5 Premier League Players with a Point to Prove This Season

As the 2025/26 Premier League season prepares to kick off tomorrow at Anfield, several players will step onto the pitch determined to silence their critics. From experienced internationals to emerging stars, these five individuals enter the campaign with plenty to prove.

Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal

Martin Ødegaard may wear the captain’s armband at Arsenal and be widely regarded as one of the league’s most gifted midfielders, yet questions linger after a challenging season.

For the second consecutive year, the Norwegian’s goal tally fell. In 2024/25, he found the net just three times in the Premier League, down from eight the previous season and a significant drop from the 15 goals he scored in 2022/23.

Critics have also pointed to his tendency to dwell on the ball, slowing Arsenal’s forward momentum. This more deliberate approach may have played a role in Gabriel Martinelli’s dip in form, as the Brazilian is most dangerous when attacking quickly on the counter. With Viktor Gyökeres arriving from Sporting — a forward known for constant, penetrating runs — the pressure will be on Ødegaard to quicken his decision-making and inject greater urgency into Arsenal’s attacking play.

Donyell Malen – Aston Villa

When Donyell Malen signed for Aston Villa in January, the Dutch forward expressed his excitement about contributing to the club’s Champions League push. However, only weeks later, he found himself left out of the Champions League squad, with mid-season loan signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio preferred instead.

After joining from Borussia Dortmund, Malen managed only two league starts but impressed in flashes, scoring three Premier League goals. With Asensio and Rashford now gone, and Jacob Ramsey seemingly on his way out, Malen has an opportunity to cement a place in Unai Emery’s plans. His encouraging pre-season form will boost his chances, though the arrival of Evann Guessand offers further competition for attacking spots.

For Malen, the upcoming season presents both a challenge and a chance to prove he belongs as a key figure in Villa’s ambitions.

Jack Grealish – Everton

A fresh chapter awaits Jack Grealish, who has joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City. After exploring options over the summer, the winger opted for a move that promises more playing time and freedom.

Grealish endured a frustrating spell at the Etihad, particularly over the past two seasons, when he gradually fell out of favour. In 2024/25, the 29-year-old started just seven league matches, a far cry from the regular role he once enjoyed. Seeking a return to form and eager to force his way back into the England squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup, Grealish will hope the switch to Merseyside is the boost he needs.

Under Sean Dyche, he may find the licence to express himself in a way that was harder to achieve under Pep Guardiola’s meticulous system.

Phil Foden – Manchester City

Phil Foden’s 2024/25 season was a stark contrast to the heights he reached the year before. From winning PFA Player of the Year to enduring what could be considered his toughest campaign as a Manchester City regular, the dip in form was evident.

Off-field and on-field issues affected the England international, who managed seven goals in 20 league starts — a respectable return, but a notable step down from his previous stellar performances.

With Kevin De Bruyne now departed, City will be counting on Foden to shoulder more creative responsibility. The 25-year-old will also be motivated to recapture top form, particularly with competition fierce for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup. For City and Foden alike, this season represents a chance to re-establish his status among the Premier League’s elite.

Manuel Ugarte – Manchester United

The scrutiny at Manchester United is unlike anywhere else in the Premier League, and Manuel Ugarte experienced that reality last season.

Signed from Paris Saint-Germain, the Uruguayan midfielder brought an aggressive, combative presence to the side. However, limitations in possession led some to question his suitability for a team aiming to dominate the ball. PSG had already decided to part ways with Ugarte after just one campaign, and similar doubts emerged at Old Trafford.

New manager Ruben Amorim, who worked with Ugarte previously, will hope to unlock the 24-year-old’s potential and integrate him more effectively into United’s system. With the midfield frequently exposed last season, his energy and defensive tenacity will be valuable — but improvements on the ball are essential if he is to thrive in a possession-heavy approach.

Reflexiones finales

These five players all have personal battles to win as the 2025/26 Premier League season gets underway. Whether it’s rediscovering lost form, proving worth after a transfer, or silencing doubts about their style of play, each will be under the spotlight from the first whistle.

With club ambitions high and the World Cup looming on the horizon, the stakes could not be greater. How these players respond may well define their campaigns — and influence their futures at both club and international level.