Pre-season is an important period of preparation for the start of a soccer club's season. Many players take advantage of it to give an idea of what they can bring to their club for the coming year. When a new coach arrives, the stakes become twofold.
Nicolas Pépé
If loans allow certain players to rediscover their best form, Nicolas Pépé is not one of them. His time at Nice has been mixed, with a lacklustre performance and absences due to physical problems. Scorer six times in Ligue 1 last season, the Ivorian is struggling to find a club willing to take him on, even though Arsenal are reportedly ready to sell him on the cheap. For the time being, the solution is to prove himself in pre-season with Arsenal, starting on Thursday July 17.
Yves Bissouma
He could be one of the big winners from the arrival of the new coach and the new era that is taking shape at Tottenham. But to take advantage of this, the Mali international will need to be healthier than last season. Sparingly used by Antonio Conte, Bissouma still has a lot to prove to the fans, especially with the possible departure of Hojbjerg. The London club will have 4 pre-season games between mid-July and early August to see how their midfielder is faring in friendlies.
Azzedine Ounahi
With the Marseille mercato looking promising following the arrival of coach Marcelino and the interest shown in Iliman Ndiaye, Azzedine Ounahi can make the Marseille summer even brighter by putting everyone on the same page right from the start. The Moroccan has struggled to make an impact at OM, not least due to a lengthy injury. With the new coach on the French club's bench, Ounahi can take advantage of the pre-season to return to form and show his qualities, whether in training or in friendly matches.
Nicolas Jackson
As Chelsea emerge from a chaotic season, Nicolas Jackson has been added to the list of strikers for the club who, according to transfer rumours, are not counting on Lukaku and Aubameyang. Indeed, the English media are predicting a decisive pre-season for Chelsea's front 9 next season, with local boy Arnando Broja and Jackson set to prove their worth to new boss Mauricio Pochettino. The Senegalese international finished the season on a high from Villarreal, which earned him an 8-year contract with the Blues.
