Hleb, Aliaksandr (Arsenal)
- Most exciting player for
Arsenal in my opinion. Amazing dribbler and has a brilliant ability to pick a defence-splitting pass. He needs to add goals to his game to be a real great and i'll be observing to see if he can. If he's still at
Arsenal of course.
Merida, Fran (Arsenal)
- A youngster for
Arsenal, supposedly a huge prospect with an ability to rival or better Fabregas'. Even though he won't get many run-outs in the Premier League, if at all, i really will make sure to catch any of their Carling Cup games as he'll be sure to be playing.
Vela, Carlos (Arsenal)
- The same as his team-mate Merida. It'll be great to get our first glimpses of the highly-rated Mexican.
Young, Ashley (Aston Villa)
- I've watched him in quite a few games of late and he's impressed me an awful lot. Much more than his much-hyped team-mate Agbonlahor. His pace, dribbling and power in shooting makes him extremely dangerous on his day, and he'll be a future England international for sure. I'm interested in seeing how he can progress next year.
Zarate, Mauro (Birmingham City)
- He's a strange player, plucked from no-where (well, Qatari side Al-Sadd actually) and quite the unknown quantity. He's an U-20 Argentine international though, so he could well be a star in the making - he's already had a great impact for Birmingham in his short time being here. I doubt he'll be at the Midlands club next year considering the price-tag he brings, but i suspect he'll use this as a route into the Premier League via another side - he's a young and exciting player, a flair player, which is as good a reason as any to watch out for him next season.
Santa Cruz, Roque (Blackburn Rovers)
- For the sheer reason to see how he does next year after an inspiring introduction. It's phenomenal that he's managed to score over half the tally he notched up for Bayern in the space of 8 years. Fluke?
Bentley, David (Blackburn Rovers)
- Like Ashley Young he's a hopeful England winger, but has comparatively a much differing style. A relinquished ability with regards to pace or power is supplemented with a great technique and crossing ability. He may well not be with
Blackburn however, as he seeks European football.
Guthrie, Danny (Bolton Wanderers)
- Coming through the
Liverpool reserves, on-loan this term at
Bolton, i'm quite eager to see how he makes it. I expect the midfielder to leave us in the summer, Rafa cashing in, and if he can continue his early season form he could become a Premier League regular in the mould of Steven Warnock. I'll be watching.
Malouda, Florent (Chelsea)
- Now, i expect him to leave in the summer, which is a shame. He's a quality winger and if he gave it one more go, avoiding injuries and managed to hold down a place for a considered period of time, then i think he could be the best left-winger in the Premier League. If he stays i'll be intrigued to see how he does.
Pienaar, David (Everton)
- Moyes implemented him gradually but as the season has gone on he's settled down and that has been met by his loan deal being turned into a permanent one. A tricky little midfielder and one
Everton player i'll admit to liking.
Babel, Ryan (Liverpool)
- The progress has been slow this season, but now he's been given a more advanced wide role (more so than he adopted in a 4-4-2) we're seeing a better player. Has superb dribbling skills, great body balance and a terrific strike - if he can make a step up he'll be huge for us, but he'll need to improve his left-foot and crossing if he's to make it as a winger. I'd like to see him on the right personally next year.
Lucas, Pezzini Leiva (Liverpool)
- Like Babel he's had an indifferent start, but that in my opinion is down to his need to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League. He's shown glimpses of what he can do, and if he can settle he'll be quality. What i fear is the fact he won't get much chance to operate in his best position (Gerrard's).
Skrtel, Martin (Liverpool)
- If he builds on the start he's had he'll be in contention for our Player of the Season next year, without question. He's already threatening to oust Carragher from the side, which says it all (and no, not that Carra’s rubbish)... he's one to watch.
Agger, Daniel (Liverpool)
- Simple reason that i'll be over-the-[beep!]-moon to see him finally return to our side. I'm so keen to see him partnered with the mentioned Slovak in the centre of defence.
Hart, Joe (Manchester City)
- After a calamitous bunch of England goalkeepers have passed by over recent years i'll watch Hart in hope that he doesn't go down the route of Robinson, Kirkland, Carson etc. He's widely tipped to be the future England #1 and that's enough reason to see how he progresses.
Nani (Manchester United)
- I reckon next year could be a big season for him as he emerges as a regular for United - Giggs is finally showing his age and he'll probably become his successor. The talk has surrounded Anderson this year but i think Nani will make big strides in the 08/09 season.
Alves, Afonso (Middlesbrough)
- The simple fact that the 'Boro have finally a respectable striker to spear-head their attack is one to look on at Alves with intrigue. His record in the Dutch league is phenomenal, but the Eredivisie is not the strongest, so most will watch him wondering whether he can make the step up to the English league. His brace versus
Man United has raised expectations.
Wheater, David (Middlesbrough)
- He has had a strong season and could well have an England future.
Cattermole, Kee (Middlesbrough)
- Likewise, Cattermole is a real prospect.
Enrique, Jose (Newcastle United)
- Thought he had quite a slow start to his
Newcastle career, struggling under Allardyce - but the few times i've seen him post-Keegan he's looked quite good. He's adventurous in attack from what i've witnessed, and could come into his own next year if he's given a chance.
Defoe, Jermain (Portsmouth)
- After the
Tottenham nightmare it's very good to see Defoe have a manager who is willing to have him as their main striker... and he's shown his worth. After some years of not being a regular he'll seize his opportunity now, and i think with a quality partner bought in the summer (Crouch?) he will be one of the leagues top scorer’s.
Bale, Gareth (Tottenham Hotspur)
- As mentioned, he's an incredible attacking full-back. I still remember him playing against
Man United in around September when he stormed down the left at full-pace leaving everyone for dead; with running like that he'll be one of the Prem's most exciting players.
(I would say Modric for
Spurs, but Specnur said "on this years performances", so i gather he's only asking about current EPL players.)
Valencia, Antonio (Wigan Athletic)
- The young Ecuadorian right-winger has impressed me when i've seen him a couple of times. Has very good dribbling and great pace, which is a positive recipe. A flair player, able to conjure something from the little.
And that's without the inevitable mouth-watering additions, like Modric, that will be purchased come the summer...
