Good luck defining the term “breakout star” in a way that makes everybody happy. Only slightly less difficult: Coming up with a list that satisfies all those definitions. When you’re talking about potential, it’s all hypothetical.
So notice the little trick (read: cop-out) in the headline? This isn’t the 10 players who could breakout. It’s just 10 players, a nod to the 15-20 names left on the scratch pad.
Ultimately, we’re trying to find players who will make a leap in 2014-15. These are players who will play decisive roles - talents who were either elsewhere or struggling last season.
Players like Diego Costa, who we all know are going to be good? There’s no breakout there. That under-the-radar signing from Mexico, or the guy who earned more playing time this summer? They’re what this list is about.
And we start with somebody who captured headlines today:
(Players listed in alphabetical order.)
Christian Atsu, Everton (above, on loan from Chelsea) – The Ghanaian international failed to meet expectations on loan at Vitesse last season, scoring only five times in 28 games in a league that hands out goals like second grade Valentine’s cards. Under Roberto Martínez’s tutelage, Atsu should be able to harness the talent that convinced Chelsea to buy him from Porto.
Ryan Bertrand, Southampton (on loan from Chelsea) – Under Roberto Di Matteo, Bertrand worked his way into the England set up, competing with Chelsea’s then-first choice Ashley Cole in the process. Now, the 25-year-old is set to get some much need reps, with Ronald Koeman giving him the opportunity to put up some impressive numbers.
Remy Cabella, Newcastle – No team is making better use of France than Newcastle, who dipped back into Ligue 1 in search of a replacement for Yohan Cabaye. The 24-year-old Cabella is a different type of player but capable of having a similar impact. Though he won’t replicate his 14-goal season, Cabella should make Newcastle less dependent on goals from its forwards.
Fraser Forster, Southampton (right) – For some people, the England international is too established for a breakout. For others, four years in the Scottish Premier League doesn’t mean much. Back in England for the first time in since, Forster has a chance to prove his Champions League highlights can translate into saves on the south coast.
Danny Ings, Burnley – Ings’ Championship breakout was one of the keys to Burnley’s surprise success. With talk of an England callup accompanying the 22-year-old’s first year in the top flight, the Clarets’ leading goal scorer could breakout on multiple new levels.
Erik Lamela, Tottenham Hotspur – One of the biggest disappointments of Spurs’ post-Bale splurge, Lamela became a forgotten man around White Hart Lane. After an impressive preseason, the former Roma standout looks set to make his first impact in the Premier League. He may be the most talented player in Spurs’ squad.
Eliaquim Mangala, Manchester City – One of the most sought after young defenders in Europe, Mangala is making the jump from Portugal’s Liga to the top of the Premier League. Though City has cover should that transition slow, Mangala’s talent and physicality could make him a significant boost to the Citizens’ title hopes.
Jefferson Montero, Swansea City – The Ecuadorian will take some time to adjust to the Premier League, but once gets a feeling for which spaces he can exploit, Montero will be one of England’s best one-on-one players. Garry Monk just needs to figure out how to harness that talent.
John Stones, Everton – Fresh off a new five-year deal, Stones is ready to claim a permanent spot in the middle of Everton’s defense. Only 20 years old, the England international is expected to establish himself in the Three Lions’ setup this cycle. This year gives the Barnsley product a chance to take that next step.
Connor Wickham, Sunderland – Two years of frustration after leaving Ipswich Town ended dramatically at the end of last season, with a goal-scoring run from the Black Cats’ 21-year-old proving crucial to the club’s Premier League survival. If Gus Poyet can continue nurturing the England U-level talent, double-digit goals is not out of the question – something that could up the price for a player whose in the last year of his deal.