Even the best players on the planet have detractors. It's not difficult to find reasons to criticize players in today's world, where every single performance is microanalyzed and broken down by fans and pundits alike.
Football players must keep their ears away from social media and all of the misguided hatred and concentrate on their game. It's not an easy task these days, but the commotion must be kept at bay or it will consume an individual whole.
For a variety of reasons, the 2021-22 season was a proving ground for some of the world's best players. Some were hampered by injuries, while others simply couldn't get into their stride. But, as we all know, form is transient and class is eternal.
We expect them to bounce back this season and annoy their detractors, as they have in the past. Without further ado, here are five players who will prove their detractors wrong this season.
#5 Pogba, Paul (Juventus)
Paul Pogba had a strong start to the 2021-22 season, contributing four assists in Manchester United's Premier League opener against Leeds United. In his second appearance, he had a brace of assists against Newcastle United.
But from there, it was all downhill. Pogba was frequently chastised for his poor workrate and poor decision-making. He was shown a straight red card during Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing.
The Frenchman also limped off the pitch ten minutes after Luis Diaz had opened the scoring for the Merseysiders in the reverse fixture at Anfield. Pogba's commitment to Manchester United was frequently questioned.
He is now back at Juventus, where he has previously had a lot of success. Pogba is one of the world's most technically gifted footballers, and he should feel right at home in Turin. He'll also be eager to disprove his detractors, demonstrating that he's still one of the best central midfielders in the game this season.
4 Neymar Junior (Paris Saint-Germain)
Neymar Jr. was booed during the 2021-22 season as a result of Paris Saint-elimination Germain's from the Champions League Round of 16. His constant injury problems have become a source of annoyance for both the club and its fans.
However, Neymar ended the 2021-22 season on a high note. He was in good form in the final stages of last season, but he'll know he'll need to do more to win back PSG fans.
This season, Neymar will be a man on a mission. He has already stated that the 2022 FIFA World Cup may be his final World Cup, and he will want to make this campaign memorable for both club and country.
Marcus Rashford is ranked third. (Manchester utd)
Marcus Rashford endured pain during the 2020-21 season. He finally had shoulder surgery at the start of last season, but he had a difficult time reintegrating into the team. Rashford appeared sluggish, and it was understandable that he was not at his most daring as he recovered from his layoff.
In 31 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United last season, he scored five goals and provided two assists. These are dismal numbers from one of the most gifted forwards of his generation.
Rashford, on the other hand, has been working hard during preseason and appears to be in better shape than ever. He also performed admirably in both of Manchester United's preseason friendlies.
Cristiano Ronaldo is ranked second (Manchester United)
Last season, the jury is still out on whether Cristiano Ronaldo disrupted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's fluid attacking department. His positional rigidity certainly hampered the flow of things, but his arrival was a huge blessing for Manchester United during one of their worst seasons in recent memory.
Manchester United will have a new philosophy and identity under Ten Hag. Ronaldo can silence his detractors by demonstrating that he can seamlessly integrate into the new manager's system and not stick out like a sore thumb. The legendary forward has made a career out of silence and proving his detractors wrong.
This should be no problem for Ronaldo, and he should be able to have another successful season for Manchester United.
Lionel Messi is number one (Paris Saint-Germain)
Lionel Messi's debut season at Paris Saint-Germain was widely regarded as underwhelming by his own high standards. Messi's playmaking was exceptional at times, but he was far from his goalscoring best.
In 34 appearances across all competitions for PSG last season, the 35-year-old scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists. It's understandable that Messi didn't hit the ground running in Paris, given that he had only played for Barcelona prior to last season.
We expect Messi to be back to his best this season now that the rustiness has worn off and he feels more at ease in Paris. That means PSG fans will be in for a treat in the upcoming season.
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