Five Premier League players impressing in pre-season | OneFootball

Pre-season provides a chance to get up to speed and several Premier League players have hit the ground running during the summer schedule.

Here are five names who have been in fine form this pre-season.

Donyell Malen (Aston Villa)

Donyell Malen appears to have the bit between his teeth this summer. The Dutchman joined Aston Villa from Borussia Dortmund in January, but opportunistic loan deals for Marcus Rashford and Marcos Asensio in the same window limited his football.

Malen was excluded from the Champions League squad in a surprise snub and looks to have a point to prove in pre-season. Malen has a goal and three assists across Villa’s summer games, as he looks to nail down a position in Unai Emery’s forward line. In this form, he’ll be tough to leave out when the season starts next weekend.

Yasin Ayari (Brighton)

Yasin Ayari is growing in importance at Brighton and 2025/26 promises to be another positive season of progression for the 21-year-old.

After 22 league starts last season, Ayari looks set for a big role under Fabian Hurzeler this time around. The Swede has shone during an encouraging pre-season campaign for the Seagulls, scoring twice and providing two assists. He’s one to watch heading into the new campaign.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

As teams near the top of the table battle it out to sign strikers, it’s perhaps surprising that there has not been more concrete interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The Frenchman has netted 30 goals over the last two Premier League campaigns and has already his his stride in pre-season. Mateta has four goals and an assist for the Eagles this summer, with no corner flag safe…

Harry Wilson (Fulham)

Harry Wilson cut a frustrated figure at Fulham last term but the Wales winger is doing his most to get back into favour. Wilson started just 12 times in the Premier League in 2024/25, though developed a reputation as a ‘Super Sub’ for Marco Silva.

He scored five times of the bench, behind only teammate Rodrigo Muniz across the entire Premier League, but will want to regain a regular starting role. A return of five goals in pre-season has done his chances no harm.

Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)

Despite the distraction around his future and new signing Hugo Ekitike adding competition, Darwin Nunez has got to work this summer.

The Uruguayan has hit five goals for Liverpool over the pre-season campaign, including a first-half hat-trick against Stoke City.

It looks likely to be the end of Nunez’s chapter at Liverpool this summer, but he’s certainly a player that could thrive in the right environment.

Al-Hilal are pushing for a deal as the Saudi side look to land a marquee frontman.

Read – The best big chance creators in Europe’s top five leagues last season

See more – The biggest Premier League transfer sagas amid Isak speculation

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