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We are quickly approaching the business end of the Premier League and what a season it has been so far. One can never predict which direction the Premier League will go in, especially with such close competition in all departments.
Premier League set for an enthralling January amid AFCON departures
With the coronavirus disrupting the schedule and a host of players leaving for AFCON, it is difficult to predict how teams will perform this January. The transfer window has opened, and millions of fans will be hoping that their teams sign the players they desperately need.
The departure and arrival of players over the next few weeks could completely change the complexion of the Premier League. Irrespective of whether new faces burst onto the scene, a few players are going to play a vital role for their teams this month.
Here we look at five players that we expect will shine this January.
#5 Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has been one of Europe’s best midfielders over the last few seasons. The Belgian has sublime ball control and can pick out passes that seem impossible. A two-time Premier League playmaker of the year award recipient, De Bruyne is every striker’s dream.
He made a Premier League record-equalling 20 assists in the 19/20 season, a record that he shares with Thierry Henry. The Belgian has been below his usual standards this season, with COVID and injury-related issues hampering his playing time. De Bruyne has scored five goals and provided one assist in the ongoing Premier League season.
Manchester City are sitting comfortably at the top of the league with 53 points. Guardiola and co. seem to be on their way to another Premier League title, especially after Liverpool and Chelsea drew last week.
Man City will face Chelsea and Southampton in January.
#4 Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has rapidly risen to stardom over the past couple of years. The 20-year-old has been a shining light for the Gunners and continues to impress. Saka is part of a young and vibrant Arsenal squad that has fans excited for the future.
Saka has scored six goals and provided four assists in the Premier League. His performances have made the Gunners look a much-improved side of late. After a terrible start to the campaign, Arsenal are now back on track and are currently fourth in the league.
Arsenal have a spicy North London derby coming up next. The reverse fixture saw the Gunners thrash Tottenham 3-1 in a convincing win. Saka was particularly impressive, scoring once and also providing an assist. Arsenal then host Burnley, which should be a walk in the park based on their form.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the Premier League hasn’t quite gone according to plan. Manchester United have had an abysmal season so far and are currently seventh in the league. But Ronaldo is still a major goal-scoring outlet for Ralf Rangnick's men.
Ronaldo has scored eight goals and provided three assists in the Premier League this season. His contributions have been key, especially with United's young guns - Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood - not being able to find their best form.
Ronaldo is one of the greatest clutch players of all time and might have to reproduce some of his clutch performances to save United’s season.
Manchester United will next face Aston Villa and West Ham. While Villa seem like a fixture they can overcome, Steven Gerrard’s side will look to capitalize on United’s poor form.
The Red Devils are just three points behind West Ham and have a game in hand too. Their clash at Old Trafford might be crucial in the top-four race.
#2 Harry Kane
Harry Kane has been a serial goal-scorer throughout his career. The three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner may not be having the best season, but his form is improving under Antonio Conte. The England captain has scored three goals in his last four Premier League outings.
Kane’s partnership with Son Heung-min last season was a joy to watch. The South Korean is reportedly set to miss January due to an injury.
The onus will be on Kane to step up to the challenge in what could prove to be a decisive month for Spurs. The North London side face Arsenal, Leicester and Chelsea over the next couple of weeks.
These games could potentially shape the top-four race and will be a thrilling spectacle. After an embarrassing display at the Emirates, Tottenham will seek redemption against a renewed Arsenal side.
Kane will look to add to his paltry tally of four Premier League goals over the next few games.
#1 Diogo Jota
With Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane leaving for the AFCON, Diogo Jota will be Liverpool’s safest bet when it comes to scoring goals. The Portuguese has been impressive for the Reds ever since he signed for them in 2020.
Jota has ten goals and one assist in the ongoing Premier League season. He is the second-highest goalscorer in the league, behind Salah, who has scored 16 goals. The versatile forward has adapted well under Jurgen Klopp and stepped up when required.
Playing as a false nine or a winger, Jota has quietly gone about business while Mo Salah has taken most of the spotlight.
Liverpool face Brentford and Crystal Palace in January. Both these fixtures should see the Reds get over the line, even with the absence of their African stars. Jota’s quick feet and commendable heading ability could prove to be the difference-maker for Liverpool.
