Following the closing of the January transfer window, Desh Parthab takes a look at 5 Premier League stars who will be looking to change the fortunes of their respective clubs.
There were some huge moves in the January 2022 transfer window which will undoubtedly dictate how the rest of the season unfolds. Newcastle splashed the cash, accounting for approximately a third of the total net spend across all top-flight clubs in the window.
Everton F.C. had the busiest window, with 6 incoming players alongside a new manager in Frank Lampard. Manchester United is one of only four (Leicester, Norwich, West Ham) clubs that failed to bring in a player during the window and with Rashford, Sancho and Elanga the only available wingers at the club, you have to wonder if this will cost them.
With the dust well and truly settled, I took a look at a few players who will be looking to change the fortunes of their clubs.
Maxwell Cornet
Maxwell Cornet has written himself into the Burnley history books after he scored 5 goals in his first 6 premier league starts – a feat never before achieved by a Clarets player.
The winger has since added to his tally for the season and his 6 league goals scored in just 10 league appearances means that he is Burnley’s leading goal scorer thus far. The wingers attacking prospects will be boosted by the arrival of January signing Wout Weghorst and a partnership between the two of them may be on the books in the coming weeks.
Burnley have played out 4 goalless draws this season, the most from all top-flight clubs, so the pair may be just what Dyche needs to get them over the line.
"MAXWELL CORNET, Only scores special goals"🔥😍🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/bcDJUfhFKt
— Loftus-Cheek (@DavidCheeky) November 22, 2021
Emiliano Buendia
Emiliano Buendía is shaping up to have a season to remember. The midfielder has been an integral part of Aston Villa thus far, as seen by his 19 league appearances from a possible 21.
Recently, Buendiá is relishing the advanced position Steven Gerrard has deployed him in. He has started Villa’s previous 3 league fixtures, returning a goal and an assist.
Further to this, no teammate has attempted more shots or created more chances than he has, emphasising his importance going forward. The Argentine has navigated the often tricky step up from the Championship to the Premier League with ease. The former Norwich man certainly has a bright future.
Emi Buendia: I haven’t been in the UK
— Lord Hutton (@KangIsLord69) September 5, 2021
Also Emi Buendia: pic.twitter.com/sOSEIDX81f
Odsonne Édouard
Odsonne Édouard has registered 3 goals and 3 assists in his previous six league appearances. Despite this prolific form at the top end of the pitch, his side have managed to win just one of those league fixtures.
To compile issues, Crystal Palace are winless in their previous five away league fixtures – failing to score on three occasions. In fact, they have only won one of the 10 away league fixtures this campaign.
The hitman may be Viera’s secret weapon in trying to strengthen their results on the road, after all, Édouard has been involved in 9 league goals which is more than Zaha (6), Benteke (5) and Ayew (3).
McArthur ➡️ Olise ➡️ Gallagher ➡️ Edouard ➡️ ⚽️
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 12, 2021
Feels good.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/WE6UV1LvF0
Allan Saint-Maximin
The mercurial Frenchman leads his Newcastle United teammates for shots (43), shots on target (17), chances created (32) and assists (3), not to mention his 91 successful dribbles which is a league-leading total.
These figures tell me that his efforts are bound to bear fruit sooner or later. All 5 of the winger’s league goals this season have come at St James’ Park – no player has more goals in the league this season without scoring away from home.
So there may be some value here in the Magpies fixture against Everton at home during the week. Last time out, Newcastle picked up their first away league win this season so things may be starting to go their way.
Allan Saint-Maximin also sold the cameraman the dummy 🔥
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 15, 2021
(🎥 via @NUFC) pic.twitter.com/q9oEG8to3X
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro has attempted a whopping 13 shots across his previous 3 league appearances, scoring once. The forward is expected to start the only league fixture of this weekend which sees the bottom clubs go head-to-head.
Whilst he has only started 5 league fixtures this campaign, Emmanuel Dennis’s straight red card against Norwich means he is ruled out, which subsequently opens up a starting place that Pedro will surely have his sights on.
Pedro will be performing for a new manager on the touchline, which may give him extra motivation in his quest to lock down a starting berth in the side.
What a cross 👏
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) January 15, 2022
What a header 🤩
🇧🇷 João Pedro's first away goal in the @premierleague was a 𝗕𝗜𝗚 one! pic.twitter.com/GBeNFDwNL8
