Fansided

10 players with the most to prove

By James Dudko

PASADENA, CA - JULY 25: Alexis Sanchez of Manchester United takes a penalty during a penalty shoot-out during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and AC Milan at Rose Bowl on July 25, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JULY 25: Alexis Sanchez of Manchester United takes a penalty during a penalty shoot-out during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and AC Milan at Rose Bowl on July 25, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /
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PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 23: Alvaro Morata of Chelsea during the international friendly between Chelsea FC and Perth Glory at Optus Stadium on July 23, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 23: Alvaro Morata of Chelsea during the international friendly between Chelsea FC and Perth Glory at Optus Stadium on July 23, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /

4. Alvaro Morata, Chelsea

Assuming he’s still a Chelsea player when the new season starts, Alvaro Morata needs to win over a lot of doubters. The naysayers have plenty of ammunition after watching the former Real Madrid and Juventus striker fluff his lines in front of goal on a regular basis last season.

It’s little wonder the Blues are being heavily linked with Juve No. 9 Gonzalo Higuain, per Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror. Morata faces an uphill task proving he has the same ruthless edge as Higuain when presented with a chance.

His problems in front of goal likely caught Chelsea off guard after the Spaniard made a hot start to life in England’s top flight. There’s no doubt he can finish and remains a menace in the air.

Morata also has the technique and vision to link well with wide forwards and attacking midfielders. Sarri ought to value those skills in his progressive brand of soccer.

Olivier Giroud offers the same attributes, though, increasing the pressure on Morata to prove he can make the grade. If he can’t, Sarri likely won’t hesitate making a move for Higuain, a striker he worked with at Napoli.

If Morata stays, he’ll need to get among the goals early or else Chelsea fans will soon begin calling loudly for Higuain.