Who Is The X-Factor For Each Premier League Big Six Club?

Arsenal’s X-Factor: MF Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has seamlessly evolved into the player Arsenal had envisioned when they acquired him from Real Madrid. After acclimating to the club during his initial seasons, he showcased his prowess by netting 15 goals and contributing seven assists in the 2022-23 season, emerging as one of the team’s top scorers. His substantial impact played a pivotal role in the team’s success last year, and replicating this level of performance will be crucial for Arsenal to contend with formidable opponents like Manchester City at the summit of the league table.

Chelsea’s X-Factor: RB Reece James

Reece James holds the key to unlocking a wealth of potential for Chelsea, elevating his team’s dynamics significantly whenever he takes the field in the Premier League. His absence is keenly felt, altering the team’s complexion. A critical factor in Chelsea’s fortunes this season hinges on his fitness. With a reduced match load due to the absence of European competitions, he could focus more on maintaining his well-being and avoiding injuries. If he manages to participate in 30 matches for the Blues this season, it will substantially elevate the minimum expectation for the club’s overall performance.

Liverpool X-Factor: ST Darwin Nunez

The media extensively covered Darwin Nunez‘s struggles during his debut season with Liverpool, as he encountered difficulties converting critical opportunities in the attacking third. His goal tally fell short only to Chelsea’s Kai Havertz in terms of goals below expected goals (xG) for the season, with a deviation of 5.28 from his xG in the 2022-23 season. While the initial perception might be that Nunez struggles with clinical finishing, an alternative perspective is that he consistently positions himself well. If Nunez can refine his finishing abilities in the upcoming season and fulfill the role of a consistent number nine that Liverpool desperately requires, he could be the missing puzzle piece propelling the club back into the top four.

Manchester City’s X-Factor: MF Mateo Kovacic

Following a season in which they conceded the second-highest number of goals compared to their previous six campaigns, the addition of Mateo Kovacic, a central defensive midfielder, is a valuable acquisition for Manchester City. His arrival promises enhanced midfield control and defensive solidity, particularly in front of a potentially revamped center-back pairing, as the club integrates Josko Gvardiol into their backline. If Kovacic can fortify the first-choice defense, no other team will be able to challenge Manchester City’s dominance at the pinnacle of the Premier League in the 2023-24 season.

Manchester United’s X-Factor: FW Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford‘s journey has been a whirlwind. After a subdued period during his initial years with the senior team, he burst onto the scene in the 2018-19 season with ten goals and six assists, establishing himself as one of England’s emerging young talents. A disappointing 2021-22 campaign saw him register just four goals and a couple of assists across 25 matches, but he reclaimed his peak form last season, netting 17 goals and providing five assists. Sustaining this form while staying injury-free significantly raises the prospects and ambitions of Manchester United, igniting hopes of contending for a title.

Tottenham Hotspur’s X-Factor: FW Heung-Min Son

After a less-than-stellar season in 2022-23, Tottenham‘s heavy reliance on Heung-Min Son‘s abilities became evident during his absences. They will heavily depend on the South Korean dynamo alongside Harry Kane in the attacking front to reposition themselves for a top-four finish. While there might be doubts about Son’s complete resurgence, considering rumors of him playing through injuries for a substantial part of the previous season, his return to the form he displayed in 2021 could invigorate Tottenham’s attacking flair.