Martin Odegaard and Cole Palmer will battle it out for Player of the Season as talkSPORT's pundits pick who they're keen to see shine in the Premier League

Rivalries are renewed as the Premier League season returns.

The 2024/25 season kicks off on Friday 15th August as the challenge begins to see if anyone can dethrone reigning champions Manchester City.

The opening match will be between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford starting at 8:00 p.m. Live on talkSPORT.

But as fans look forward to what promises to be another thrilling title race, all eyes will also be on the league's individual stars as they battle it out to be named Player of the Season.

Manchester City striker Phil Foden He took home the award last season after an impressive series of performances that helped his side to a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

But will the English star be able to repeat his star form in the top flight this time around? Or can someone else take his place in the spotlight?

Here, talkSPORT.com looks at what our experts have to say ahead of the new season thanks to talkSPORT Bet.

Emile Heskey

Former Liverpool striker Heskey made his Premier League debut when he was just 17, so it is perhaps no surprise that he has singled out another youngster lighting up the pitch as the player to shine this year.

“I'm going to go with Cole Palmer“he said. “I think he had a fantastic season. I didn't know if anyone really expected that, but knowing his confidence, knowing his ability, it was incredible.

“And then going to the Euros and not necessarily playing, but when it was necessary really putting in good performances, people were wondering if he should start.

“And then see if he can actually do it again.”

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The Chelsea striker had a breakout season last year, scoring 25 goals in 45 appearances for the club and earning himself a place in the Euro 2024 squad.

He has recently delighted Blues fans by signing a contract extension with the club, and supporters will be hoping he hits the ground running (and scores) as soon as the new season gets underway.

McCoist Ally

Meanwhile, for Breakfast Show presenter and former Rangers striker McCoist, the player he is most keen to watch might be a less obvious one – but it could well turn out to be a very astute choice.

“Ross Barkley,” he said. “It's a bit of a bold statement because I think he had a fantastic season last year. I enjoyed watching him, I liked everything about him last year.”

“I think Luton did a very good job. I found it very rewarding and fantastic to see them playing again, controlling games against top-class opponents.”

Barkley He signed for Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window, meaning he will not only be playing in the Premier League this season, but will also be playing in the Champions League.

“I'm delighted he's playing again, I'm delighted he's staying in the top flight and I think he could have a great season,” McCoist said.

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But while the talkSPORT breakfast host is very excited to see the Villa midfielder in action, he has hinted other key player in winning the Player of the Season award.

“I'm going to go for (Martin Odegaard “I think he's a wonderful football player,” McCoist said. “I think it's very easy to see that.

“Brilliant plays, he creates space, uses the ball intelligently and has great vision. I'm going to choose him as my Player of the Year.”

The Arsenal captain is entering his sixth season at the club, having spent a season on loan at the Gunners before signing permanently in 2021.

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With 33 goals in 133 appearances, it's his ability as a playmaker that really makes him stand out, and if Arsenal are to challenge for the title again this season, he'll likely have more to do with it.

Wes Brown

Former Manchester United defender Brown has stayed true to his roots at the club by naming the player he is most excited to see in action.

“For me, it's because I missed him, it's (Lisandro Martinez“Last season was a big loss. He's been a pillar when he plays and I hope to get back to playing like I did when he was in top form.”

The Argentine was plagued by injuries last season, hurting his foot early in the season which kept him out for four months.

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He then suffered horrific knee ligament damage in a collision in February, which ruled him out for many weeks, only returning for the FA Cup final, which United won.

Jeff Stelling

Maybe this will settle the debate!

Stelling has also said Palmer will prove his worth once again this season, praising the maturity and calm nature of his game.

“What a load of expectations on this young man's shoulders, but it never seems to weigh him down: Cole Palmer. When he burst onto the scene last season, he seemed to have no nerves, didn't he?”

The 22-year-old was similarly unfazed during the Euro 2024 final, when he scored a goal to keep England in contention for the trophy, and although the Three Lions ultimately lost, Palmer had already shown how good he could be on the biggest stage.

And fans will be eager to see if he can do it again this season in the Premier League.

The Premier League kicks off on Friday 16th August live on talkSPORT when Manchester United face Fulham