Premier League: Ones to Watch

• The Premier returned after the Qatar 2022 World Cup
• Boxing Day fixtures have just concluded with thrilling victories for some clubs.
• We take a look at some underrated ones to watch players

For some, it was business as usual on the Premier League’s Boxing Day return, while others experienced unexpected outcomes.

Wilfred Ndidi and Leicester City were defeated at home by Newcastle United, while Mohammed Salah scored in Liverpool’s thrilling victory over Aston Villa.

We take a look at players who are underrated for their skills.

Tosin Adarabioyo

Although Fulham defeated Crystal Palace 3-0, Adarabioyo was kept on the bench for the entire game.

The centre-back has now missed his fourth Premier League appearance in a row, having played all but five games in Fulham’s promotion campaign, missing three due to suspension.

Can the towering defender reintroduce himself into Marco Silva’s plans?

Joe Aribo

Joe-Aribo.|PHOTO: Sports News Africa:

Aribo’s absence from Nathan Jones’ starting XI against Brighton & Hove Albion on Boxing Day raised eyebrows, with the Nigerian playing just nine minutes out of an available 180 minutes under the new manager.

He was introduced during the intermission and played the rest of the game as the Saints were defeated 3-1 on their home turf.

The Super Eagles’ lack of match action is highlighted by the fact that the 45 minutes of game time on Monday exceeds the two preceding games combined (nine at Liverpool and 27 against Newcastle United).

Aribo was used in multiple positions during his difficult start to life on the South Coast, and he is now unable to get consistent match action.

Eddie Nketiah

The absence of Gabriel Jesus caused concern among Arsenal fans, but Nketiah’s goal in Arsenal’s victory over West Ham United calmed nerves.

On his first Premier League start of the season, the Ghanaian scored to make it 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Interestingly, the frontman attempted four shots on goal in 90 minutes, which is more than he attempted in his previous eight league appearances combined.

With Jesus out, expect Nketiah, 23, to see more goal-scoring opportunities in the coming weeks.

Said Benrahma

In the same game, Benrahma opened the scoring for West Ham, but they could not hold on as Arsenal won 3-1.

Nonetheless, the Algerian scored from the penalty spot in the first half, snapping an eight-game drought against one of the league’s “Top Six” sides.

With his last goal in such games coming against Tottenham Hotspur in March, Benrahma may prefer to do battle with North London clubs in the future.

Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi had to settle for a substitute appearance in Leicester City’s 3-0 loss to Newcastle United, with Brendan Rodgers preferring Boubakary Soumare alongside Youri Tielemans.

While the Magpies had already won the game when the Nigeria international came on, it was notable that the defensive midfielder completed 27 of his 28 passes in the final 18 minutes of play.

His 96 per cent pass competition percentage was the highest in the game and the player’s best in 2022-23.

Brendan Rodgers, manager of Leicester City, has assured Wilfred Ndidi that the Nigerian midfielder remains an integral part of the first-team picture at the King Power Stadium.

However, He confessed he has talked with Ndidi, hinting that the midfielder’s inconsistent run in the team has been down to his injuries.

Mohamed Salah

On Monday evening, Aston Villa made life difficult for Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp’s men won 3-1.

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for the visitors, who made life difficult for themselves for the rest of the night, with Darwin Nunez to blame.

At Villa Park, Liverpool’s new striker attempted three shots, extending his streak of three or more shots in league games to seven.

Salah has attempted at least three shots on goal in all but three of his 15 Premier League appearances in 2022-23—at Fulham (two), Newcastle United (two), and Arsenal (one) ().

Marcus Rashford

Rashford’s solo goal against Burnley.|PHOTO: Telegraph|

Following a successful FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign with England, the Manchester United star returned to domestic action.

Despite being limited to 137 minutes, Rashford finished as their joint-top scorer with three goals.

His performances in Qatar have piqued the interest of Fantasy managers.

Rashford has been the most expensive midfielder in every 24 hours since England’s World Cup quarter-final exit.

See also: Everything You Need to Know About the Second Chance League

The schedule of Manchester United provides the 25-year-old with the ideal opportunity to maintain his recent momentum.