For every professional player there are dips in forms, lapses in performance and general bad luck. Poor finishing, injuries, bad run of results, anything can make a player’s career dip, and there are many players who never quite recover.
However, some players can rewrite their careers and change their fortunes. This season several players have had career revivals through uplifts in forms, and below are three such players.
Richarlison
Regarding a career revival, the best example this season has been Tottenham bad boy Richarlison. Written off as a big-money flop last season, the Brazilian struggled to find the net and became somewhat of a joke for often celebrating goals later revealed to be offside. However, this season, under new coach Ange Postecoglou, Richarlison is a man reborn. After initially a slow start once again, Richarlison now has ten league goals which includes nine in his last ten games. Beyond his goals, The Brazilian has found a new lease of life leading the line for this entertaining Postecoglou side.
Last season, due to the presence of Harry Kane up front Richarlison was often shunted out wide, and similarly, this occurred because of the impressive Heung Min Son early on this season. However, with Son out of the side due to international duty at the Asian Cup, Richarlison has taken his chance. With it looking unlikely for the Brazilian to slow down anytime soon, it may be Son who takes up the left wing once more, as Richarlison is deservedly taking centre stage.
Serhou Guirassy
Guirassy has exploded this season. 17 goals in only 14 games for VFB Stuttgart, which included a ridiculous ten in his first five games. Many fans and pundits alike were stunned by the Guinean’s form, but more so stunned by the fact he was 27 years old. The form was unpredictable and out of nowhere, however, there is a story behind the incredible Guirassy. A nomadic striker who has struggled with injury in his career, but has been prolific in short bursts at almost every club he has played for.
An injury momentarily halted his season and the striker has recently been away with Guinea at the African Cup of Nations, hence why he has only featured 14 times in the league this season. Regardless his effect has been immense, and VFB Stuttgart have played well above expectations this season, largely spearheaded by the unstoppable force that is Guirassy. Interestingly, reportedly the striker has a €17.5 million release clause in his contract, and although there was interest in January, the striker will likely move on to an elite side in the summer.
Dominik Solanke
The rise of Dominik Solanke is a story that has been long in the making. Solanke appeared to be destined for greatness from a young age, having been prolific at youth level and seen as a prodigal talent. Top scorer and champion at the FIFA U17 World Cup, as well as player of the tournament and champion once more at the U20 World Cup with England. However, his move from Chelsea’s youth ranks to Liverpool never worked out, and upon being sold to Bournemouth he looked set for a career in lower league football.
However, almost quietly, Solanke has been growing into the player his potential promised. An impressive 29 goals in the Championship was followed by six goals and seven assists in the Premier League last season. However, this season Solanke has reached a new level, with 13 goals scored in the league.
Solanke’s career was hardly floundering, however, his performances this season have finally begun to convince people he is not a flop nor only an underage talent, but rather a seriously talented striker. He may yet push on to bigger and greater things in his career.