Aranguiz - 83->81
The Prince was given the captain's armband last season after years of consistently high class performances. His season was defined by misplaced passes, slow running and also injury, missing a total of 17 games due to a muscle injury over the winter. That being said, he still is a quality player so should still have a good rating.
Baumgartlinger - 77->78
Up until his injury, Baumi was arguably the key to our mesmeric Hinrunde. He was reliable and a leader. Due to his age he might not play such a big role on the pitch next season but he nonetheless deserves an upgrade.
Demirbay - 80->79
In terms of our midfielders, only Wirtz made more goals and assists than Demirbay last season. The stats don't tell the full story however and he still disappointed as he continues to fail to meet the club's high expectations of him.
Palacios - 77->77
When he played, he never disappointed - unfortunately for him he was yet another victim of our injury crisis and Bosz never put his faith in him. He surely will get his chance under Seoane.
Amiri - 77->79
Amiri was a positive surprise last season. He showed his worth both in his technical ability and his mentality. He also has seemed to finally found his shooting boots as seen in the Olympics. Should get a good increase.
Wirtz - 68->76
Our player of the season, 68 is obviously far too low for Wirtz. He needs at least a gold card to reflect his status as one of the best teenagers in the world.
Paulinho - 74->73
Due to his cruciate ligament rupture that robbed him of just about an entire season of football, through no fault of his own, Paulinho will likely be downgraded.
Bellarabi - 82->79
No goals or assists in the Bundesliga last season alone shows why Karim deserves a big downgrade.
Diaby - 81->83
One of the best wingers in the Bundesliga last season, and probably Europe, literally making more assists than Messi. He needs an upgrade and hopefully an increase in his passing and shooting.
Schick - 78->80
Had he not had such an unbelievable Euros, his rating might be slightly lower but his performances showed the world what he is capable of. Now everyone has much higher expectations of him which should reflect in his overall rating.
Alario - 78->79
Given he was our top scorer last season, it is only fair that he receives an upgrade - that said, he does not receive the same as Schick due to his irregular game time and the fact he wasn't afforded the chance to prove himself internationally due to his injuries.
Pohjanpalo - 72->72
Danger had a mixed season on loan at Union last largely due to injury. The highlights of his season included scoring a hattrick against Werder Bremen and Finland's solitary goal at the Euros. I do not think that is enough to receive an upgrade however.
Hincapie latest
According to South American journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Leverkusen and Talleres are in the final stages of negotiations over Piero Hincapie. Personal terms should already be agreed and the contract will run until 2025 . A transfer fee of €8m is in the room. With Hincapie, the long awaited left-footer will finally come and the end of life at Bayer 04 for Panos Retsos looms - maybe tomorrow's game in Leipzig will be his farewell.
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