🧙‍♂️ Benchwarmers? Who could start without the hype ❗ | OneFootball

Teams change during the market and as the championship approaches, the starting lineups can change, leaving some names halfway between the field and the bench.

Let's take a look at those players who, at first glance, or just by "name", may seem like bench players, but who could actually play more than we think and bring votes to Fanta.

Carlos Augusto and Frattesi

The intensity required by Chivu on the flanks could make Carlos Augusto go from being the super-sub of previous years to the starter on Inter's left flank: a difficult task given Dimarco's quality, but not an impossible feat.

Frattesi risks being overlooked due to the competition in midfield: the purchase of Sucic in the same role is not a good sign, but the advancing age of Mkhitaryan works in his favor. Frattesi also enjoys the trust of the club and could have more space than before.

Weston McKennie

Linked to several teams, often given away and in the end, he always stays at Juventus: McKennie is that wild card between midfield and attack that always proves to be a useful weapon for coaches. He can play in the "two midfielders" at Juve or be the attacking midfielder, especially considering the Champions League commitment.

Gabbia and Saelemaekers

The purchase of De Winter might make you think that Matteo Gabbia will be constantly on the bench, but his marking skills match well with Allegri's tendency to defend near the goal. His presence could be an important resource for Max.

Milan bought Athekame on the right flank, but Saelemaekers is an indispensable all-around player: running, order, quality, and even goals in his legs. He will hardly be relegated to the bench.

Zeki Celik

The arrival of Ghilardi was a necessary purchase for Roma, which will certainly take away space from Celik, but the departures of Kumbulla and - probably - Hermoso open up opportunities for the Turkish player. Let's remember that Ndicka should go to the Africa Cup, so Celik will have his chances.

Matteo Politano

Napoli's important transfer campaign could put Politano's role in the background, very active in the pre-season and author of a great goal in the friendly against Olympiacos. Conte has total faith in him, also for his ability to adapt to different modules: Politano is a strong candidate for the starting jersey.

Rolando Mandragora

Florence's midfield relies on many players, but the presence of players like Fagioli, Sohm, Richardson, Ndour, and Fazzini should not downsize Mandragora's importance: a midfielder who can give intensity, order, and also bring bonuses with his shots.

Matteo Cancellieri

Matteo Cancellieri's return from the loan to Parma has become a new purchase for Sarri's Lazio, who has used him a lot in this pre-season. Isaksen missed part of the preparation due to mononucleosis, Pedro will have another year on his legs, and Noslin must redeem himself from a negative season, so Cancellieri has all the chances to take the spot.

Niccolò Cambiaghi

After his return from the cruciate injury, Cambiaghi has always played with Bologna: both as a sub and as a starter. Ndoye's departure frees up a lot of space for the striker, who now only has teammates to compete with for the spot.

Alieu Fadera

Fadera's situation at Sassuolo is a separate chapter: Laurienté's presence is overwhelming on the left flank, and Berardi's is not in question on the right. However, if Laurienté were to leave, there would be more space for Fadera (also considering how Sassuolo will move in the market). The winger won't bring many bonuses, but listed as a midfielder, he can always be useful.

Norton-Cuffy

Genoa's full-back is competing for the spot with Sabelli, but the push that Norton-Cuffy can offer is appreciated by the coach, in fact, in the friendly against Villarreal, he started as a starter. The Englishman is a profile that can be bought for few credits and can bring some satisfaction.

Michel Adopo

Makoumbou's replacement in Cagliari is certainly Michel Adopo, redeemed for 4 million from Atalanta. The new coach Pisacane has almost always deployed him as a starter in the pre-season: a clear signal for the upcoming season. He's not a bonus man, but potentially a safe vote.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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