The start of a new season for footballers is just like the start of a new year for common folk; time to set new goals, break new ground and attain new heights.
But every year, some players come into a new season with a make or break mentality. More often than not these players are coming off a poor campaign last time out, or making up for lost time due to injury, or even trying to justify massive transfer fees.
Below are five players who with something to prove in the 2016/17 football season:
2Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal):
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came to Arsenal as a fearless 18-year-old in 2011, and he looked like he had the world at this feet.
But things haven’t gone according to plan, as lack of confidence, injuries and loss of form have taken their toll on the England International.
Last season, he contributed only one goal and as many assists, and his stock is now so low that most Arsenal fans don’t see him as a viable alternative in his favourite position, right midfield.
With two years left on his present contract, he will need to make a real impact this season, or his time at the Emirates might be over soon.
Why do people keep repeating the lie that Depay had a good start to his United career?
He had a terrible debut against Spurs, then was just as bad at Villa, then had a pretty good game against FC Bruges and then quickly went back to being poor once United started playing decent teams in the Premier League again.
Depay can obviously perform well at a certain level but that level clearly isn’t the Premier League, so he needs to leave ASAP.
There is absolutely no point in him staying at United because he isn’t going to go from the worst player in the PL to one of the best and he isn’t even going to come on as a sub once Jose realises how bad he is!