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The transfer window will be open for about just over a week and the spotlight has usually been on bigger names with a proven record and inflated prices and wages. However, after watching the first round of games this weekend, here are some of the players whom I believe should be kicking around in bigger surroundings than their current clubs.
Victor Moses (21, Wigan Athletic, Nigeria)
The 21 year old has made a name for himself at Wigan. Being his team’s talisman (quite a heavy tag for a player of his age), Moses has shown rare maturity and on-field discipline for someone of his age. His versatility in playing across any position in the attack coupled with his strength and pace makes him a very valuable asset. He is technically gifted too, besides being an intelligent player. Moses needs to move out of Wigan to a bigger club for him to develop into a world-class player. Playing alongside more talented players, which will take some pressure of his young shoulders, will do wonders in developing his game. Rumours have been rife about a potential move to Chelsea this summer. Such a move however will be a step up too early and will only result in prolonged spells on the bench.
Ideal Clubs: Liverpool, Tottenham.
Ryan Shawcross (24, Stoke City, Wales)
COLUMBUS, OH – JULY 24: Olman Vargas #17 of the Columbus Crew and Ryan Shawcross #17 of Stoke City FC battle for control of the ball on July 24, 2012 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
The former Manchester United youth product has garnered a rather unfair reputation after the incident involving Aaron Ramsey. This has somewhat taken away some of the credit from his solid work on the field. Captaining a Premier League club at the age of 24 is no small achievement. At 6 ft. 3 in, Shawcross has a solid, if not a giant presence. He is physically strong with good aerial ability. His fitness is also remarkable, having played almost 50 games for Stoke last season. With age on his side, his defensive game can only get better down the years. Any club which will buy him will get an uncompromising center-back who will play his heart out.
Ideal Clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City. He can be a solid understudy to their current regulars.
Marouane Fellaini (24, Everton, Belgium)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Marouane Fellaini of Everton looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
It is a big riddle to me to see Fellaini still not being pursued by a bigger club. He has it all. Experience, an imposing presence, industrious work rate besides the knack for goals. And that gorgeous perm to add to it all! He also steps up his game on the bigger occasions and does not shy away from doing the dirty work. With some fine tuning to his style, and playing along with more quality players, he can really mature into a marauding all-action midfielder. Maybe Mancini signed up the wrong Everton midfielder! He won’t come cheap though.
Ideal Clubs: Manchester United, Arsenal.
Moussa Dembele (25, Fulham, Belgium)
Moussa Dembele was in excellent form for Fulham last season.
As the consensus among many pundits goes, I too feel that Liverpool should be after Dembele rather than his team mate Dempsey. Dempsey is a fine player himself, but Dembele will make an even better addition to Liverpool’s squad. He been the engine room of Fulham, which has been playing some eye catching football, Dembele’s creativity coupled with penetrating direct runs makes him a threat to any defence. His versatility lets him play comfortably in a more withdrawn creative role as well as in a more forward role. A technically sound player, the only thing stumbling block is his goal scoring proficiency. With age on his side, he can work on that aspect too.
Ideal Clubs: Liverpool, Tottenham.
Adam Lallana (24, Southampton, England)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Carlos Tevez of Manchester City competes with Adam Lallana of Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton at Etihad Stadium on August 19, 2012 in Manchester, England.
Having been from the same academy which has produced the likes of Gareth Bale, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lallana has had a slower rise to the top flight. He has been in the PFA League One and in PFA Championship teams of the year in successive years. He stepped up from League One to Championship football with ease along with Southampton’s successive promotion (a remarkable feat). With good technical skills, along with his composure to control games, Lallana has a lot of goals in his feet too. He scored 11 goals in the Championship last season besides chipping in with 10 assists. Not bad for a midfielder. It maybe a little too early to conclude about his ability. Maybe his performance this season in the top flight should tell us more about him.
Ideal Clubs: Currently Southampton, where he needs to stay for at least one more season. Tottenham or Newcastle (If Cabaye leaves next season) can be ideal if Lallana can step up his game. That is only a matter of “when” rather than “if”.
