Part 2: English Premier League players looking to bounce back
When the last season of the English Premier League is looked upon, people remember names such as, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen and Wayne Rooney. On the other hand though, there are players who had a very disappointing season, especially if compared to the giants mentioned above.
The reasons for their poor seasons range from poor form to suffering from injuries along the way. They would thus be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last season and would want to start over. Here is a look at players in addition to the ones mentioned in part 1 of this article who could potentially be looking to, and most probably would, bounce back this season.
Martin Petrov came to the Premier League in 2007. He was signed by Eriksson from Athletico Madrid. The mercurial winger had an immediate impact after arriving at the Eastlands. He made his signature black gloves a part of almost every highlight reel featuring the Premier League. In his first season he managed to score five times and managed a total of nine assists. Those stats are quite remarkable for any winger who has just been brought into a club.
Petrov has a very direct style of play. He doesn’t believe in trying to be extra flashy or skilful, despite the fact that he can beat a defender or two with ease. He is a true full back winger, when compared to the modern day flashier wingers, who tend to over dribble needlessly.
Last season Petrov was handed only eight league game starts at Manchester City. Despite that fact he managed to score four goals and had three assists. Rather than reward Petrov’s work, City went ahead and signed World Cup winner David Silva.
Silva joined the numerous wingers at City. This saw Petrov fall even further down the pecking order. Petrov was left feeling abandoned and mistreated by the City administration. Petrov left City to join Bolton following the madness that he had to face at the Eastlands. Petrov is now looking to face his former employers so he can show them just how good he really is. Petrov will also be looking to propel Bolton further up the Premier League table which is a feat that many believe is quite possible if the winger sets his mind to it.
Michael Essien was shortlisted to be amongst the nominee’s for the 2007 World Player of the Year award. It is undeniable that the Ghanaian midfielder is one of the best players in the world right now. He however had a injury ridden season last term. Those injuries saw him appear in only twenty five Premier League games for the Blues. Those numbers might not seem too bad for most players, but Essien is a player who likes to play every minute of every game for his club.
The midfielder also missed the FIFA World Cup 2010 due to the injuries that he sustained. Essien is now fully recovered and ready to go though. He featured in the Community Shield match against United and was amongst the better players in the Chelsea line up.
Essien even though regarded to be one of the best players in the world, is arguably the best box-to-box midfielder out there. When asked about the coming season, Essien was reported to have said, "It is good to be back in the team and I am looking forward to the new season"
With his outstanding abilities on and off the ball Essien would be able to help navigate Chelsea to a successful retention of their Premier League crown this coming season.
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