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While a big-money transfer becomes the talk of the town, it is often the economical loan deals that can turn out to be more ingenious moves. Loan deals can often give clubs a much-needed boost and can also serve as a means to test out a player before committing to a long contract.
One of Monaco’s most significant transfer activity was signing Fernando Morientes on loan from Real Madrid. He went on to lift the Golden Boot in the 2003-04 Champions League season, guiding Monaco to the final.
In more recent times, Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in Atletico Madrid’s first La Liga title in 18 years while on loan from Chelsea.
Some disastrous big-money transfers were avoided due to loan deals like Radamel Falcao’s stint at Manchester United. The Colombian came to Old Trafford with a big reputation but badly misfired in a rather unforgettable season at United.
Five players who have impressed on loan this season:
With the end of the 2020-21 season just a few months away, most players on loan would return to their parent clubs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five players who have impressed the most on loan this season.
#5 Cristian Romero - Atalanta (on loan from Juventus)
Juventus are probably the smartest operator in the free-agent and loan market, but they might regret their decision of letting Romero go out on loan.
The Bianconeri are enduring a torrid time in defence and must be lamenting letting a talent like Romero join a direct rival (Atalanta) on loan. To make matters worse, Atalanta included an option to buy at the end of Romero’s loan spell, which is likely to be activated by Gasperini and co. in the coming days.
The 22-year old has made 32 appearances in the heart of Atalanta’s defence and has averaged six tackles and interceptions every 90 minutes.
However, his most notable quality is his aerial prowess. The 6' 1/2" Romero has won 3.9 of 5.8 aerial duels attempted every 90 minutes.
#4 Angelino - RB Leipzig (on loan from Manchester City)
With a star-studded lineup at the Etihad, it is no surprise that Spanish full-back Angelino found it difficult to cement a place in the playing XI.
Angelino’s move to RB Leipzig was one of the best ones of the transfer window, as the 24-year old has proven to be a natural fit for German football. However, his stats might be a bit surprising.
From his position as a full-back, Angelino has earned a reputation for his adventures upfield, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists in 31 matches this season.
The Spaniard is nimble-footed with the ball at his feet. He is able to skip past opposition defenders and also possesses the skill to either find an assist or go for goal himself.
RB Leipzig have been so impressed with the 24-year old that a permanent move has been agreed with City at the end of the season.
#3 Tiemoue Bakayoko - Napoli (on loan from Chelsea)
Napoli’s midfield beast, Tiemoue Bakayoko is arguably enjoying his best season in professional football. Bakayoko is one of 33 Chelsea players out on loan currently but is making the biggest waves.
The 26-year old has made 35 appearances in the 2020-21 campaign and has posted some of the best numbers in the Serie A this season. Bakayoko has had an astonishing pass completion rate of 89%, making an average of 56.7 passes per 90 minutes, including 11.8 passes in the final third.
The Frenchman has been a powerhouse in the middle of the park for Napoli and has the seamless ability to transition play from defence to attack. Moreover, Bakayoko has one goal and two assists to his name this season.
It is extremely difficult for him to find a starting spot in Chelsea’s midfield, considering the abundance of world-class talent in the position. The 28-year old has a good chance of nailing down a spot in the Chelsea XI will not make his move permanent.
#2 Alvaro Morata - Juventus (on loan from Atletico Madrid)
Atletico Madrid loanee Alvaro Morato has been one of Juventus’ best players this season.
In a largely forgettable campaign for the Bianconeri, Morata has been a rare shining light, proving to be the perfect foil for Cristiano Ronaldo. After a loan spell at Atletico Madrid, Morata shifted base from London to Madrid permanently, only to be loaned out once again to Juventus.
Reports claim that Juventus shelled out €10m on player wages for Morata, but it has been well worth the punt.
In 34 appearances for the Italian champions this season, the Spaniard has racked up 16 goals and 11 assists.
The 28-year old is averaging a goal every 140 minutes, along with 25.6 passes completed per 90. Morata has had an impressive passing accuracy of 76% in Serie A and tops the assists chart for Juventus.
#1 Moise Kean - PSG (on loan from Everton)
Everton loanee Moise Kean has enjoyed a breakthrough season at PSG. After failing to cement a starting place at Everton, the 20-year old chose to take on a new challenge in Paris.
Almost instantly, Kean became a regular feature in the star-studded PSG side, making 29 appearances for the Parisians this season.
The 22-year old has 15 goals and a single assist in his brief spell at the club and is the highest scorer for PSG this season after Kylian Mbappe.
The Italian is averaging an impressive 2.7 shots per 90 minutes, with 5.8 passes in the final third every 90 minutes. Moreover, Kean has had a high passing accuracy of 78%, making him one of the best players in the world-class PSG team.
The French champions might just be ready to tie the 22-year old to a long-term contract at Le Parc Des Princes.
