These standout players could soon be joining a Premier League club
The Premier League resumed on Boxing Day with all 20 clubs in action after the one and a half month-long break due to the World Cup.
There were a few players who impressed a great deal in the World Cup and, quite naturally, some of them might be grabbed up by Premier League clubs in the January transfer window.
Cody Gakpo is the first such player to join the Premier League. Liverpool signed him after his impressive performance in the tournament.
Here are three others who would be excellent additions to the Premier League. Let’s get on with the job.
Sofyan Amrabat
No other player has enhanced his reputation as much as the 26-year-old Amrabat did in the recently concluded World Cup.
He was arguably the best defensive midfielder in the tournament and was central to the defensive strategy Morocco adopted during their run.
Amrabat soaked up pressure consistently and starred in Morocco’s victories over the likes of Belgium, Spain and Portugal.
His work-rate was exceptional, and he also provided adequate cover to the fullbacks. Moreover, his distribution skills were also pretty good for a defensive-minded player.
Amrabat currently plays for Serie A club Fiorentina, but is unlikely to stay there for long. He might as well become the first Morocco player to play for Liverpool, as he has already been linked to the club.
He could be a great addition to the midfield of Jurgen Klopp’s side, who lost Georginio Wijnaldum
recently and rely on the aging Jordan Henderson. Tottenham Hotspur and PSG are also in contention to sign him and it will be interesting to see who snatches him up.
Josko Gvardiol
One finds it hard to believe that Gvardiol is still only 20 years old as the Croatian center-back showed exceptional maturity in the World Cup and was one of the best players of the tournament.
He formed a great partnership with veteran Dejan Lovren and formed the core of Croatia’s strong defense that carried them to their second consecutive semifinal.
Gvardiol possesses a cool brain and very good anticipation and is also a solid tackler. His only blemish in the tournament was his inability to stop Lionel Messi from serving up Argentina’s third goal late in their semifinal match.
However, he made amends to an extent by scoring Croatia’s opening goal with a header in the team’s third-place match against Morocco.
He also exhibited aerial prowess and is seems certain to have a bright future. He has been linked to Chelsea and could be a very valuable addition. Spanish giants Real Madrid are also in the race to sign him.
Enzo Fernandez
The 21-year-old Fernandez was deemed the best young player of Qatar 2022 and is another defensive midfielder who impressed a lot.
Along with Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis MacAllister, he helped Argentina press with intensity and win back the ball in the middle third.
Moreover, his composure and good distribution are standout qualities many elite clubs look for. In that regard, he reminds one of a certain Fernando Redondo, who had a great career with Real Madrid.
Fernandez also showed offensive skills playing a wonderful through pass to Julian Alvarez .
Fernandez currently plays for Benfica but the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have already joined the race to sign him. It seems to be only a matter of time before Fernandez is playing club football in England.