It is still very early in the Premier League season but some players have been slow to start. There is no doubt that there is time for them to turn it around but in terms of fantasy, a failure to deliver at any point in the season has to be concerning. Here is a look at the top four Premier League scorers that have not delivered so far this season.
Harry Kane
Tottenham
There was some consensus among soccer experts that Kane would have a difficult time matching the 31 goals in all competitions that he scored for Spurs last season – including the 21 he scored in the Premier League. That ended up being second only to Sergio Aguero for the most in the league. Even with the expected drop-off, that hasn’t stopped the outcry for his lack of production this season. Kane has been held without a single point through his first four games and that has the majority of Tottenham fans and fantasy managers wondering what is wrong and how soon he will break through – if at all.
Part of the problem is that his overall shot total and shots on target totals are down from where they were at this point a year ago and his 25% shot accuracy is well down from the 42.5% mark he had at this point last season. It’s important to remember that Kane is still only 22-years-old and the heightened expectations have provided even more pressure on him to perform.
Kane is still the focus of opposing defenses and he has the potential to score every time he has the ball on his foot within range of the goal but it’s important to temper expectations for him this season. If you’re still a believer, this is probably a good opportunity to buy low even though he won’t match last year’s output.
Saido Berahino
West Bromwich Albion
It also looks like Kane could have a new teammate in the near future with Spurs submitting a third transfer bid for the services of the West Brom striker Berahino. The English striker is coming off a breakout 14-goal campaign but he has taken only two shots in two appearances this year.
The reality is that the club could be trying to make sure he stays healthy in order to move him. Berahino’s potential might improve if he is eventually moved but for now expectations have to be tempered for the 22-year-old striker.
Wayne Rooney
Manchester United
A player of Rooney’s stature is expected to deliver every time he steps on the pitch but that hasn’t happened yet this season. United’s need for him to produce goals became even greater when they lost Robin Van Persie, so it’s no surprise that the club and striker’s early season struggles are intertwined. Rooney has been limited to just eight shots in four games and that has led to some major question marks about United’s ability to contend in the Premier League this season.
Unless he delivers or the team gets him some help, they’re going to have this recurring problem. Rooney has become known for his ability to run hot and cold at times but so far in 2015, he has only been cold and there is certainly mounting pressure on him to perform.
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Theo Walcott
Arsenal
Expectations were certainly high for Walcott after he finished last season with a hat trick and was pegged to play big minutes at center forward for the Gunners this season. However, he is off to an awful start to the 2015 campaign. Walcott has yet to start a Premier League game and he has just five shots in three appearances off the bench overall this season.
The 26-year-old is too talented not to play a bigger role for Arsenal at some point this season but until he gets a bigger push, you can’t rely on him. It’s important to recognize that he will be limited in his current role and that is the biggest reason he hasn’t delivered early on this season.
