Squawka’s January Transfer sale: Uncovering the bargains across Europe

Tricky Midfielders

England

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle): 47 take-ons (58% success).

Hatem Ben Arfa’s natural talent and ability is clear for all to see, although his decision-making often leaves a lot to be desired. The tricky midfielder has surged past 47 opposition players this season, but with fellow Frenchman Rémy Cabella rumoured as a possible transfer target for Newcastle, along with Alan Pardew’s challenge for Ben Arfa to regain a first team place, could the former Marseille player end his three-and-a-half year stay in England this year?

France

Roy Contout (Sochaux): 41 take-ons (51% success).

Roy Contout has won more take-ons (41) than any other player in Ligue 1, even though Sochaux have won a miserable two matches all season. The 28-year-old forward also happens to be the club’s second most imaginative player, having created a total of 15 chances for others.

Spain

Alhassane Bangoura (Rayo Vallecano): 51 take-ons (52% success).

Alhassane Bangoura, or “Lass” as he prefers to be known, has surged past more opposition players than Neymar (50), however his overall contribution has been mediocre, picking up a Performance Score of -58.

Germany

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Mainz 05): 66 take-ons (66%) success.

Mainz Ninth in the Bundesliga with one of the league’s most ingenious dribblers at their disposal. If Maxim Choupo-Moting continues to deliver exceptional performances for Mainz following his 2011 transfer from Hamburger SV, the rest of Europe will soon be adding the 24-year-old to their shopping list – especially considering his contract expires this summer.

Italy

Alessio Cerci (Torino): 44 take-ons (47% success).

With Alessio Cerci expressing his desire to play in the Champions League, it’s seems only a matter of time until the Italy international departs Torino. Whether that be in Italy, or elsewhere in Europe, potential suitors can expect to sign an exciting player who has successfully dribbled past 44 opposition players.