As most teams have now endured 12 Premier League matches this season, here at TibsNews we’ve decided to sum up the top ten transfers this season… or at least have a crack at it anyway. Marko Marin, Scott Sinclair, Hugo Lloris? Sadly not.
10. David “Junior” Hoilett – Queens Park Rangers
Where there’s a dull beginning there’s always a bright light at the end and Hoilett has certainly offered the QPR faithful that this season. Arguably their best player so far, the 22-year-old winger has scored two goals in ten appearances and is their second top scorer – behind Bobby Zamora. Hard to believe he hasn’t made a single appearance for his native Canada.
9. Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
It’s fair to say not many of us had heard of Benteke when he signed on the last day of the summer transfer window. Oh look another young Belgian striker; anyone for Romelu Lukaku? But you have to hand it to Big Chris, who has provided Aston Villa with a little more threat. At a snatch of £7 million from Belgian side Racing Club Genk, Benteke has notched four goals in 11 appearances for his new team this season and looks like one for the future. Well played Paul Lambert, well played.
8. Robert Snodgrass – Norwich City
Quite controversial this one, but in truth the former Leeds United midfielder has adapted to playing in the top English league. There would probably be no other Premier League team that Snodders would have wanted to play for having been offered regular first team football and joining a few old teammates. And he’s already repaid manager Chris Hughton with a goal, a couple of assists and a great mentality in both halves of the field.
7. Arouna Kone – Wigan Athletic
So, you score a winner against Real Madrid in a famous home win and fancy a move to the Premier League. What team do you go for? Yes, Wigan. Sporting the popular white hair, Kone is one of the best kept secrets in this year’s transfer markets and my hat – if I was wearing one – would be taken off to the Wigan backroom staff and manager for bringing him to the DW Stadium. Forming the top of Wigan’s spearhead, Kone has proven to be a real goal poacher and his contributions will prove priceless in the Latics once again avoiding relegation.
6. Steven Fletcher – Sunderland
At one point, the Scottish striker scored all of Sunderland’s goals this season having netted five in four appearances including two on his debut against Swansea City. This earnt him Barclays Player of the Month award for September and at a price of £12m, potentially rising to a record £14m for the Black Cats, Sunderland looked to have done a good job in securing their main striker.
5. Dimitar Berbatov – Fulham
The big Bulgarian was a real menace at Tottenham Hotspur and recently Manchester United, so with Fulham only shelling out £5 million you’ve got to say that is a real bargain. Scoring five goals in eight league matches already, the 31-year-old will easily smash the double figures barrier and have many more happy years in the Premier League with Fulham. And with an income of £110k-a-week, who could blame him?
4. Miguel Perez “Michu” Cuesta – Swansea City
Sounding like a breed of Pokemon, the long-haired Spaniard is shining in his debut Premier League season. Overshadowed by the Lionel Messi’s, Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Radamel Falcao’s of the La Liga, Michu chose the right option in moving from Rayo Vallecano and being joined by three other new Spaniards in South Wales, it’s almost like playing at home anyway (except for the weather, food, oh and sheep; there’s lots of sheep). Seven goals in 12 appearances is his tally so far, although three yellow cards to his name in the league may be work in progress.
3. Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Warning: Hazard approaching. Having won Ligue 1’s Player of the Season twice in successive years with Lille OSC, a move to European champions Chelsea was always on the cards for Hazard. Despite a heavy £32 million price tag, the pacy Belgian star has lit up the Premier League stage with seven assists and three goals and is one of the first names on the Blues’ team sheet. He’s also got quite a set of side burns.
2. Robin van Persie – Manchester United
No surprise really as Robin is pretty reliant when it comes to scoring goals. His £24m summer move from rivals Arsenal was a shock however as many thought he’d move to FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, or maybe even Wigan. But Old Trafford is where he wanted to go and he’s certainly pleased the United fans; single-handedly beating Southampton with a hat-trick before hitting another five in the league. He’s also recently won his second consecutive PFA Fan’s Player of the Month award.
1. Santi Cazorla – Arsenal
Surprised much? Not really. In the words of Harry Redknapp on BBC’S Match of the Day “he’s been the best summer signing so far this season” and I agree. The wee Spaniard has been creating chances here, there and everywhere for Arsenal and looks like the guy who will finally take over Cesc Fabregas’ role. He’s also not a bad goal scorer and anyone who can set up Olivier Giroud to score is really someone special.
Disagree with our ‘top 10’ list? Have your say below.
Aaron Aquilina
@AaronAquilina25
* All stats based on BBC Premier League website
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