Gabriel Jesus
It already looks like Gabriel Jesus is set to enjoy a resurgence this season. The Brazilian forward's record of a goal or an assist every 158 minutes the last term was by far the worst showing of his man city career. While Pep Guardiola hardly used him in the side's run to the champions league final and as the club pursued Harry Kane, his future at the Etihad was far from certain. But despite City looking a more formidable outfit when deploying a false nine last season, Jesus's versatility has always been somewhat underrated.
His recent performances on the right have said as much. Registering a goal and three assists in the side's five-nil demolitions of Norwich and Arsenal. The 24-year-old has kicked off the 21-22 season with a bang and with pep unable to secure a Sergio Aguero replacement in the summer, he will no doubt be relied upon more in the months ahead.
Of players to have played more than a game in the early weeks in the campaign only Trent Alexander Arnold is creating more chances per 90 than Gabriel Jesus in the league. While he will no doubt be rotated in and out of the side once Phil Foden returns from injury, the former palmyras man has made an early statement to the manager. He may be no Aguero but Jesus is more than capable of playing a big role for man city this term.
Virgil Van Dijk
A setback that came to define Liverpool's failure to retain the premier league title in 2021, Virgil Van Dijk's eight-month ACL layoff was the first of a number of major injuries that contributed to a difficult campaign at Anfield. With Jurgen Klopp's side posting their worst points tally since 2015-16, despite finishing third. The dutch center-back has also spoken about the mental battle he faced while injured with the combination of medication and pain making it difficult to sleep.
While reading constant speculation and watching his team struggle was tough for him too. But following a positive pre-season, Van Dijk looks fighting fit once again. While it's too early to tell whether he can inspire a serious title push, the early signs are promising. Alongside the experience Joel Matip, the Netherlands international has been incredibly solid so far helping the side concede just once in three games.
His area win percentage has come down but that has much to do with the fact he's faced Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes in his second outing. Across the season would expect that to come back up. Meanwhile, he remains almost impossible to dribble past while teammates are already feeling the benefits of his distribution. It's been a welcome return for the Dutchman.