Best buys of 2010

Friday, 07/01/2011

With the transfer window back open, speculation about new Premier League arrivals has already reached fever pitch, with stories of Ronaldinho joining Blackburn and the possibility of David Beckham returning to England with Spurs dominating the headlines.

Such high-profile players rarely move in the January transfer window and it’s more likely that some of the lesser-known names will turn into transfer gems by the end of the season.

Some of the best singings of the 2010 August transfer window are those players with a lower profile and less expectation, and it’s those signings that have settled in at their new clubs the best, already becoming key members of the first team. But, who have been the best signings of the season so far? Here are a few of the candidates…

Rafael van der Vaart

The Dutchman has been an absolute revelation since joining Tottenham on the final day of the summer transfer window. His goalscoring record has made him one of the most effective attacking players in the Premier League this season and his style of play has help take Harry Redknapp’s rapidly developing Spurs side to another level. Van der Vaart has adapted well to the pace of the Premier League and his workrate and ability to link-up play has made him an excellent addition at White Hart Lane. When you consider the £8m fee, Rafael has to be one of the bargains of the season.

 Javier Hernandez (Chicarito)

The diminutive Mexican has settled into English football and life at Manchester United like a seasoned pro. Goals have been easy to come by for the 22-year-old striker who has shown excellent movement and extreme composure in front of goal. Often starting from the bench, Hernandez has scored vital winning goals for United on several occasions and like his finishing, comparisons to Reds legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are certainly not wide of the mark. Chicarito’s ability to score tap-ins and spectacular headed goals single him out as one of the young stars of the season.

Cheik Tiote

Andy Carroll may have grabbed the headlines for Newcastle’s impressive start to the season, but alongside the creativity of Joey Barton in the Magpies midfield, the consistency, workrate and reading of the game of defensive midfielder, Cheik Tiote has been just as vital to the Geordies’ success. The Ivory Coast international joined the club in the summer for around £4m and his energy both on and off the ball, combined with natural strength and bravery make him perfectly suited to the hustle and bustle of Premier League football.

Danny Welbeck

The Manchester United striker may have only joined Sunderland on a season-long loan and not a permanent transfer, but he’s still been one of the best signings of the 2010-11 campaign so far. Welbeck has been given a regular starting birth by Steve Bruce and is relishing the opportunity, impressing both as a winger and central striker. The England Under 21 international has scored six goals already this term and his pace, movement and natural ability on the ball have been a major asset to the Black Cats.

Kenwyne Jones

When Tony Pulis parted with £8m for the Trinidad and Tobago striker’s services, more than a few eyebrows were raised in the Premier League. Jones had been linked with a move from Sunderland for a number of seasons, but Stoke were the first-team to stump up the cash and tempt him away. Without being a prolific scorer, Kenwyne’s physical presence and towering strength in the air have been a major asset to the Potters this term, and his return of six Premier League goals is decent.

Laurent Koscielny

The French defender has adapted well to the rigours of the Premier League, showing pace and strength in the tackle and in the air since arriving from FC Lorient in the summer. The 25-year-old has been so impressive that Arsenal’s form actually took a dip when he was out of the team injured. A long-term partnership with the currently injured Thomas Vermaelen should help sure up the Gunners backline for years to come. If Arsene Wenger can bring in a top class goalkeeper this month then the North London club could maintain a championship challenge until the end of the season.

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