Premier League Betting Tips

Speak to Chelsea fans about their full-back options, and one tends to garner far more excitement than the others: home-grown Reece James. An absolutely fantastic crosser of the ball, James is a technically proficient, hard-working attacking full-back who has the opportunity to really make an impact at Stamford Bridge.

He made an impressive 37 appearances last year, starting 26 of those games, and was involved in four goals – a pair of goals and a pair of assists. Expect those numbers to increase if Frank Lampard retains faith in the 20-year-old and gives him more consistent gametime.

What makes him so special?

A fantastic marauding full-back who can also defend, it’s fair to say that James is quite a complete little package. His passing and crossing are the quality you would expect of a deep-lying midfielder and a winger, respectively, and his set-pieces are absolutely outstanding. He’s a consistent player who can keep forcing chances due to his ability to take set-pieces and can work chances from open play.

Add in his solid long-distance shooting and his ability to graft back and forward, and he is a really modern full-back. He’s also good at winning fouls, forcing wingers and wide attackers to foul him and draw the result. Despite being a fine crosser, though, it’s the crispness and depth of his passing that has so many fans impressed.

What we think makes James so special, though, is his ability to never give up. He’s a hard worker; a player who really forces himself forward and puts in a great collection of deliveries. Variety, consistency, and maturity; these are the kind of attributes that make James a deeply interesting prospect.

If he can simply keep continuing to get games, 2020-21 could be his true breakout year as a first-team starter.

For years, the idea of having an English footballer with the natural skillset of James Maddison was seen as fanciful. Ever since he first appeared on the scene, though, the youngster has looked a sublime talent. His first major moment came at Aberdeen, on loan from Norwich City, when he scored a sublime free-kick into Glasgow Rangers. Since then, he’s never really looked back.

What makes James Maddison stand out?

It would be hard to say just one thing that makes James Maddison a stand-out in the league. A creative talent with both assists and goals aplenty, he’s a creative fulcrum for Leicester City. His crossing, his ability to shoot from distance, and his movement makes him so hard to mark. He also links up very well with his teammates, playing tremendously well alongside some very important players.

He’s become a creative spark in the league, and one of the most important players to Leicester. If he was to become injured, they’d lose much of their creativity. He’s a fantastic set-piece taker, too, and tends to make the right choice. For one so young, he’s got a much greater understanding of the game than most would expect.

What does James Maddison need to work on?

However, where Maddison needs to work heavily on his game is defensively. While in the past a player of his creative skills could get by simply coasting, today that is not the case. Even at Leicester, his lack of defensive quality can be a bit of a standout issue.

Before Maddison could take that next step to a major Premier League contender, he’ll need to become better defensively. And he could do with becoming more reliable in the air, too; for someone so naturally fit, strong, and tall, he’s not great in the air. If he can work on these things, though, Maddison would be one of the most complete midfielders in the country.

When Eintracht Frankfurt forward Sébastien Haller signed for West Ham United, more than a few eyebrows were raised. Here was a player being linked with the elite of Europe, signing with a mid-table Premier League club. Despite not truly hitting it off in the league so far, with only 6 goals, Haller has steadily grown into his role as the lead forward at West Ham.

What makes Sébastien Haller stand out?

A tremendous asset in the air, Haller is one of the most technically gifted forwards in England. He works hard for the defence, too, often working a their primary opening line of defence. A good finisher when it matters, too, he’s got an array of finishes that he can produce with either feet. This makes Haller one of the most intriguing players in the league to watch; he’s got a bit of everything.

However, as is noted below, he perhaps lacks the fluidity to play in more than a set few systems.

What does Sébastien Haller need to work on?

One thing that we noticed about Haller is that he does not seem to work as well outside of his previous partnership. At Frankfurt, he was paired with Luka Jovic and Ante Rebic. Both of his partners were grafters wo worked hard, moved around, and could easily rotate positions with one another. At West Ham, though, he’s used as the primary focal point of their attack.

Despite his size and his strength, Haller is not your archetypical target man. However, he’s often typecast as such due to his natural look and frame. However, it would be fair to say that Haller could improve on this side of his game. If he was less specific in which systems benefited him, he’d move even higher up the football food table.