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The Barclays Premier League saw an expenditure of over £600 million in this summer’s transfer window, with teams looking to bolster their squads with high-quality signings from around the world. The massive investment and big names made choosing a best XI a tough job. However, there were a few who stood out more than the rest, with those men forming the Premier League’s summer transfer XI.
Due to a lack of quality defenders signed by Premier League teams this summer, this team consists of an Italian-style back-three, with a couple of defensive-minded midfielders to help keep the goals out. Ahead, there are two inside-forwards and an attacking playmaker playing behind a central striker.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
A few people questioned the sense in buying an expensive keeper in Mignolet when Liverpool already had Pepe Reina among their ranks, but the Belgian keeper has quickly proved his worth in the Reds’ shirt so far.
Keeping 3 clean sheets in as many games, Mignolet has become the bedrock in Liverpool’s tough defence, and could turn out to be £11 million well spent.
Defence
Martin Demichelis (Manchester City)
With Vincent Kompany injured and a lack of numbers in the Manchester City backline, Manuel Pellegrini needed somebody that he could trust, something he has got now with Demichelis.
The two have worked together previously at River Plate and Malaga, proof that the manager knows Demichelis inside out and will not need time to understand his strengths and weaknesses. The Argentine is 32 already, but is a prudent signing for the Citizens.
Steven Caulker (Cardiff City)
Having struggled to find a starting berth at Tottenham, Caulker left for Cardiff City this summer, and could be very important for the side if they are to avoid relegation. Standing 6’3″ tall and possessing good football skills, Caulker has all it takes to be a quality defender.
Despite being only 21 years old, Caulker has already earned himself an England cap, and in a few years’ time could prove great value for the £8 million that the promoted Premier League team bought him for.
Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool)
A French footballer of Senegalese origin, Sakho was a massive coup for Liverpool this summer, given that the club have not been reaching European competitions in recent years.
The 23-year old has been touted as one of the best young footballers in the continent, and would have been a regular on Paris Saint-Germain’s team if not for the French club’s propensity to spend and make big-name signings.
Despite having captained France at every youth level and earned 14 senior caps at the age of 23, Sakho is known to be a very temperamental, but if Liverpool can keep Sakho focused on his game, then the defender could become a massive hit at Anfield.
Midfield
Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for a massive £34 million, Fernandinho has been earmarked as Yaya Toure’s central midfield partner at Manchester City, and in his early appearances has shown ability that is worth the pricetag that he came for.
The Brazilian will be key in City’s claims for success in the Premier League and in Europe, and should see great success for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
Having been linked with a move away from Everton all summer, Fellaini finally left the club on deadline day, joining Manchester United on a big-money contract.
The Belgian scored 12 times last season and was a major reason for Everton’s success, and should be a massive feature for the Premier League champions this term, for his height as well as his skill on the ball.
Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur)
The first signing in Andre Villas-Boas’ spending spree this summer, Paulinho came to White Hart Lane with a big reputation following excellent performances for Brazil at the Confederations Cup, and has already become a regular in a Tottenham side looking to break the top four.
A midfielder equally capable of distributing and defending, Paulinho is an all-action player who is suited to the Premier League’s style of play, and could be a huge success by the end of the season.
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Having been left frustrated all summer, Arsenal fans rejoiced on deadline day as Arsene Wenger made his biggest-ever signing at the Emirates by claiming Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
It was a surprise that Madrid let him leave, given the success that he saw at the Spanish club over the years, and Arsenal are expected to reap the benefits of breaking the bank for their £42 million signing this season.
Wingers
Willian Borges da Silva (Chelsea)
The left-wing spot on this all-star team was challenged by two Chelsea players, but Willian eventually won the race for the position over Andre Schurrle for his supreme ability and further success in Europe in recent seasons.
Willian moved to Anzhi Makhachkala in January, but after a fire sale by the Russian club this summer, was signed by Chelsea despite almost putting pen to paper on a deal with Tottenham. The 25-year old can play both centrally and on the left and, given his skill and trickery, will be a tough player to mark for opposition sides.
Erik Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur)
Despite being just 21 years of age, Lamela has already made a name for himself in recent seasons for Serie A side AS Roma, and was a big-money signing made by Tottenham Hotspur to offset the loss of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.
Lamela is a left-footed player who can play either upfront or on the right wing, and for his early years and impressive performances, beats Manchester City signing Jesus Navas to a spot on the right wing. The Argentine international will have Aaron Lennon for competition in the near future, but expected to become a regular player in the Spurs’ attempts to crack the UEFA Champions League once again.
Striker
Roberto Soldado (Tottenham Hotspur)
Pipping the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic to the striker’s berth in this team, Roberto Soldado has the necessary expertise and experience to become one of the Premier League’s best finishers in the coming seasons.
After scoring an impressive 81 goals in three seasons with Valencia, Soldado moved to the Premier League this summer, and has already scored four times for the Spurs in as many games. There is no doubting his talent, and Soldado will only become more influential for the North London club with time.
Substitutes
Maarten Stekelenburg (Fulham), Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur), Jesus Navas (Manchester City), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Stevan Jovetic (Manchester City), Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
Lineup
