#4 Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann is one of several big-name players yet to get going this season. That's surprising because the Frenchman's lean spell hasn't extended to the international arena.Griezmann scored once in France's Euro 2020 campaign, and has netted thrice in as many FIFA World Cup 2022 qualification games this month.
However, the striker has failed to replicate his decent club form from last season.The Frenchman was expected to lead Barcelona's charge in the post-Lionel Messi era. But his insipid performances in the first three league games -- no goals or assists -- this season meant he was booed by the Camp Nou faithful. Griezmann was subsequently sent out to Atletico Madrid on a two-year loan deal.
#3 Jan Oblak
Jan Oblak is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the game at the moment.The Slovenian played a key role in the Rojiblancos' first La Liga win in seven years last season. Oblak featured in all 38 games, conceding only 25 goals, to win his fifth Zamora Trophy in six years. But he hasn't been at his fluent best this campaign, letting in five goals in six games while keeping only two clean sheets.
#2 Harry Kane
Harry Kane had one of his best campaigns in club football -- 33 goals, 17 assists across competitions -- last season. He followed that up with a sparkling Euro 2020 campaign, scoring four goals to help England reach their first major final in over five decades.
However, after a move to Manchester City did not materialize in the offseason, Kane has largely struggled to get going this season. He has scored thrice in seven games, but none of those strikes have come in the Premier League.Of course, a short offseason didn't help Kane's cause, as he was not match-fit at the start of the new season. That appears to be the case a month into the new campaign as well.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has experienced contrasting emotions this summer. He led from the front for Argentina, scoring four goals and providing five assists, as they ended their near three-decade-long trophy drought at Copa America 2021.
After a vacation, Messi returned to Barcelona, only to learn that the club wouldn't be extending his contract owing to La Liga's financial fair play rules. PSG soon snapped up the services of Messi, whose 17-season stint at Camp Nou drew to an unexpected close.However, the Argentinian, widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, has struggled to get going at his new club. Visibly short of match fitness, Messi is yet to score for PSG. He has struck the woodwork twice, but he has not looked at his fluent best.Messi's indifferent form is hardly a matter of concern for manager Mauricio Pochettino, though. That's because a star-studded PSG are already seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 this early in the season. Although they were held to a draw at Club Brugge in their Champions League opener, PSG are expected to make another deep run in the competition.
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