Five Argentine World Cup winners return to the Premier League in midwinter. It’s chilly, rainy, and dark. Premier League and its players enter uncharted territory following the World Cup. Carabao Cup here, league match there, FA Cup trip to a lower-division opponent. Losers clog them. Scots, Swedes, and Nigerians all have arguments.
Points, standings, and European qualifying are endlessly discussed. Can the Argentinians be blamed if they find the Premier League dull and struggle to care after the dramatic finish in Doha? Tuesday was remarkable in Buenos Aires. 10% of Argentina’s population greeted the World Cup victors at home. Too many. Therefore the victory parade bus was replaced by a helicopter.
Premier League and its players enter uncharted territory following the World Cup
Mac Allister’s case is the most intriguing: it’s great that a Brighton player is a world champion, but if anyone remembers Brighton’s early season, speculation about his future is inevitable. January will be full of rumours and offers, making his reintegration difficult. Email Martnez, the penalty shootout ruler, is 30. Bayern reportedly considers him a substitute for Manuel Neuer, who fractured his leg skiing after returning from Qatar. Unai Emery is Martnez’s new manager.
Manchester United have improved this season, but winning a title with them may be difficult. Julián lvarez is 23 and incredibly gifted. After the ceremonial celebrations in Buenos Aires, he returned to Calchn, Córdoba, and rode a fire engine through the streets, siren screaming. He can realistically hope for league crowns and Champions Leagues. He’s only started three league games this season; his priority at Manchester City is playing with Erling Haaland.
Usually, players have a month to reset after a competition; this time, it’s days. Some players may have extra time off, while others will jump right back in, with the transfer window adding games as World Cup stars negotiate new deals. January has several random factors. With Gabriel Jesus hurt, it’s assumed that Arsenal will fall behind and Manchester City will win. The season isn’t even halfway over. Five months till a genuine break with the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Europe. The prospect is marginally enticing but mostly tiresome; there’s a lot of football left.
