Now that the season is already in its 5th week, it is time to review how each team could have been improved and what buys they should and could have made in the transfer window just past.
Chelsea: Jovetic
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| taken from: thelionspitch.com |
The 23 year old striker is now lighting up the Serie A with his performances in the purple shirt for Fiorentina(though he did miss a penalty last night). Seeing the troubles of Fernando Torres to replicate his highest level of performances consistently and Roberto Di Matteo's seemingly lack of faith in Daniel Sturridge, one would have expected Chelsea to dip into their transfer funds for a new striker. This talented striker is good with both feet and can finish the array of chances sure to come his way given the strong support he will expect to have from Chelsea's other expensive attackers. His 4 goals in 3 matches this season suggests that if he had been on the pitch against QPR last week, the result might very well have been different for Chelsea.
Everton: Michel Bastos
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taken from:
football-champs.blogspot.com
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The once Brazilian international was rumoured to be in talks with Fulham, which broke down due to an unknown reason but signalled his transfer availability. Quite why Lyon would sell him remains a question as his talent is obvious from the three goals he has already scored this season. Everton need him as a back up to Baines, whom opponents seem eager to injure everything he embarks on another of his dangerous mazy runs as his current alternative is Distin which does not bode well for the attack of Everton. The versatile Bastos can also be pushed up to the left wing and provide an option for Moyes who can do with a bit more depth in the squad and the availability of a true left footed touchline hugging winger other than the developing Magaye Gueye.
West Bromwich Albion: Tranquillo Barnetta
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| taken from: spox.com |
The Baggies's performance this season has been wonderful and they are not third in the standings, just behind Everton on goal difference, who they beat convincingly. Despite being a solid and compact side, at times this season, they have looked short on creativity and of individual brilliance, especially in the previous match against Reading where they struggled to create many clear cut chances as they could not get past the defence. This problem was not rectified in the previous transfer window and could have been if they had looked at a certain Barnetta who was a free agent after his contract with Bayer Leverkusen ended. A sleek fleet-footed winger, he is sometimes labelled as selfish but it can also be interpreted as having the confidence to take on defenders and he does have the ability to carry it out. However, he has since moved on to Schalke 04 and this might be a player other Premier League clubs as a missed opportunity.
Fulham: Gennaro Gattuso
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| taken from: www.tumblr.com |
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Personally, I am a big big fan of Gattuso. Looking at Fulham's pretty style of play, it might be hard to phantom just how Gattuso would have fit into their team. This is just the reason why. As Martin Jol aims to develop Fulham into a pleasing to the way team, a look at the team squad suggests a lack of a true ball winner. Sidwell in particular seems not to be good enough for the improving Fulham squad. Putting Gattuso in will not compromise the team passing ability as his skills on the ball are probably even better than that of Sidwell's. The big difference is in that of winning the ball and breaking up play. The methods might not be pretty but it is certain that Gattuso will finish off the job for the team. And seeing that he was a free agent before his transfer to Sion, the lack of a transfer fee means that he would not have been that big of a gamble despite his eye problems.
Manchester United: Oriol Romeu
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| taken from: mtnfootball.com |
This talented footballer from Barcelona's famed academy showed composure as well as aggression when playing as a defensive midfielder for Chelsea last season and his passing accuracy and vision is extremely high. That said, he should come at a decent price as the more expensive additions this season at Chelsea has left him surplus to requirements and in the reserves, which he frankly does not deserve to be at. United should have considered a move for him during the transfer season, judging from last season where they had to recall Paul Scholes. Romeu would have been a great long term replacement for Scholes and this season can be relied upon to play in games when Scholes need a rest. What remains to be seen is whether Chelsea would sell to a main title challenger rival and what Sir Alex Ferguson thinks of the Catalan's buy-back clause, which is reportedly to have put him off a bid for Thiago.
