Three to Watch. ‘Must Haves’, if you will.

We’re back into Premier League football this weekend after the international hiatus. There are already strong cases for ‘must have’ players, even after only four games. Here we take a look at the most compelling…

1. Jermaine Defoe

Back at Spurs after his stint with Portsmouth, Defoe has started the season like a runaway train. He has four goals in his first four matches, and is in the best form of his career. With excellent service coming from the likes of Modric and Lennon, he could be a real challenger to Torres and Drogba at the top of the goalscoring charts. Manager Harry Redknapp is not known as a tinkerman either, so if Defoe keeps scoring, he will keep playing.

2. Glen Johnson

Johnson has already amassed 31 Fantasy Premier League points, second only to Didier Drogba. He is fantastic going forward and has scored twice and gained two assists in his first four matches. Only one clean sheet so far – but this is Liverpool, that will change, and once it does he will be un-unpickable. I am aware that isn’t a word.

3. Ryan Shawcross

Alex Ferguson tried to buy him back, Liverpool tried to snatch him on deadline day – that shows the esteem the young Stoke defender is held in. Sir Alex must be ruing ever letting him go. Stoke have kicked on admirably after a strong first season in the top-flight, with the signings of Tuncay and Huth a big statement of ambition. They are generally tight at the back, particularly at home, and Shawcross is also a threat from set-pieces. Furthermore, at just 4.9m, he is fantastic value.