05 April 2023 , 13:54
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Even when teams struggle in the Premier League they always have an individual or two who is without doubt of Premier League quality.
Some players go on to leave relegated sides and enjoy huge success at the other end of the table, which could again be the case this term as a host of sides battle to beat the drop. In one of the closest fought relegation battles in years there are seven points between 12th and 20th.
It means Crystal Palace, who in other years would be comfortably mid-table, are sweating on their Premier League status. Other proven performers in recent years have endured poor campaigns, namely Wolves and Leicester, with their future far from secure.
Leeds and Everton, who battled against relegation last term, are again fighting for their lives having changed their managers. Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth were promoted in the summer and want to maintain their top flight status whilst Southampton, currently sat bottom, are hoping to save their season.
Whoever goes down though will be losing some key individuals, who may well go on to achieve big things and notable transfer fees. We take a look at several names who will surely be staying up and not going down if their teams find themselves preparing for a year in the Championship.
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James Maddison, Leicester
He's long been one of Leicester's outstanding performers and even in a struggling side has continued to produce. There had been calls for Maddison to be part of the England squad with Gareth Southgate duly obliging.
The 26-year-old, who has won an FA Cup with Leicester, has previously been linked with Newcastle and, despite his commitment to the Foxes, will almost certainly move on if they cannot secure top flight status.
James Maddison has been linked with a move away from Leicester (Getty Images)Willy Gnonto, Leeds
A hidden gem was discovered late in the summer window as Leeds sought a replacement for Raphinha, who headed to Barcelona.
Gnonto recently played against England for Italy, which was richly deserved given his energetic performances for the Whites this term. Much of Leeds' best moments have come courtesy of the winger, with Gary Neville saying: "Sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly."
Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace
Ever since he stepped up from the Championship the former QPR man has looked firmly at home in the top flight.
Eze's speed and ability to pass opponents has been hugely valuable for the Eagles in pushing them up the pitch. The only concern about the forward is his lack of goals, but at just 24, he has huge room for improvement.
Declan Rice, West Ham
Regardless of where West Ham finished this season, it always appeared that their prized asset would be leaving.
Rice's contract is winding down and the midfielder has also appeared destined for bigger things. The Hammers will look to receive a huge fee for the England midfielder, who has been linked with a host of top six clubs, as he looks to prove himself on the Champions League stage. Joe Cole has said: "Every club in Europe will be looking at Declan because of what he brings to the team."
Declan Rice has made no secret of his desire to play at the highest level with his contract winding down (Getty Images)Jose Sa, Wolves
Nick Pope has shown how relegation on a goalkeeper's CV is by no means a barrier with previous shot stoppers shining in a side that often gives them plenty to do.
The Wolves goalkeeper saw his stock rise in his first season in the Midlands and has again been a solid performer. Of the relegation battlers, Sa has kept more clean sheets than anyone and, with quality goalkeepers is short supply, the Portuguese man could be on a few shortlists.
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James Justin, Leicester
The Leicester full-back was previously touted for an England call-up and finally got the shout from Southgate in the summer of 2022.
It justified his impressive performance at the King Power, having continued his upward trajectory after joining the Foxes from Luton. A ruptured Achilles early in the season has curtailed his campaign and Justin's absence has stalled his progress, but he remains a man who is highly thought of.
James Justin has been capped by England, but saw his season ended by injury back in NovemberTyler Adams, Leeds
One of several Americans to find themselves at Elland Road, Adams has been a commanding force in the middle of the park.
Gnonto said it's "a pleasure to play" with the US star, whose role in front of the back four has been crucial. If Leeds are to stay up the energetic midfielder, who's also more than competent when it comes to playing out, will be key. If they go down however, it's hard to believe he'll stick around.
Ruben Neves, Wolves
For so long he's been the beating heart of the Wolves side, which previously threatened the top six.
A drop off this year now has them involved at the wrong end of the table and Neves, despite moving to Molineux when they were in the Championship, would not stick around in the second tier. The Portuguese star has been on the radar of Manchester United previously and has been equally effective in both boxes. Still only 26, his best years are still ahead of him.
Ruben Neves has long courted interest from top clubs (Getty Images)Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton
He's been hampered by injuries in recent years but the forward is still regarded as the best marksman at Goodison Park.
Previously Calvert-Lewin has been back-up to Harry Kane in the England set-up and, at his best, has broken the 20-goal barrier. Arsenal have been linked with the forward in the past and, even if he didn't command a start, several top sides would want to have him in and around their squad as an option.
Brennan Johnson, Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest spent absolute fortunes in the summer as they sought to achieve survival, but one of their best performers is a man whose book on their books for several years.
Johnson, whose father David also played at the City Ground, is the only Forest player to hit double figures this term. His energy and determination in the final third has been one of the rare bright sparks for Steve Cooper's side. At international level Johnson is already being tipped as Gareth Bale's successor.