The superstars of the green arena have redefined the game by updating their wardrobes to new colours. The impact of elite players has proven to not only bring in ability on the pitch, but presence and flair to the spirit of many teams, not to mention T-shirt sales.
As we get ready for another weekend of high definition sporting action, ThisIsFutbol flicks the magnifying glass over this summer’s top 5 astronomical transfers.
5. Lukas Moura, £ 32 million
From Sao Paulo to Paris Saint-Germain
The much coveted midfielder has finally ended links with Manchester United by choosing the French capital as destination with Paris Saint-Germain.
Moura could well be the perfect all round midfielder, with his passing and timing proving to be the deciding factor for his team on many occasions.
The Brazilian is also tactically gifted, knows how to engineer flowing football from the midfield and reads the game with deadly effectiveness.
The only side of Moura that can be questioned seems to be his temperament, which is somehow overshadowed by his footballing abilities.
2011/12 Statistics with Sao Paulo
Matches started: 28
Goals: 9
Assists: 2
Yellow card(s): 7
Red card(s): 1
4. Eden Hazard, £ 32 million
From Lille to Chelsea
The Belgian seems to fit in Chelsea’s blue like a match made in heaven. In 3 games, the silky midfielder has bagged 1 goal and made 4 assists.
His arrival has also given Torres his ‘Gerrard-factor’. The electric duo has set the stands alight at Stamford Bridge and much more is expected from fans all around.
Hazard is a crowd pleaser with incredible technique deployable at amazing speed. At 5 ft 7, his low centre of gravity gives him the ability to turn and dribble with dangerous precision. The former Lille man is also popular for his individual skills, known to love taking on defenders and conclude solo efforts with worthy end products.
A near ‘perfect’ model of the attacking midfielder Arsène Wenger loves might be a fitting description for the young midfielder.
2011/12 Statistics with Lille
Matches started: 35
Goals: 20
Assists: 16
Yellow card(s): 2
Red card(s): 0
3. Axel Witsel, £ 32 Million
From Benfica to Zenith Saint-Petersbourg
Another gifted Belgian from what could be one of their greatest generations, Witsel’s transfer should give enough insight about his quality.
At only 23 years of age, the midfielder declared his desire for a new challenge while speaking to Goal.com. He has joined former Porto player, Hulk, who also signed with the Russian champions in a deal totalising £ 76 million.
The talented young midfielder’s future development look promising and football fans should expect some entertaining moments from the dynamic duo in Russia.
2011/12 Statistics with Benfica
Matches started: 27
Goal(s): 1
Yellow card(s): 6
Red card(s): 0
2. Thiago Silva, £ 33.5 Million
From AC Milan to Paris Saint-Germain
Not to be confused with the MMA fighter, Silva has been plying his trade with the red & black outfit since 2009 and throughout that time has instated himself as one of the best defenders in the world.
Apart from his powerful and dominating presence, the Brazilian also adds a touch of finesse to his game, which sparked interest from Guardiola.
However, the super investors at PSG managed to get his signature and his presence at the heart of any defence spells hard work for the opposing attacking staff. Comparisons to Desailly seem fair judging the rock solid stability Silva delivers.
2011/12 Statistics with AC Milan
Matches started: 27
Goals: 2
Assists: 16
Yellow card(s): 2
Red card(s): 0
1. Hulk, £ 44 Million
From FC Porto to Zenith Saint-Petersbourg
The Brazilian makes it to the top spot as the biggest transfer of the summer. Givanildo Vieira de Souza, 26 years of age, known to most as Hulk, ends 5 years with Porto to start a new chapter in his career in Russia. Previously, he played in Japan in the J-League, where he scored 37 goals in 42 matches, picking the nickname Hulk along the way as fans thought he resembled the comic book hero of the same name.
In 2010-11, he helped Porto win the triple with 36 goals in 53 appearances, bringing the Portuguese Cup, Treble of League and Europa league.
Known for his muscular presence, quick feet, the Brazilian is also famous for his venomous left-foot, popular for unleashing unpredictable power shots.
The only 2 sides of his game that could do with some work are his defence and composure (after all, they call him Hulk).
2011/12 Statistics with FC Porto
Matches started: 21
Goals: 16
Assists: 0
Yellow card(s): 7
Red card(s): 0
Written by Danny D’Purb for ThisIsFutbol.com | Feel free to follow Danny on Twitter @DannyDPurb
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