10 Great Premier League Players Who Have a Birthday in August

The biggest present to every fan is the start of the season on August 17—but these players have even more reason to celebrate—it's their birthday!

With the depth of squads in today's game, there are a surprising lack of August birthdays across the Premier League.

But for one hugely important player, today is the big 3-0.

Find out who the world-class striker is by clicking through to number one.

10. Andreas Weimann

Birthday boy Andreas Weimann turned 22 yesterday, with many Villa fans expecting big things from the forward this season.

Weimann burst onto the scene last year with a string of impressive performances following two loan spells at Watford.

The Austrian international has flourished under the youth policy that Paul Lambert has successfully introduced.

Although his preferred position is as a central striker, much of his best work has been done from the wing in support of Christian Benteke.

That role may not change now that the Belgian has signed a new contract, but look for the confident youngster to vastly improve on his seven goals last season.

9. Cesar Azpilicueta

Another youngster with an excellent future in the game, Azpilicueta was seen as more of an initial squad player following his £7 million move from Marseille.

But after a string of eye-catching cup performances and injuries to others, the 23-year-old was given his chance to impress and never looked back.

The marauding right-back finished the season as a first-team regular under Rafa Benitez and was rewarded by making his national debut for Spain vs. Uruguay in February.

It will be interesting to see how Jose Mourinho utilizes the youngster should Branislav Ivanovic revert back to full-back after playing much of last season in central defence.

8. Moussa Sissoko

Moussa Sissoko will turn 24 next week, although his celebrations started last season after Newcastle signed him to a huge six-and-a-half-year deal.

And credit to the French international, the attacking midfielder delivered immediately on the pitch, scoring two huge goals in a famous 3-2 win over Chelsea.

Every point was crucial, as the Magpies crawled over the finish line with a whimper last season.

Fans will expect much more from their team this season, and with Sissoko and a match-fit Hatem Ben Arfa linking up in midfield, they should have plenty to cheer about.

7. Glen Johnson

Is anyone else surprised that Glen Johnson will turn 29 at the end of this month?

For some reason, I expect him to be a lot younger—or maybe I’m confusing that with the fact he should be a lot better despite him approaching 50 England caps.

It’s not that Glen Johnson isn’t a good player, but with all the attributes the right-back possesses, he should be an elite player at this level.

Of course, perception is a beautiful thing, and many Liverpool fans may disagree with that statement, yet I’m still waiting for this talent to have a breakout campaign.

He will certainly want to improve on a career-best three goals in a season.

That said, Johnson's coming into the best years of his career, and this season could well be the one we’ve all been waiting for.

6. William Gallas

William Gallas will be 36 next week and is currently without a club after being released by Spurs at the end of last season.

The French international has had a stunning career and is arguably one of the best defenders ever to grace the Premier League.

Over the past few seasons, injury and age have caught up with the defender, who will finish with 84 caps for his country.

However, if Gallas has kept in shape during the offseason, he could make a nice pickup for a team looking for some quality experience.

If Fulham or Newcastle could get 20-plus games in a one-year contact, it would be a great move.

Sometimes having a player like Gallas around a club can inspire and motivate more than you can imagine.

Saying that, wages may be an issue depending on whether the ex-Chelsea star really wants to keep going.

5. Bryan Ruiz

Bryan Ruiz will turn 28 next week, and, like his Fulham career, the celebrations will fly slightly under the radar.

However, Ruiz is a very important part of Fulham’s success on the pitch and is often not given enough credit.

Martin Jol often gives the Costa Rican international a free role behind Dimitar Berbatov with the latter continuously hitting the headlines.

But that’s just fine for the softly spoken Ruiz, who will continue to provide assists in abundance.

If Darren Bent is signed this week, Ruiz’s role in the side could have a direct impact should Jol presumably play the Villa man alongside Berbatov.

4. Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia turned 28 on Sunday and will hope beyond all hope that it’s a better year than when he celebrated his 27th.

The Ecuador international bombed last season in spectacular style—along with the rest of the Manchester United midfield—which makes their title winning season all the more impressive.

Along with Ashley Young, Valencia is in need of a big season under David Moyes to regain some of the lost magic.

He and United need a big bounce-back season if they want to retain the title because you can be sure Chelsea and Manchester City will be back stronger.

3. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be a teenager by the end of this week as he turns 20.

It could be an exciting season for the youngster, who is undoubtedly one of the hottest prospects in English football.

The midfielder has already shown he is more than comfortable at the top level and could be set for a breakout year should Arsene Wenger give him regular playing time.

That may depend on whether or not the club make any new signings, but all signs point towards more success for a player who is not afraid to run at defences.

Fans will be licking their lips to see Theo Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain in the side on a regular basis—the opposition will not.

2. Iago Aspas

New Liverpool signing Iago Aspas celebrated his 26th birthday, on August 1, and will be hoping for a productive first season at Anfield.

And the signs look promising if preseason is anything to go by. Three goals, four assists and a series of dazzling displays have received plenty of attention from inside and outside the club.

Aspas could have a big role to play if Liverpool are to finally contend this season, especially with Luis Suarez suspended for the start of the campaign.

Despite not having represented Spain, Aspas is more than capable of making an instant impact in the Premier League.

1. Robin Van Persie

The No. 1 on the list is the No. 1 player in the Premier League, and he turned 30 on Tuesday.

Simply put, he was the reason Manchester United won the title last season.

He is the heartbeat of the club at the moment, and David Moyes must keep the Dutchman healthy for the entire year if they want any chance of retaining the title.

Since his move from Arsenal, the striker has not missed a beat, starting where he finished at the Emirates and winning a second successive Golden Boot.

Whether or not he is partnered alongside Wayne Rooney remains to be seen, but the striker can adapt to any formation or personnel taking the field.

Happy Birthday, Robin!