The Stars of Pre-Season.

Pre-Season ‘doesn’t mean anything’; it’s just for fitness, just to get used to playing football again. But for some players that’s not the case, they can use it as an opportunity to fight for a place in the team, and some have definitely taken that chance during this pre-season. Here are the players who shone for their clubs…

Arsenal - Yaya Sanogo

Scoring 4 goals in the 5-1 victory against Benfica, the young French striker showed the Emirates what he was capable of. This is good news for Arsenal fans who, amongst others, doubted Sanogo after goalless performances in all competitions last season. Being in scoring form for Arsenal, and getting in good positions for simple goals could help Yaya to cement his position in and around the first-team setup this season.

Aston Villa - Charles N’zogbia

Scoring 2 goals in pre-season, including a stunning free-kick against FC Dallas, N’zogbia performed well for the Villains and could prove his worth this season. He showed fans his flair and eagerness and looks ready for the season.

Burnley - Lukas Jutkiewicz

Former Everton player who is new to the club following a £2.25M deal (including add-ons) proved his capabilities by scoring twice against Grossklein and scoring twice against Celta Vigo. Constantly a threat to the opposition, Lukas could help Burnley stay up alongside Danny Ings up-front.

Chelsea - Diego Costa

New signing at the Blues, scored against NK Olimpika Ljubljana and Fenerbache. His Fenerbache goal was magnificent, dribbling past the defence with pace before slotting into the opposite corner. A genuine contender for the golden boot this season and could definitely win it if he continues this pre-season form. Still could feature in one or two games before the season starts and might grab another goal.

Crystal Palace - Glenn Murray

Long-term injury kept him out nearly all of last season, and scoring 5 in 3 different games this pre-season proved to Palace fans that he should still be a Palace player. Despite Dobbie scoring 4 against GAK Graz and Fraiser Campbells hat-trick against Forest Green, Murray looked the sharpest all pre-season and might shock a few people this season.

Everton- Muhamed Besic

Featured in 3 pre-season games, the new Bosnian had the “best first 6 touches you will ever see” for the Toffees against Porto and played well against Celta Vigo and Paderborn. A good holding midfielder, Besic looked very comfortable on and off the ball and should feature a lot this season.

Hull City - Robbie Brady

Scored a brace against Harrogate Town and performed well against York City and Barnsley ensuring he is ready to go for this season. Steve Bruce said, “Robbie Brady can be a huge player for us this season” and the pre-season performances make Bruce’s statement correct so far.

Leicester City - Wes Morgan

Team Captain scored 3 goals in a perfect pre-season for the Foxes, winning 6 and drawing 1. He was a threat at either end of the pitch, denying strikers and scoring goals, including an important goal against Werder Bremen. Expect to see Morgan heading Leicester to a few victories this season.

Liverpool - Philippe Coutinho

Rodgers hopes Coutinho will sign a new contract, and his pre-season performances showed us why. Using tricks and skills, the attacking midfielder was a threat creating chances for the rest of his team and himself. He will certainly be one of Liverpool’s most important players this season.

Manchester City - Stevan Jovetic

Scored a brace against Liverpool and AC Milan and had excellent performances to possibly earn a first-team place this season. He has a lot to prove yet and is still being linked back to Italy, but after this pre-season he might be in Pellegrini’s plans. You can never have too many in form strikers after-all.

Manchester United - Ashley Young

A controversial figure last season following his diving, but played brilliantly in the International Champions Cup and in the game vs LA Galaxy in the Chevrolet Cup. Scored a brace against LA Galaxy, scored in the Penalty Shootout against Inter Milan, and two more braces against Real Madrid and Liverpool. That’s 6 goals scored in 3 games, 4 of the goals against top teams Liverpool and Real Madrid. He should definitely be in Van Gaals’ plans now.

Newcastle United - Emmanuel Riviere

A new signing at the Magpies, the French striker scored against Sydney FC, Schalke and Huddersfield and looks ready to shine this season. Scoring 3 in pre-season could see him being up there with the top scorers come the end of the season providing he can remain consistent.

Q.P.R - Charlie Austin

Scored 4 goals in pre-season and could find himself at the heart of Q.P.R’s attack this campaign. Scoring goals against Rot Weiss Erfurt, Shamrock Rovers (2) and Athlone Town; despite all being small clubs, scoring goals could help Charlie find his goal scoring form early on this season.

Southampton - Sam McQueen

The 19 year-old winger scored twice this pre-season, against EHC Hoensbroek and KSK Hasselt which means he could feature in cup competitions but might be like other Southampton youngsters such as Luke Shaw and Callum Chambers who perform well for the Saints and move to a bigger club. One to watch for this season.

Stoke City - Bojan Krkic

Scored 3 goals in 3 pre-season games for the Potters; fans will surely be delighted with their new signing. He should be great to watch this Premier League season and could be one of the signings of the Summer following his performances thus far.

Sunderland - Mikael Mandron

19-year-old striker from France who poses a threat because of his height (6ft 3in) and spent last season on loan at Fleetwood Town. Scored 2 goals this pre-season against Carlisle and Recreativo and may be featured in cup or league competitions and if not will be one to watch on loan at another club.

Swansea City - Bafetimbi Gomis

New signing who could be devastating alongside Wilfried Bony. Scored against Reading and Exeter and looks a good replacement for the loaned out Michu.

Tottenham Hotspur - Erik Lamela

Very expensive and didn’t look worth the money last season, but scoring 3 goals including a brace against Toronto could help him become one of the Prem’s best this season. Looks exciting and will be interesting to see if he continues his form.

West Bromwich Albion - Youssouf Mulumbu

Mulumbu played well and got on the score sheet twice this pre-season that shows he could be a bit more attacking this season. Scored against Sacramento Republic and Shrewsbury Town, not exactly the best teams but it is good for Youssouf to build on his performances. Don’t be surprised to see Mulumbu score a couple this Premier League season.

West Ham United - Dan Potts

Played brilliantly against Schalke 04 as the Hammers drew 0-0 winning on penalties. 20 years old and looks to be a great player with bags of potential. Dan could feature this season or be loaned out to another club, definitely one to watch if he stays and plays.

By @alexsartain1878