Premier League Relegation Battle: Standout Players Who Deserve to Stay
The 2021-22 Premier League season saw Norwich City, Watford, and Burnley relegated after a challenging campaign. While these clubs now prepare for life in the Championship, several of their stars stood out and generated demand from clubs determined to retain quality in the top division. This article explores which relegated players most deserve to remain in the Premier League, based on performances, versatility, and club needs across the league.
The Relegated Clubs: A Brief Recap
The battle to avoid the drop was fierce until the last day of the season. Norwich City and Watford finished the campaign at the bottom, while Burnley joined them in relegation following a dramatic fight to survive. Despite team struggles, a number of individuals delivered performances that established their reputations above Championship level.
Premier League-Ready Talents from Relegated Sides
A host of athletes from Burnley, Norwich, and Watford demonstrated the quality necessary to compete at the highest level. Based on fan and expert opinion, the following five footballers are tipped to stay in the Premier League for the 2022-23 season:
Nick Pope: Burnley’s Unsung Guardian
Nick Pope has consistently been among the Premier League’s elite goalkeepers for more than five years. Renowned for his exceptional reflexes and reliability, Pope was pivotal in Burnley outperforming expectations and avoiding relegation in previous seasons. At 30, his shot-stopping and adeptness as a modern “sweeper keeper” make him an obvious target for top-flight teams looking to strengthen at the back.
Several clubs searching for goalkeeping upgrades—such as Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, West Ham, and Leicester City—could benefit from Pope’s consistency between the posts. His experience and ability put him firmly on the radar for those with ambitions of both stability and progress.
James Tarkowski: Defensive Leadership Up for Grabs
Burnley vice-captain James Tarkowski was instrumental in their resilience over multiple seasons, providing leadership and formidable centre-back play. Since his 2017-18 breakthrough, Tarkowski has been linked with clubs above Burnley’s status due to his robust defending and commanding presence.
Now 29 and boasting vast Premier League experience, he offers both tenacity and tactical intelligence. Clubs such as Everton, Newcastle, and West Ham have been touted as potential destinations. For instance, pairing Tarkowski with a quicker centre-back like Ben Godfrey at Everton could produce a balanced defensive partnership capable of handling the pace and physicality of the league.
Maxwel Cornet: Burnley’s Explosive Attacker
Maxwel Cornet impressed during his debut Premier League season by netting nine goals in 25 appearances and showing the versatility to operate centrally or on either wing. At 25, Cornet is entering his peak, offering dynamism, finishing, and tactical flexibility that have caught the attention of Premier League clubs seeking attacking reinforcements.
He’s been linked with Everton, Tottenham, West Ham, and Newcastle, with his fee expected to reflect both his age and impact. Cornet’s ability to create and score goals against tough opponents makes him one of the more exciting prospects from the relegated clubs.
Emmanuel Dennis: Watford’s Breakout Forward
Emmanuel Dennis made a fast start to life in the Premier League, scoring eight goals in his opening 16 appearances. Despite Watford’s managerial upheaval and a dip in form during the latter half of the campaign, Dennis finished with a total of 16 goal involvements in 33 matches.
Noted for his speed and physicality, Dennis suits counter-attacking setups and could provide value to clubs like Leicester City, Aston Villa, or even act as a squad option for top-six contenders. With his direct style and proven output, Dennis is well placed to continue in the Premier League.
Teemu Pukki: Norwich’s Proven Finisher
Teemu Pukki has built a reputation as a prolific scorer, even within struggling Norwich sides. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing are assets that many mid-table Premier League teams would covet. The Finnish striker, now 32, was valued attractively at around £5 million, representing real value given his proven track record.
Teams such as Southampton, Brighton, and Brentford—who rely on effective centre-forward play—could utilize Pukki’s sharpness and experience to boost their attacking options. Given his contributions even amidst adversity, Pukki still has much to offer at this level.
Premier League Clubs That Could Benefit Most
The following table summarizes possible destination clubs and key strengths for each player:
| Player | Position | Potential Fits | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Pope | Goalkeeper | Southampton, Newcastle, West Ham, Leicester | Shot-stopping, distribution, experience |
| James Tarkowski | Centre-back | Everton, Newcastle, West Ham | Leadership, aerial duels, tackling |
| Maxwel Cornet | Winger/Forward | Everton, Tottenham, West Ham, Newcastle | Versatility, pace, finishing |
| Emmanuel Dennis | Forward | Leicester, Aston Villa, Top clubs (backup) | Pace, physicality, counter-attacks |
| Teemu Pukki | Striker | Southampton, Brighton, Brentford | Finishing, movement, experience |
Conclusion: Relegation Isn’t the End for Top Talent
While relegation is a setback for clubs, it often signals opportunity for individual players to continue performing at the Premier League’s highest level. Nick Pope, James Tarkowski, Maxwel Cornet, Emmanuel Dennis, and Teemu Pukki all demonstrated qualities throughout the season that make them deserving candidates for Premier League contracts in 2022-23. As transfer activity unfolds, expect these names to feature in discussions among clubs searching for proven talent and immediate impact.