Arsenal: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
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taken from:
football.ya1.ru
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The Holland marksman has been constantly banging in the goals for Schalke 04 and is regularly in the top scorers chart of the Bundesliga. Giroud for now is an inadequate target man for Arsenal and with Chamakh still terribly off form, Arsenal fans will be thinking what if they had bought Huntelaar. Effective as a focal point for attack, with the ball coming to him before he spreads to the runners on the wings and also incisive in the penalty box as a predator, he will be perfect for Arsenal's operations. he is also wonderful as a Plan B with his heading abilities another reason for his bagful of goals. His contract talks were also said to have stalled, meaning he will be available for a bargain price before he leaves for free, which otherwise might make him unsuitable for the financially prudent Arsene Wenger. Arsenal fans don't worry. There's still a chance to make a bid for him in January if Giroud still proves to be ineffective.
Manchester City: Gokhan Inler
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| taken from: goal.com |
It is both hard and easy to say who City should have bought. For one, they have such a strong squad with a variety of playing styles that it seems impossible to figure out who they will need. On the other hand, they have the resources to buy almost anybody and any name I put up there can be seen as a reasonable target. For this time, I will go with Gokhan Inler as the player City should have bought in the summer. This dynamic box to box midfielder can provide the dynamism and energy that will be required throughout the season if City is to compete on all fronts, even as a substitute. Of course, it seems impossible that Yaya Toure will be able to dash his way up and down the pitch every game twice a week and Inler can be relied on to do that job in his stead, especially as Toure leaves for the African Cup of Nations in January next year. In comparison to Barry, Inler will definitely be able to provide the delicate balance between defence and attack better though it seems Mancini will be unlikely to follow this trail as he looks set to resume his still futile chase for Daniele De Rossi.
West Ham United: Tony Hibbert
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| taken from: en.wikipedia.org |
For all of West Ham's activities in the transfer market, their defence seems a bit weak. Guy Demel and Joey O'brien do not seem to be at the level of the premier league at the moment and their central defence can also be shored up further. Sam Allardyce might have considered taking a look at Everton's Tony Hibbert, who can operate both as a fullback and centreback. Hibbert is a solid solid defender whom i rate very highly and I feel that he can do a job for West Ham for a few seasons while they establish themselves in the Premier League. Hibbert also brings the experience and know-how of many Premier League seasons with him and will be a good leader for the Hammers. Considering that Everton has Phil Neville and Seamus Coleman available for the right back role and their financial status, West Ham would have been able to get this target for not too high a price. And after all, Tony Hibbert finally scored his first goal in Everton colours in a freekick in a friendly(go google it, it caused a riot), West Ham might be able to utilise his freekick 'prowess'.
Swansea City: Diego Lugano
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taken from:
newshopper.sulekha.com
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As Paris Saint German continues to splash the cash, their defensive signing of last season, Lugano is becoming more and more marginalised as injuries derailed his previous campaign. However, his talent should not be underestimated. Having captained the Uruguay team to 4th place in the previous World Cup, his defensive abilities were a major reason for the minimal amount of goals the team conceded throughout the campaign. Even as his age catches up to him, his pace was never his strongest point and his awareness and positional sense should more than help cover up for it. As Swansea's defensive frailties were brutally exposed at Goodison Park yesterday, the magnifying glass was placed on the inability of Swansea's central defenders, especially Ashley Williams, to cope with their attacking play which often leaves the defence exposed. Lugano would have helped this situation, especially with marshaling the defence to play the opponents offside, which can be one of the best methods when playing a high line.
Tottenham Hotspur: Joao Moutinho
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| taken from: sportinglife.com |
This is obvious, ain't it? They want him, him wants to go to them, everything seems all settled. Well not really. Daniel Levy refuses to pay the fee for him. Looking at this transfer at all angles, it makes perfect sense to have completed it. Joao Moutinho's passing is immaculate and Spurs need someone to take over Modric. With Andre Villa Boas looking to play through the flanks, Joao Moutinho has the ability and vision to execute the required long passes to flanks for Bale and Lennon to cause havoc. Moutinho might even be a step-up from Modric, with more constant runs into the box to overload opponents. If only this transfer had been completed in the summer, Spurs might have seen their many draws at the start of the season turn into wins with Moutinho's bursts into the box giving the chance to convert a few of their many many many opportunities from the start of the season.
Of course, vision is always perfect when looking back. Just a fun feature, the transfer window is now closed anyway. Part 2 will be up next week. I won't be able to post on weekdays.
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