rumours linking with Chelsea to assist Frank Di Santo this season. Only came alive towards the latter end of the season in Wigan's heroic escape although wasn't played up until that point so that could be the reason why. Really was the suprise package last season for Wigan with many defenders not being able to handle the pace and power from their star man. Plenty of pressure on him to hold Wigan up this season with their toughest of seasons expected this year. 

That's my Summary of players to watch- doesn't include any players who sign after this date. 

Much appreciated

D.John