Qatar 2022, has been a superb tournament. The upsets and the drama, have made this one of the best tournaments ever. Players have made breakthrough performances to have regained their form at club level.
Yes, Harry Maguire is one of those that we’re referring to. The sports desk here at the-sports-buff.com, wants to take a look at three Premier League players who could be on the move due to their performances.
Hakim Ziyech
Former Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech came to Chelsea with a huge reputation when he joined Chelsea. The Moroccan was a part of the Ajax side that missed out on the Champions League final after Tottenham grabbed a last-gasp goal to knock them out.
Skilful and tricky, as well as packed with creativity the 29-year-old has not been able to get his Chelsea career going. Maybe due to the more pragmatic approach of former manager Tuchel, owing to that.
For the national team though, he’s doing a Harry Maguire. In English terms, what that means is that Ziyech has been a man transformed whilst playing for the North Africans in this year’s World Cup. A stark contrast to his woes at club level.
AC Milan have been long linked with Hakim Ziyech, and based on this form the Rossoneri should make their move, as there could be other clubs who could beat Milan to Ziyech’s signature.
Memphis Depay
The first of two Dutch players on our list is former Manchester United man Memphis Depay. Depay has been harshly treated by Barcelona’s manager, as we think he hasn’t warranted such minimal game time at Camp Nou.
At 28, Memphis is at his peak and could be an adequate replacement for one Cristiano Ronaldo. Rumours have been intensifying that United look set to sign his fellow countryman Cody Gakpo, but maybe get both?
Contrary to popular belief, we are adamant that Memphis Depay did too badly in his first spell at Old Trafford.
Nathan Ake
Dutch centre-back Ake, who has had more game time, on the whole, has been a bit-part player at Manchester City. At club level, the former Bournemouth man has been inconsistent for The Cityzens.
It’s fair to say, other defenders, have been higher in the pecking order, than Nathan Ake. In Qatar though, alongside Holland captain Van Dijk, the Chelsea academy graduate has been in good form.
The round of 16 game against the USA, who like Morocco are a team whose energy has caused teams problems. This didn’t transpire, as he and VVD were commanding and never let the American forward’s into the game.
Simply put, if Nathan Ake carries on the way he is going and he feels he isn’t getting game time, Newcastle could come calling. A move to Chelsea didn’t materialise, but if the 27-year-old keeps up this form, there will be more suitors in the queue for his services.
Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United midfielder Fernandes, who has returned to form this year after a tough season last year for his standards, has been superb in Qatar. The other players on this list, have had inconsistent performances for their clubs.
On the whole, Bruno has taken to life at Man United like a duck has to water. We put him on this list, as if he keeps up this superb form in Qatar at club level, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that Real Madrid come calling.
The former Sporting man is ambitious. The challenge is up to Man United to match their ambition. If they can’t and don’t then the 28-year-old should seek a new challenge. A football career is a short one, so why not?
Bruno Fernandes has been scoring and creating in this World Cup, which is what he does so well at United. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos aren’t getting younger. Real could do worse.
Richarlison
Tottenham striker Richarlison has not quite been able to live up to his hefty price tag since moving to North London. In an injury-affected season which affected the striking department at former club Everton, the former Watford forward striker is a different man for the national team.
For Brazil, he plays down the middle, fending off competition from Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, who didn’t make the squad. Club level, Richarlison is seen as a joke-like figure, but for The Selecao, he’s a different animal.
The second goal, which he scored against Switzerland, just showed how much of a man transformed he is when he plays for his country. If he plays at this level at both club level and international level, we honestly feel Real Madrid will come calling.
Los Blancos, for all their brilliance, will need to replace Karim Benzema who has been a superb servant for the Spanish giants. If Richarlison plays at a similar level to his international level at club level, then the 25-year-old should prepare himself to play at the Bernabeau in front of his potential home fans.
We think he’s been that good in the tournament. . So this is our list of three players, who due to their performances, might be moving to pastures better. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.
*article idea in tandem with Sports Courant*, visit their site sportscourant.com.
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