With the new Season upon us, I have compiled a list of the 11 players who have played in the Premier League before for another club. This ‘Second Time Around’ team certainly have the pedigree to compete, and with a vast array of medals between them, they can definitely do good things.
GOALKEEPER
Joe Hart – West Ham (on Loan from Man City)
Unfancied by Pep Guardiola, shipped out on loan to Torino last season, Manchester City’s Joe Hart has his chance to establish himself again as England’s Number One. With guaranteed game time, and less pressure on his shoulders, Hart can be a dressing room leader at West Ham, and provide a great backbone and win the team points on his own.
DEFENCE
Kyle Walker – Manchester City (signed from Tottenham)
One of a few defenders signed by Pep Guardiola this season, another young Englishman, costing a lot of money and with a big reputation. Competition with Danilo is going to be fun to watch, and lack of game time, could hinder his England chances with some talented young full-backs nipping at his heels, he will need to prove his worth in the big games and keep his place.
Kurt Zouma – Stoke (on loan from Chelsea)
Zouma could have been the rock of the Chelsea back line this season, with big shoes to fill with the departure of John Terry, however, Antonio Conte decided to ship him out on loan to Stoke, he will be competing alongside Bruno Martins-Indi to partner Ryan Shawcross at the heart of ‘The Potters‘ backline, definitely one to watch.
Harry Maguire – Leicester (signed from Hull City)
One of the English defenders for the future, Harry Maguire was one of the shining lights in Hull’s relegation fight from last season, despite their best efforts to keep him, he decided to join 2015-16 Premier League Champions, Leicester City. With Robert Huth out injured, he could complement Captain, Wes Morgan, really well.
Andrew Robertson – Liverpool (signed from Hull City)
Liverpool had been crying out for a quality left-back, James Milner filled the role admirably last season, as Alberto Moreno was very poor. Robertson is one of the brightest young full-backs in the game, and will be heavily in the thoughts of Gordon Strachan for Scotland.
MIDFIELD
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – Crystal Palace (on loan from Chelsea)
Still only 21 years old, Loftus-Cheek has always been tipped to have a bright future ahead of him. He will be working with Frank de Boer and at a club who hopefully will utilise him to the best of his abilities.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (formerly of Chelsea)
Mo Salah lit up Serie A while playing for Roma, although, he didn’t really hit the ground running during his first spell in England, he comes back to England with a big reputation, and a big price tag. He’s taken the 11 shirt from Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, and with the invaluable European experience, he could well be a big player for Jurgen Klopp.
Tom Ince – Huddersfield Town (formerly of Hull and Blackpool)
Son of Former England international, Paul, Tom Ince has been quite the journeyman in his short career. Having already played in the Premier League for both Hull and Blackpool, he comes with a big reputation, off the back of a great season with Derby.
Wayne Rooney – Everton (re-signed from Man United)
The former Man United and England Captain, and Man United’s all time leading goalscorer left Goodison Park back in 2004 as an 18 year old. He rejoins his boyhood club, and gets his dream of playing in Europe for them. He left a boy and rejoins as a man. He will add the experience and leadership qualities that Ronald Koeman needs.
STRIKERS
Romelu Lukaku – Man United (signed from Everton, formerly of West Brom and Chelsea)
The big Belgian has been a handful for the Premier League defences now for a number of years. I feel he will have a telepathic relationship on the field with his friend Paul Pogba, and will definitely be a handful for everyone again.
Chicharito – West Ham (formerly of Man United)
Javier Hernandez, was one of the casualties of Louis Van Gaal’s disastrous campaign at the Man United helm, shipped out on loan to Real Madrid, then sold to Bayer Leverkusen, he is a great goalscorer and will definitely score goals and win games for Slaven Bilic and West Ham this season.
Check out my NEW Premier League Starting XI with players that are getting their first experience of top flight English football here.