The current season has been full of drama with the pandemic causing major disruptions in world football. Thankfully though, football has returned, albeit under closed stadiums in order to play out the remaining fixtures of the major leagues across Europe.
As we gear up for the upcoming season, let’s take a look at 6 stars who could grab the headlines in 2020-21 and who you should keep a special eye on.
1. Lionel Messi
There have been speculations regarding the Argentine’s future at the Nou Camp, but Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is confident that Messi is close to signing a new contract with the Catalans.
Should Messi decide to stay at Barcelona, there are yet a number of landmarks that he could reach in the upcoming season.
Score a record-extending 450th Liga goal – The Barcelona skipper is already the all-time top goalscorer in the history of the La Liga with 441 goals to his name and could further become the first in the competition ever to notch up 450 goals.
Become the all-time top goalscorer for a single club – With 631 goals for Barcelona, Lionel Messi is just 12 behind Pele’s staggering record of 643 goals for Santos. Considering Messi’s goalscoring prowess, he should be well on course to surpass the legendary Brazilian in the 2020-21 season.
Become the most capped player for Barcelona – Lionel Messi (727) is currently behind Xavi (767) for most appearances made for the Blaugrana. With another full season at the Nou Camp, the Argentine could pip Xavi to become the most capped player for Barcelona.
Here's a clip showing some of Messi's best goals for Barcelona:
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
When you think of the Portuguese talisman, you’d guess he’s already achieved all that’s there to be achieved on the football pitch. However, astonishingly, the 35-year-old is still going strong and has yet another set of landmarks in his sights as he gears up for the new season.
Break Gonzalo Higuain's record of most Serie A goals in a season – This season, Ronaldo still has an outside chance of toppling current Juventus teammate Gonzalo Higuain’s record of most goals scored in a Serie A campaign (35), needing to score 8 more goals in the remaining 5 fixtures. Should he fall short this term, realistically he would be vying for the milestone one last time in the upcoming season.
Win the Champions League with 3 different clubs - Already a 5-time winner of the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo would be looking to achieve the unique milestone of winning the coveted title with 3 different clubs, a feat that has been achieved only by the legendary Clarence Seedorf who won it with Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Become the first European player to score 100 international goals – Cristiano Ronaldo’s international goals tally currently stands at 99 and looks set to reach the magical 100 figure, thus becoming the first European player ever to reach the landmark.
3. Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero has been one of the cornerstones of Pep Guardiola’s Man City side who have risen to new heights to become the most successful Premier League side in the last decade (4-time league champions).
He is Man City’s all-time top goalscorer with 254 goals and is just 4 behind Raheem Sterling (27) this term, despite spending a considerable amount of time out with injury.
However, the Argentine maestro is already 32 and his contract with the Cityzens is set to expire at the end of next season. Considering the high-intensity nature of the Premier League and the history with his troubled knee injuries, the 2020-21 season could potentially turn out to be his farewell season at the Etihad.
Aguero would be looking to prove us all wrong, though, and to his credit has shown no signs of slowing down. With 180 Premier League goals to his name, he could yet make another strong statement to the football fans across the world by becoming the first Man City player in the history to score 200 P goals.
Here's a recap of 10 of the best goals scored by Sergio Aguero
4. Fernandinho
Another integral part of Pep Guardiola’s side, Fernandinho has been instrumental in Man City’s meteoric rise in world football in the last decade.
The 35-year-old’s contract which was supposed to run out at the end of this season has been extended by another year, much to the delight of the Man City supporters.
According to reports, he was free to talk to foreign clubs but has opted to remain in Manchester. "It was easy," he told City's official website. "There is a time in your life when you don't think just about yourself, but especially about your family and your kids. They were one of the reasons I decided to sign another contract. I am happy, my family is happy, so I hope the City fans are happy as well”.
Having made the move from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 for £34m, the Brazilian international has been the mainstay at Man City’s midfield with the Blues winning the Premier League 3 times during this time.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Fernandinho has also played in central defence due to City’s defensive injury crisis. His versatility and commitment to the club have endeared him to the City fans, and the Brazilian would look to bow out on a high with another Premier League triumph next season for Cityzens.
5. Gianluigi Buffon
Interestingly, the 42-year-old has signed a one-year contract extension with Juventus that will keep him at the club through 2021. The veteran goalkeeper returned to Turin a year ago after spending one season away with French champions PSG.
A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, Buffon has been with the Bianconeri since 2001 and has made 670 appearances for club, second only to the legendary Alessandro Del Piero (705). He recently became the most capped player in the Serie A, having made his 648th appearance last Saturday against Torino.
Though the second choice goalkeeper now behind Wojciech Szczęsny, the Italian legend is content with his current role and has expressed his desire to carry on with his beloved club. "The real motivation for which I continue to play is the fact that I feel well and that I can still play at a good level, giving excellent responses,” Buffon said. "And if you have enthusiasm, it is right to continue.”
Here's a look at the top 10 saves throughout Gianluigi Buffon's Juventus career
While it’s heartening for the Juventus fans to see him continue at the club, the 2020-21 season could well turn out to be the swansong of Buffon’s illustrious career.
6. Mason Greenwood
Certainly one of the hottest names in England currently, Mason Greenwood has really come off-age this term with the Red Devils.
His performances particularly post the lockdown have left us in awe and forced the football world to take notice of the brilliance of the 18-year-old star.
Known for his clinical finishing and great composure in front of goal, he has scored 17 goals across all competitions primarily coming off the bench and averages incredibly 1 goal per 90 mins played. His superlative performances have meant that he has now replaced Daniel James to become a regular in the first team.
He has been rated highly by the Man United management staff to become the next big thing at the club.
Solskjaer's assistant Kieran McKenna said, "Those two that you have mentioned [Greenwood and Brandon Williams] have certainly made a good impact this year. They have played a lot of games and shown that they can operate at this level. They have to keep pushing on and improving and eventually look to really establish themselves as first-choice players in the team."
Here's a look at Mason Greenwood's top 3 goals for Man United
The 2020-21 season could potentially turn out to be one of the most important seasons in Mason Greenwood’s career as he looks to establish himself as a Man United great.
