The season’s not quite at its conclusion yet, but with only a handful of games left before another Premier League term comes to a close, we are at a point where we can start assessing who has represented the best value for money for their club. Therefore, here are some of the best signings of this Premier League season…
1. Chung-Yong Lee
The South-Korean midfielder has scored five goals in 21 games for Bolton this season, and after signing from FC Seoul for £2.2m last summer, looks to be a great signing. Chung-Yong’s movement off the ball to create space for others is intelligent, and his energy levels are reminiscent of his countryman Park Ji-Sung. Further, despite this being his debut season, he has featured prominently for Bolton, and showed an aptitude for scoring goals from midfield in what is a struggling Bolton outfit.
Liverpool are said to be interested, with an £8m bid being suggested.
2. Kevin Doyle
The Irishman had a great debut season in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals in a Reading side that took the Premier League by storm in 2006/07. Whilst he has managed just 7 goals in 28 games for Wolves in the Premier League this season, the 27 year old striker would undoubtedly score more goals at a bigger club. Doyle is a real handful for any defence, with his ability to work the channels, his aerial prowess and positional awareness.
At the end of the season, regardless of where Wolves finish, Kevin Doyle will probably become the subject of interest for many Premier League clubs.
3. Niko Kranjcar
Kranjcar makes the list, aside from the fact he’s managed 8 goals in 30 appearances this season, because he cost Tottenham just £2m, and represents real value for money. Kranjcar has fulfilled a variety of roles in the Tottenham midfield this season, and has been part of Tottenham’s best league and cup campaign for some time. Kranjcar has scored many important goals this season, and could easily make double figures from the midfield.
4. Darren Bent
Whatever is said about Darren Bent, he always scores goals. At Tottenham, despite only making 32 starts in the League, Bent grabbed 18 goals. However, his move to the North-East has proven more prolific, with Sunderland’s decision to part with £10m now looks like money well spent. Bent has smashed in 23 goals for the Wearsiders this term, and is the second English goal scorer in the Premier League after Wayne Rooney.
5. Richard Dunne
Only Tottenham have a better defensive home record than Aston Villa, and the £6m signing of Richard Dunne has been a major reason behind Villa’s stellar defensive unit. Despite a recent seven goal drubbing by Chelsea, Villa have built from the back this season, and that has seen Villa reach the final of the Carling Cup, the semi-final of the FA Cup, and maintain a challenge for the Champions League. One of O’Neill’s better signings by a long-long way.
6. Thomas Vermaelen
The Verminator. ’ He’s too short for the Premier League’ they said. ‘He’s not a big enough name’ they said ...Actually, as it turns out, he’s just quality.
He’s got a great leap, he’s scored eight goals in all competitions despite being a centre-half, and at £11.4 million the 24 year old Belgium international is undoubtedly one of the signings of the season. He’s fast, strong in the tackle, comfortable on the ball, and another great find by Mr. Wenger.
7. Jamie O’Hara
He’s scored five goals in 27 matches in all competitions, and is the creative hub of the Portsmouth side. He gives 100% for Pompey every time he steps over the white line, and considering he signed on loan, he represents great business. He has guided Pompey to the FA Cup semi-final, only to be ruled out under the terms of his loan. His name is Jamie O’Hara...
8. Carlos Tevez
Controversial. Sorry Manchester United fans, but he’s been immense for Manchester City this season, and considering he and Berbatov both cost about £30m, I think it’s safe to say who spent their money better.
Tevez has scored 20 Premier League goals this season, and has spearheaded City’s bid for Champions League football. He’s scored spectacular goals, tap-ins, and headers, and regardless of the cost, he’s been a great signing, and was worth the gamble for Manchester City.
9. Damien Duff
At 31 years old, Duff is still going strong in West London, and Fulham possibly secured one of the signings of the season in bringing the Irishman to Craven Cottage last summer. The fee was believed to be less than the £5m Newcastle spent taking Duff from Chelsea to the Toon, and so constitutes great business.
Duff’s managed 9 goals in all competitions this term, and has been instrumental in their Europa League and FA Cup run. Excellent piece of business.
10. Joe Hart
Joe Hart is on the brink of an England call-up, and so he must be glad he didn’t stick around and play the understudy role to Shay Given at Manchester City. Although he is only on-loan at Birmingham, the player is now one of the most highly rated goalkeepers in the league, and what’s more, he’s English.
With Johnson and Dann, Hart has formed one of the best defensive set-ups in the league, and the club are thus guaranteed Premier League football next season. An excellent signing.
Well, there you have it. Arguably the ten best Premier League signings this season. However, the world is full of opinion, and this list merely expresses mine. If you feel I’ve arbitrarily left anybody out, or included someone you disagree with, get involved in the comment box below...
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