We all know that even the greatest players in the world have their down moments. In today's football world, where every performance is analyzed on a microscopic level and broken down by fans and experts alike, and it's not hard to find reasons to criticize the players. On that basis, let's list together the Top 5 players who will prove their haters wrong in the 2022-23 season.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Apart from the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo broke Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's flexible attack machine last season. His positional rigidity has certainly hindered the flow of things, but the superstar's arrival is a huge boon for Manchester United in one of their worst campaigns in recent history. this.
Usually, under Ten Hag, Manchester United will have a new philosophy and a new identity. Ronaldo can silence those who hate him, by proving that he can fit into the new coach's system like a charm rather than showing weaknesses. This is no big deal for Ronaldo and he should be able to have another great campaign for Manchester United.
2. Lionel Messi (PSG)
Majority of the talks during Lionel Messi's debut season at Paris Saint-Germain was bleak given his very high standards. Messi's play is phenomenal at times but he's nowhere near his best scoring ability. The 35-year-old has scored just 11 goals and provided 15 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for PSG this past season.
And it is understandable that he is no longer himself in Paris because before the 2021/22 season, Messi had only played for Barcelona in his career. Now that the initial out-of-tune has faded and Messi feels more "at home" in Paris, we can expect him to return to his best form this season. That means PSG fans will be treated to top performances in the upcoming campaign.
3. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
The British star, Marcus Rashford has experienced pain during the 2020/21 season. He ended up having surgery on his shoulder at the start of last season but had a grueling time re-integrated with the team. Rashford looks to be off track and it's only natural that he's not at his best when recovering from his spell out.
Also, Rashford has scored just five goals and provided two assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United in the previous campaign. These are horrifying numbers coming from one of the most talented strikers of his generation. However, Rashford is still a quality player and can "run around" opponents all day.
However, the striker's offensive ability is excellent and he is also one of the fastest attacking players in the world. New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has a history of spotting the best players in his system, and this is expected to be a great season for the Englishman.
4. Neymar (PSG)
In the 2021-22 season, Neymar was booed after Paris Saint-Germain was knocked out of the Champions League round of 16. His ongoing injury problems have become a source of frustration for both the club and the fans. However, Neymar still proves to be in high form when playing in the 2021-22 season. He had some pretty good performances in the final stages of last season.
But will know that he will have to do more than that to win back the trust of PSG fans. Neymar could be a special character on a mission this season. The Brazilian has revealed that the 2022 World Cup could be his last, and he will want to make this campaign a memorable one for both club and country.
5. Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Paul Pogba has had a flying start to the 2021-22 season, providing the most assists in Manchester United's Premier League opener against Leeds United. He continued that impressive form by setting up a brace against Newcastle United in the second game.
But it's all pretty downhill from there. Pogba is often noted for his speed of work and quick decision-making ability.
And however, the fact that the midfielder received a direct red card in the humiliating 0-5 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Old Trafford has made the fans more disappointed than ever. The Frenchman also limped off the field in the second leg at Anfield 10 minutes after Luis Diaz opened the scoring for the Merseysiders.
This time around, Paul Pogba has returned to Juventus, a club where he previously enjoyed a lot of success. Pogba is one of the most technically gifted players on the planet and he will feel “at home” in Turin.
Of course definitely, the Frenchman will also try to prove his critics wrong, and potentially show them that he remains one of the best central midfielders in the world next season.
