This season’s Premier League has been illuminated by a number of great players coming to the peak of their careers. The irrepressible Robin van Persie finally steered clear of injury and showed English football what he’s really all about. The mercurial Wayne Rooney rediscovered his best form and has hit over 30 goals, running RvP close in the scoring charts.
We also came to learn that the finest goalkeeper in the country is indeed one of our own, Joe Hart of Manchester City – the man has been a revelation between the sticks for the champions elect. But what about the newcomers? What about the men who have only just joined the Premier League elite? Those who have come to pastures new and taken to the British game like a duck to water?
A few stand out, the first of whom is Senegalese forward Papiss Cisse, Newcastle United’s new number nine, signed in January. The 26-year old beanpole striker has absolutely lit up Tyneside with a clutch of goals in such a short spell of time, his record truly speaks for itself – 13 goals in 12 games and in only one game has Cisse failed to find the net for a resurgent Newcastle United side who have been cooking on gas for the last few weeks. Signed from Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg for a fee in the region of £10 million, Cisse has wasted no time in repaying the faith that Toon boss Alan Pardew has put in him.
Indeed, he scored on his debut against Aston Villa – a cracking half volley from the edge of the box and his since come on in leaps and bounds. He has formed an excellent partnership with his fellow Senegalese Demba Ba and his instinctive, intelligent play has ensured that the Toon Army didn’t have to wait too long to savour a striker on the shores of the Tyne. Need evidence of the man’s ability – check out his latest strike against Chelsea. A 25-yard half volley hit from an insane angle and swerving well out of the reach of Petr Cech.
Another slightly less glamorous but equally important signing (albeit on loan) has been the Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, acquired by Swansea City from German club Hoffenheim in January. Sigurdsson has settled into Premier League life just as quickly as Cisse, providing dynamic and enterprising midfield play for a Swansea side who have thoroughly enjoyed bringing their tiki-taka style passing game to the top flight.
Sigurdsson has revelled in his role at the club, scoring seven goals in only 17 appearances and providing a key focal point for the club’s attack – sitting in well alongside Britton, Sinclair and Dyer. He became the first Swan to win Premier League Player of the Month in April and, despite having a bid rejected by Hoffenheim only this week, the south Wales club will be looking to extend the 22-year old’s stay well beyond the summer.
Up in Manchester, the men in sky blue will state that they have acquired the most dynamite-like signing of them all in the diminutive Argentinian Sergio Aguero. The 23-year old has enjoyed an incredible first season at the Etihad Stadium following his defection from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
He already finds himself third in the goalscoring charts behind Rooney and van Persie and has provided much stability for manager Roberto Mancini who has had to deal with the volatile nature of Mario Balotelli and, initially, Carlos Tevez, as well as the inconsistency of Edin Dzeko, who started the season well but has faded. Aguero, son-in-law of one particular Argentinian named Maradona, is quick, has excellent movement and plays superbly on the shoulder of the defender. Most importantly, he is an exemplary finisher and how City will thank him and his goals should they go on to be crowned champions.
A great signing is one who wastes no time in adapting to his environment, who quickly goes about his business and shows himself, in a short space of time, to be a key asset to his side. All of the above have these qualities in spades and have helped their respective sides enjoy excellent Premier League campaigns. Who do you think has been the most shrewd signing? Oh, sorry, I forgot to include Roger Johnson.
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