Jason Burt’s

Player of the year will be...

No less than Xavi Hernandez declared that Phil Foden “has it all”, and it is hard to disagree. The 21-year-old may have been frustrated with his contribution for England during the European Championship and will miss the first few weeks of the season due to the injury he suffered at the tournament, but he can be expected to kick on from his hugely impressive performances last season for Manchester City and will be crucial to their fortunes.

Most intriguing signing...

There are a few – Raphael Varane to Manchester United and Ben White (and that £50million fee) to Arsenal – but it has to be Jack Grealish to Manchester City. Not because of the British record of £100million but, actually, how will Pep Guardiola use him and get the best out of him? He can play a number of roles, and it will be exciting to see whether working under the City manager will take him to an even higher level.

Breakthrough star...

If he stays fit, it could be Brentford’s Shandon Baptiste. The Grenadian international, 23, was a product of the Oxford United academy before joining Brentford and has managed to give only glimpses of what he is capable of. A superbly gifted midfielder who can run with the ball, Baptiste may actually be more suited to the Premier League.

Which club will be dark horses?

Aston Villa threatened to be that last season – before West Ham United took the title – but it could be them in a post-grealish era after some of the interesting signings they have made. Will they all gel? It is a big ask, but they are proven performers. Crystal Palace have also bought imaginatively, but are incredibly difficult to predict, while Brighton and Hove Albion have flirted with relegation while giving the impression of appearing far better. Of the promoted teams, Watford appear well-equipped, while Brentford and Norwich City are attractive additions.