Best Career Revivals: Starting Eleven
Image: IMAGO
It's not always easy to cement yourself as a top level player, and it's even harder to remain a top level player. Expectations are high, and if players don't perform to those expectations, they are sold to make room for players who will perform. Soccer is a tough sport, and is not for the faint of heart. Here is a starting eleven of players who overcame their adversities and made incredible career comebacks.
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
In a perfect example of a beneficial transfer, Martínez left Arsenal in search of more playing time and Aston Villa got a goalkeeper who would go on to be their undisputed first choice. As if that’s not enough, Martínez won the World Cup and Copa América with Argentina and won Golden Glove awards in both competitions.
Right Back: William Saliba (Arsenal)
This season was a coming-of-age of sorts for Saliba as he played a key role in Arsenal’s title charge, which was most evident in the 11 Premier League games Saliba missed through injury. In those games, Arsenal went 5-3-3 as they lost the Premier League title game to Manchester City.
Center Back: Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich)
Once regarded as one of the brightest stars in world soccer, de Ligt struggled to find his feet at Juventus. However, at Bayern, de Ligt has come to life, even having a goal line clearance against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. Bayern may have had their struggles this season, but de Ligt was undoubtedly one of their bright spots.
Center Back: Chris Smalling (Roma)
It’s safe to say that Smalling’s time at Manchester United did not work out for either party. A transfer to Jose Mourinho’s Roma has worked wonders for him, though. In his time at Roma, Smalling has won a UEFA Europa Conference League title and was in the final for the UEFA Europa League.
Left Back: Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
This season may have been hampered with injuries for Zinchenko, but make no mistake that he transformed his game at Manchester City. Under Pep Guardiola, Zinchenko nailed down a starting spot in a position that he was initially unfamiliar with. Now capable of playing both on the defense or as a midfielder, Zinchenko is a key player for Arsenal and Ukraine.
Defensive Midfielder: John Stones (Manchester City)
Once regarded as a flop, John Stones has evolved and become a massive presence for Manchester City this season. His revival this season centered around him playing in the six position alongside Rodrigo Hernández. This change was a key difference in a Manchester City side that won its first UEFA Champions League title.
Center Midfielder: Alex Iwobi (Everton)
In another example of a beneficial transfer, Iwobi went from being a bench player at Arsenal to one of Everton’s key players. This season, Iwobi was Everton’s top assist provider, tallying eight assists throughout the Premier League season. Iwobi was also voted Everton's Player's Player of the Season for this season.
Attacking Midfielder: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
Perhaps one of the biggest victims of fan pressure, Ødegaard has overcome a lot of adversity to become one of Arsenal’s stars. Under Arteta this season, Ødegaard had his highest ever goals and assists tally (23 goals and assists) since the 2018-19 season.
Right Winger: Solly March (Brighton)
Similar to many other Brighton players, March has improved dramatically in the past season. This past Premier League season, March scored seven goals and provided seven assists as Brighton went on to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. He was also nominated for Premier League Player of the Month in January.
Striker: Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)
Leading the line for this team is Wilson, who reached a new level this season. He scored 18 goals this season, a number he hasn’t reached since the 2014-15 season. Wilson’s next season will be key to see if he keeps up his impressive performances.
Left Winger: Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
In a similar case to Martin Ødegaard, Kubo suffered from unrealistic expectations while at Real Madrid. Now at Real Sociedad, Kubo appears to be finally finding his form, especially after scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in La Liga this season. Hopefully he will be able to build on these performances next season.
