As the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off, the excitement and anticipation are palpable among fans and pundits alike.
Beyond the usual buzz surrounding title contenders and new signings, this campaign presents a critical juncture for several players who find themselves with something to prove.
Whether it’s a matter of regaining lost form, justifying a hefty price tag, or silencing the critics, these four players enter the new season with a burning desire to make a statement.
Their performances could not only shape their own futures but also significantly impact their respective clubs’ fortunes on sites like this one: https://www.paddypower.com/football
Here’s a look at four Premier League stars with a point to prove this season.
Cody Gakpo – Liverpool
Liverpool fans were excited by the arrival of Cody Gakpo immediately after his impressive performances for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three times in five games for the Dutch in Qatar.
We’re arguably yet to see the best of the 25-year-old in his first season-and-a-half at Anfield, however, as he largely struggled to start under Jurgen Klopp and rarely got a run of games on the pitch from the first whistle.
Gakpo’s performances at the Euros in Germany will certainly have left the Reds fanbase wanting more from the attacker this season, as he played more directly and was one of six players to share the Golden Boot.
It will be interesting to see if fellow Dutchman Arne Slot can get a tune out of him.
Jadon Sancho – Manchester United
In a story of the summer that not many would have seen coming a couple of months ago, Jadon Sancho is set to remain at Old Trafford having rectified his relationship with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag in a stunning turn of events.
Sancho looked almost certain to leave the Red Devils after a public fallout with the Dutch coach and having spent the latter half of last season on loan at his former club Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the Bundesliga side reach the Champions League final.
A move to Paris Saint-Germain had been rumoured all summer, but with a deal to take Sancho to the French capital now looking increasingly unlikely, he has the opportunity to reignite his Man United career and he won’t want to pass up on a rare second chance to help make the Red Devils more favourable with those who bet on EPL.
Dominic Solanke – Tottenham Hotspur
While Dominic Solanke certainly proved his capability to be a top Premier League striker at Bournemouth last season, as he netted a career-best 19 goals for the Cherries, he has a point to prove this campaign as he’s earned another big move.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool forward signed for Tottenham Hotspur for £65 million, and there are multiple reasons why Solanke will be under pressure this season.
Firstly, he will need to justify his massive price tag.
Alongside that, the 26-year-old will have to bag goals at the same rate as last season.
Not only does he need to prove that he’s now ready for an elite top-flight side, but he also has to fill the boots of Harry Kane, who departed for Bayern Munich last year.
Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United
St. James’s Park was abuzz when Newcastle United signed Sandro Tonali from AC Milan on a five-year deal for £55 million at the start of last summer, making him the most expensive Italian footballer of all time.
The 24-year-old justified the hype with a stunning debut, scoring in the 5-1 win over Aston Villa.
However, he was found to have breached betting rules and was slapped with a ten-month ban by the FA after just eight league appearances.
Tonali is set to become available to Eddie Howe from the end of August, and the Italian will feel like a new signing for the Magpies in what has been a relatively quiet window.
The 24-year-old will be keen to quickly shake off any cobwebs.
