For some of you this may all be something you already know. For others who don't follow soccer as closely this could actually prove helpful. Every season in every sport there are a group of players who step up from a relative unknown to, if not a household name, at least a known commodity. So right now what I am going to try to do is provide you with 10 players that have impressed me when I've seen them and could obtain the media attention that draws the big money deals this season.
- Eden Hazard - Chelsea: This character won the Ligue 1 (top French league) player of the year the past two seasons. The fact that he played in France and internationally reps Belgium is the only reason he isn't a household name. At 21 years old look for Hazard to establish himself quickly in the EPL. His first two games he has 3 assists and has drawn 2 penalty kicks. You'll hear about him shortly.
- Marko Marin - Chelsea: This is one that I'm not certain of. Everytime I've seen Marin play he has been the most important player in the attacking third for his team. Granted I've only seen him play four times but the man can play. He struggled with form last year and his small stature could hinder him in the EPL but he is sublime on and off the ball when in-form.
- Santi Cazorla - Arsenal: Admittedly I didn't know about Cazorla until this summer. As with Marin I've only watched a handful of games of his, but unlike with Marin I'm pretty sure that he will blow up this season. His control of the ball is great and his combined passing abilities and vision make for a deadly combo... maybe even one that will have RVP watching Arsenal games forlornly... nah.
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - Arsenal: He's been getting more publicity over the past 9 months or so as he was thrust into both the Arsenal squad last season and England's Euro squad this summer. He is confident with the ball and generally, save for a few youthful mistakes, makes strong team decisions in the attacking third.
- Marouane Fellaini - Everton: Absolutely brilliant to start the season against Manchester United. He is a large target up front (6'3") who controls the ball well and seems to be a great player to play with. Fellaini is talented enough to create his own opportunities but smart enough to see when there is a better chance elsewhere.
- Shinji Kagawa - Manchester United - I know him well because the past two seasons Borussia Dortmund has been my second favorite team (sadly I'll have to find a new one *ahem PSG*). He is an extremely quick thinking attacking midfielder. He is unselfish yet scores goals at an impressive clip for a midfielder. I can see him unsettling Rooney as the engine of the attack and leave Rooney and RVP free to roam for chances.
- Tom Cleverley - Manchester United: If this young man can avoid injuries he can pack a lot of learning in this season playing alongside Paul Scholes. He tends to use his excessive amounts of energy poorly but it allows him to pop-up in unexpected places which can wreak havoc on a defense. Again he has a small sample of playing time but his passing is direct and dangerous.
- Yohan Cabaye - Newcastle: The French midfielder has been impressive internationally and in the EPL. He plays an aesthetically pleasing game and if Newcastle build off their strong season last year he could get some love from the media.
- Pavel Pogrebnyak - Reading: He came into the EPL in the January transfer window and immediately showed he has a knack for goal. Moving from Fulham to Reading this year could hurt the striker, but if he plays well it could end up helping him in making a name.
- Romelu Lukaku - West Brom: On loan to WBA from Chelsea, I'm rooting for Lukaku to break through with first team run this year. He seems to have the makings of a great striker. Strong on and off the ball, good at finishing, and reasonably fast, the only reason he won't develop this season is mental.
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