Ballack not the only player with plenty to prove07.08.2007 03:02 SportsBy Simon Hart LONDON (Reuters) - Germany captain Michael Ballack has pledged his future to Chelsea and is determined to make amends for a disappointing debut campaign in England. Dismissing rumours linking him with Real Madrid on Monday, midfielder Ballack said: "I came here to win trophies and be successful in English football." Ballack is just one of a number of top players with plenty to prove in the coming season. Reuters runs the rule over 10 other Premier League players who will fall under the spotlight as the 2007/08 campaign kicks off: * Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea) The Ukraine striker arrived in London from AC Milan with a big reputation - and a salary to match - but did little to justify either, his three goals in 30 league outings (the last in November) hardly endearing him to manager Jose Mourinho. The 30-year-old will be out to show he has learned from last term's lessons but sitting out the Community Shield with a back injury was not the best start. * Fernando Torres (Liverpool) Embarks on his Premier League career carrying the twin tags of Liverpool's record 36.0 million euros (24 million pounds) signing and the most expensive Spanish player ever. Rafael Benitez is looking to the former Atletico Madrid striker to spearhead a long-overdue challenge for the title but whether Torres can transfer his undoubted quality onto the English stage -- and with the required consistency -- could be telling both for Liverpool's prospects and Benitez's reputation. Continued... Source: reuters.comwww.alllee.com |
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