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#1 Mikel Arteta to Everton from Real Sociedad (2005)
The careers of Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso couldn't have been any different. Through some odd quirks of fate, they were almost always on opposing sides throughout their careers.
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When Arteta had joined Real Sociedad for €5.2 million from Glashow Rangers, the idea was for him to play alongside Alonso. However, the now-retired midfielder moved to Liverpool shortly. Without him, Arteta floundered at the Anoeta only making 3 appearances in his debut season.
He was loaned to Everton in January 2005 and it was a move that paid off significantly for both parties. Replacing Thomas Gravesen who had moved to Real Madrid, the Spaniard became an instant hit at Goodison Park.
Dictating play from midfield, Arteta's intelligence, passing, and crossing helped David Moyes' side to great effect. Against all odds, the Toffees qualified that season for the UEFA Champions League qualifying round by finishing 4th in the league.
