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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and not reflective of the website as a whole.
Transfer window is the most exciting period for the football fans because of the exodus of footballers from their respective clubs. It is an opportunity for the clubs to invest money in right players who can help them to move forward. Many fans witness quality players being signed by their beloved clubs while others suffer through precarious disappointments.
In England, the summer transfer market was surely a roller coaster ride, with Mesut Ozil being the staggering signing by Arsenal FC. This move not only brought the positive feelings around the Emirates but lifted the mood of all the players.
Ozil flourished immediately in the youthful Arsenal. Elsewhere, Wayne Rooney became the central hub for a poor Manchester United team. Romelu Lukaku was an instant hit. Townsend kept the most expensive player of Spurs quiet. Eden Hazard took one step forward and thrived under the Special One. Luis Suarez left the controversial tag behind and displayed flamboyant, unique style of his to take the EPL by storm.
All these players were gathering the attention of the world, and elsewhere few other players were helping their teams to get over the line efficiently.
So, today, I will accentuate such players, predominantly playing for the teams who will be competing for European spots:
Bacary Sagna – Arsenal
Mesut Ozil, understandably grabbed all the headlines, and even the resurgent Aaron Ramsey was all over the newspapers. Even Flamini got the deserved plaudits for his old school approach towards every match. But there is one man, who has been Mr. Consistent for Arsenal since his arrival i.e. Bacary Sagna, again displayed regularity in his performances.
He can deliver pin point crosses, if given time to pick his target. He has a very good pace and physically he is extremely strong. He never hesitates to put in a sliding tackle. He has a very good leap and frequently wins his aerial duels.
He provides natural width to Arsenal’s game plan when the likes of Ozil, Rosicky and Cazorla cut in from the right hand side. He has been selected twice in PFA team of the year more than any present right backs in the EPL. Mainly Johnson, Ivanovic, Zabaleta, Colemann, Rafael, Walker,etc.
| Apps | Goals | Chances created | Avg shot accuracy | Avg passing accuracy | Avg duels won | Avg pass length | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 18 | 1 | 13 | 56% | 86% | 61% | 18m | 6 | 3 | 0 |
Fernandinho Luiz Roza – Manchester City
Fernandinho
Yaya Toure again proved his worth with his powerful running and newly found free-kick technique. Sergio Aguero found his goal scoring touch he displayed in title winning campaign. David Silva and Samir Nasri created a host of chances as expected. Jesus Navas along with Alvaro Negredo produced much anticipated performances for the citizens.
But, the big money signing from Shakhtar Donetsk did his job consistently since he wore the blue jersey. He has been the quiet dictator that links the defense and midfield superbly. He not only protects the back four but also scores quality goals. E.g. He put his best performance against the league leaders at Etihad where he demonstrated skill,technique and composure excellently.
His ability and quality had got the best out of Yaya Toure. Don’t believe me? Just put either Javi Garcia or Jack Rodwell in Fernandinho’s place and think. You will get the answer.
| Apps | Goals | Chances created | Avg shot accuracy | Avg passing accuracy | Avg duels won | Avg pass length | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 19 | 3 | 23 | 50% | 87% | 47% | 17m | 4 | 4 | 0 |
Gary Cahill – Chelsea
Gary Cahill
Big money signing Willian slowly got recognized. John Terry consistently demonstrated the class, energy and determination he is known for. Frank Lampard proved why he is such a valuable player. Eden Hazard, 35m attacking midfielder, snatched the front and back pages of the news papers.
But it was, Gary Cahill, the former Bolton man, worked hard and produced regularity in his performances to keep David Luiz out of the starting 11. He possesses good aerial ability, good pace and reads the game well.
He compliments John Terry perfectly. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the way Chelsea conceded the goal against Crystal Palace at Stamford bridge in the absence of Gary Cahill
| Apps | Goals | Chances created | Avg shot accuracy | Avg passing accuracy | Avg duels won | Avg pass length | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 14 | 1 | 4 | 43% | 87% | 69% | 21m | 8 | 2 | 0 |
Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
Jordan Henderson
SAS known as Suarez and Sturridge were all over the news papers since the beginning of the season for the incredible understanding, flair and talent they demonstrated on the football field. Suarez, rightfully earned the tag as the best player in the EPL.Steven Gerrard once again proved why he has been the inspirational commander of the reds for so many years.
But there was one player, who was quiet since the beginning. He always worked hard and played where his manager wanted him to play without a shadow of a doubt. He has got a very good engine. He can run a whole day. He is always spirited, strong and industrious on the field. He always covers more ground than his teammates.
He can mark and pressurize the opposition play-makers for 90 minutes if given the task. He has utilized his work-rate to take his game to another level and following stats prove why he has been the tireless underachiever of Liverpool this season.
| Apps | Goals | Chances created | Avg shot accuracy | Avg passing accuracy | Avg duels won | Avg pass length | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 21 | 1 | 39 | 33% | 87% | 43% | 17m | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Steven Piennar – Everton
Steven Pienaar
Many may argue with me saying Gareth Barry or even MacCarthy should be in this list and yes they are right after seeing them flourish in Roberto Martinez’s system.
But, when I observe Steven Piennar and his performances in the blue shirt, he always puts his 100%. He always tries to play 1-2′s around the edge of the box.He creates the space on the left flank for Baines to roam up and down by cutting in from the left. He even has a very good vision to pick a defence splitting pass. Following stats prove the significance of this African born winger.
| Apps | Goals | Chances created | Avg shot accuracy | Avg passing accuracy | Avg duels won | Avg pass length | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 17 | 1 | 23 | 50% | 83% | 51% | 17m | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Moussa Dembele – Tottenham Hotspur
Moussa Dembele
I was a little bit confused when I decided to pick up a player from spurs because of the different formations they have played throughout the season. The game plan was more conservative till AVB got sacked, and now it is the exact opposite under Tim Sherwood.
Even players achieved the plaudits in patches. But, this Belgium born play-maker proved all others wrong and kept working hard for his team to make himself the first choice midfielder.
Dembele not only loves to take on defenders but also prefers to find a defence penetrating pass. He has an eye for long range goals as well. His ability to suddenly accelerate his pace and run pass the defenders has been second to none. Though the money has been spent in millions by Spurs, following stats prove why they have been reliant on former Fulham man.
| Apps | Goals | Chances created | Avg shot accuracy | Avg passing accuracy | Avg duels won | Avg pass length | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 19 | 1 | 23 | 100% | 91% | 69% | 16m | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Jonny Evans – Manchester United
Jonny Evans
The most successful club in England was never expected to suffer through such a torrid time even after the retirement of SAF. As usual, Wayne Rooney proved why he is the best player of England by single-handedly dragging Red Devils over the line. RVP showed the signs of why he was such an injury prone at Arsenal. Michael Carrick continued the good work he started since the turn of 2013. Danny Welbeck added goals and consistency to his hardworking nature.
So it was difficult to point out who would be the most underrated player at United given the inconsistency they have shown. But, I believe Johny Evans has been a big positive for Manchester United keeping in mind that both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are approaching towards the end of their Manchester United careers.
Johny Evans has brought consistency and tackling to his game. He is got enough recovery pace as well.He has improved on his man marking skills and aerial ability since the beginning. Following stats prove the maturity, skill, improvements and technique which, the 26 year old has brought into his game.
| Apps | Goals | Chances created | Avg shot accuracy | Avg passing accuracy | Avg duels won | Avg pass length | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 13 | 0 | 2 | 25% | 87% | 77% | 20m | 11 | 0 | 0 |
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and not reflective of the website as a whole.
