Page 19 - Soccer360 - Issue 103

5 WHO CAN THRIVE CON’T.
ALEXANDER ISAK - NEWCASTLE UNITED
Now in his second season with Newcastle, Alexander Isak has all the attributes to become the complete striker. Already he’s combined pace and trickery with a wonderful finishing ability, proving a gem in what is a very exciting Magpies side from back to front. Having
made a good start to 2023-24 and with the Champions League coming up, it could be a special year for Isak.
KAORU MITOMA - BRIGHTON
Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma was one of the breakout stars of the Premier League in 2022- 23, quickly becoming one of the division’s most exciting players to watch with his pacy, slaloming runs and constant willingness to take players on. Although everyone now knows the threat he poses, he’ll continue to catch the eye and will be a big player for Brighton as they look to emulate last season’s achievements.
DECLAN RICE - ARSENAL
After years of showcasing his world class talent at West Ham United, Declan Rice has finally made the step up that his quality demanded
as Arsenal finally secured a deal. His arrival is clearly to help the Gunners win major trophies and add that extra something that could lead them to the Premier League title. Rice brings calmness and class to their midfield both with and without the ball, and his presence could make a crucial difference this term.
Everton
Even the most ardent of Everton supporters will admit they’ve been fortunate to avoid relegation in each of the past two seasons, which is
a grim fact for a club that expects to be challenging for Europe year on year. Sadly for them, it looks like another battle to avoid dropping into the Championship awaits in 2023-24, with veteran Ashley Young and loanee Arnaut Danjuma among the only additions to a squad which still looks woefully short on goal threat. In what is set to be their last full season at the famous Goodison Park, the Toffees may need to rely again on the hostile atmosphere of their home fans and the tactical nous of manager Sean Dyche if they are to survive again.
NICKNAME:
The Blues
The Toffees
The People’s Club The School of Science
MANAGER:
Sean Dyche
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Premier League, 17th
Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action
Fulham
After going straight back down at the first attempt in their previous two Premier League campaigns, it was refreshing to see Fulham prove so many people wrong in 2022-23, as Marco Silva guided them to an excellent 10th place. Improving on that will be a big ask and they are having to cope with the significant loss of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, but they remain
a competitive side and should still have the quality to ensure another reasonably solid season. Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira remain vital in midfield and as for new arrivals, the powerful Calvin Bassey joins from Ajax to strengthen the defence, and Raul Jimenez adds an experienced attacking option.
NICKNAME:
The Cottagers
MANAGER:
Marco Silva
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Premier League, 10th
Manor Solomon of Fulham in action
Liverpool
Following on from last season’s hugely disappointing fifth place, Liverpool expect nothing less than a return to competing for the title this time around. Whether they do so or not depends almost entirely on how they address the issues that cost them numerous times in 2022-23, namely poor defensive discipline and a lack of dynamism and intensity in midfield.
The Reds have attacked the latter by signing Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister for just £35m along with Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai, before the unexpected losses of Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League prompted them to make an ultimately failed bid for Moises Caicedo. With more expected of Darwin Nunez and a fully-fit Luis Diaz, Liverpool possess a truly fearsome frontline and can never be written off for the top prize, although the top four looks a more achievable target.
NICKNAME:
The Reds
MANAGER:
Jürgen Klopp
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Premier League, 5th
SOCCER360 MAGAZINE 19
Luis Diaz hopes to propel Liverpool back in to the top four after his return from injury