Top 10 Premier League transfers of 2011

The transfer windows are one of the most frustratingly exciting periods for any football fan. Every die-hard fan will testify that they spent the last few hours of deadline day glued to the television for transfer news, which symbolizes the epitome of excitement the transfer window represents. And if you support a team playing in the best leagues of Europe, there is bound to be a lot of speculation, be it January or July-August. In the last two transfer windows, we have seen big money being splashed by the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League. Whereas clubs like Manchester United, Spurs and Sunderland have pursued the policy of ‘value for money’, being prudent in their spending.

So who are the players have emerged as the biggest winners in this case? Let’s find out -

Phil Jones (Manchester United)

Manchester United had been linked with quite a number of big names in the summer but Sir Alex Ferguson surprised one and all when the news came in that he had signed the Blackburn teenager for a fee for £16 million. Most observers called it a ‘shrewd’ signing by Ferguson, given that there had been no rumours as such involving Jones that made him look like a good future prospect. However, Jones hit the ground running, and made a big impression upon the fans when he came on against City in the Community Shield, which United won 3-2 after being 2-0 down at half time. Be it at right back, centre back or central midfield, he has been delivering consistent performances for his new club. And that has also earned him a call-up to the England national squad and his performances prompted England coach Capello to remark that United have signed a ‘star in the making’. With Nemanja Vidic ruled out with a season-ending injury, Jones has the opportunity, not to mention the talent, to be his perfect replacement in the near future at Manchester United.

Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Arsenal were tipped to sign the talented Spaniard when Chelsea emerged out of nowhere to make him their biggest signing this summer for approximately £29 million. When he arrived at Stamford Bridge, many felt that it was the start of a new policy of ‘replacing the old order’ as young players like Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht), Thibait Courtouis (Genk) and Oriol Romeu (Barcelona) have arrived too. However, Mata didn’t take much time at all to prove that Roman Abramovich’s investment was worth every penny. Usually playing on the left wing, he can also slot behind the striker as an attacking midfielder and Andre Villas-Boas’s tactics have utilized his talents very well. He has been one of their standout players this season and his consistency at such a young age is something to rave about. Chelsea need to ensure that Mata stays fit throughout, if they are to harbour any hopes of winning some silverware this season.

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Some people insist that he is more famous since he is Maradona’s son-in-law. But Sergio or ‘Kun’ Aguero (as he is fondly known) is one of the world’s most talented footballers in his own right. Bought by Athletico Madridas a teenager after he became the youngest player to debut in the Argentinian league, he shone in Spain and established himself as one of the players to watch out for in La Liga alongside the likes of Messi, David Silva and Rossi. And no one was surprised when he was constantly linked to financially strong clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City. When Roberto Mancini brought him to the blue half of Manchester for a club record fee of £38 million, everyone was skeptical as to whether he would be able to make the switch to English football. Playing upfront alongside the likes of Mario Balotelli, David Silva and Edin Dzeko, Aguero has been a key part of the attacking line that has racked up 49 goals in 15 Premier League games, a record in itself. And he’s only 23, which means he can go on to make history for the Citizens in the years to come.

Gervinho (Arsenal)

The Ivory Coast striker first grabbed eyeballs when he came on the international scene during last year’s World Cup in South Africa. He did his reputation no harm when he played a vital role in helping Lille to the Ligue One title after more than a decade last season. Once the summer transfer window opened, Arsene Wenger was quick to capture his services for a reasonable £11 million. Though his Arsenal debut didn’t go well as he was sent off against Newcastle, Gervinho recovered from the early setback as Arsenal’s troubles also disappeared one by one. He quickly cemented his place in the first team as left winger-forward, a position where Andrei Arshavin never really settled down. His dribbles, pace combined with deft (and at times, erratic) finishing have really pleased the fans and if Gervinho can take his consistency a notch higher, Wenger can look upon him as a ‘bargain’ when the season ends.

Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur)

The former West Ham United skipper was on the market as soon as it seemed inevitable that the Hammers would be relegated last season. Though he was linked to a number of Premier League clubs in the summer, Tottenham Hotspur were always the front-runners. And Harry Redknapp, in his famous wheeler-dealer style, waited for the whole summer till he signed the England midfielder for a bargain price of £5.5 million on deadline day. Spurs had struggled to combat their Premier League rivals earlier this season. But the addition of Parker added some steel to their midfield, and also liberated playmaker Luka Modric to play in a more advanced role than last season. His crunching tackles and timely interceptions in defensive midfield have been one of the major reasons for Spurs’s good form in recent weeks. Though the 31-year-old can hardly be called a long term solution, it should very well serve towards Tottenham’s bid to get back into the Champions League after last season’s successful European campaign.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

The Uruguayan striker and controversy seem to share a really good bond. His claim to fame on the international stage came during the 2010 World Cup with his ‘Hand of God’ against Ghana, which saw him sent off for handling the ball on the goal line and then exulting in a celebratory outburst following Ghana’s missed penalty. Recently, he has been fighting a racism charge by FA for abusing Patrice Evra. To top all that, the incessant abuse from rival fans about his alleged diving antics. But all of that cannot take anything from the fact that he is arguably Liverpool’s most important player. Arriving in January on deadline day for £22 million after Torres departed for Chelsea, he won over the Kop very soon with his exciting displays, magnificent control over the ball and goal scoring ability. Liverpool have targeted a return to the Premier League top four this season under manager Kenny Dalglish, and the gaffer is going to need every bit of the Uruguayan’s services if the Merseysiders are to make their way back to Europe’s elite.

Jose Enrique (Liverpool)

Liverpool had been struggling to find a permanent candidate for the left back position for the past two seasons. So much that Glen Johnson, who is usually first choice right back, had to play in that position for crucial games. With the talented Aurelio injured more than often and Insua failing to inspire confidence, Dalglish made his mind up on getting the Spaniard from Newcastle. And what a bargain it has been at a mere £6 million. Initially touted to bring the goals out of Andy Carroll, Enrique has started every league game this season – proof of the manager’s trust in his abilities. And the former Villareal player hasn’t disappointed him either, marshalling the left flank with real gusto and grit. He seems to be improving all the time, evident in his crosses and dribbles. And if he manages to make the left back position his own by the end of this season, there is really not much that will stop him from becoming one of the Kop’s favourites.

Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland)

The Swede started his career at Arsenal but never managed to break into the first team, managing a meagre total of 3 appearances. Perhaps it was bad timing, with the ‘Invincibles’ in full flow back then. Thereafter, he moved to Birmingham City where he grabbed a regular spot in the first team. Last season, after experiencing Carling Cup glory with the Midlands club and then being relegated to the Championship, Steve Bruce brought him to Wearside on a free transfer. And even though his side wasn’t performing and getting the results, Larsson kept putting in great shifts on the left wing. Compound that with his renowned set piece taking ability. Larsson has beenSunderland’s top scorer this season with 5 league goals, three of them coming from free kicks including one against former club Arsenal. Even Arsene Wenger labeled him as ‘best free-kick-taker’. The manager might have changed for the Black Cats, but Larsson’s good times might be just beginning to dawn on Wearside.

Demba Ba (West Ham United and Newcastle United)

One can be sure of the feeling Stoke City fans get whenever they see Demba Ba score. The Senegalese striker had failed a medical at the club in January and though he was known for scoring goals at Hoffenheim, Tony Pulis decided he wasn’t worth the risk. Then comes in Avram Grant, to sign Ba on a pay-as-you-play deal. And he made Stoke rue their decision, as he scored 7 goals in 12 appearances for West Ham. But it wasn’t enough to save the Hammers from the relegation axe, and Alan Pardew moved in to sign the striker as a replacement for the departed Andy Carroll. And how has he vindicated the faith of the club management in him. After a tough start (which Pardew points out as the month of Ramadan) Ba found his scoring boots with a hat-trick against Blackburn Rovers. He has amassed 11 goals in 14 league appearances till now, and his goals are one of the major reasons of Newcastle United’s stronghold in the top half of the table this season.

Aiyegbeni Yakubu (Blackburn Rovers)

Also known as ‘The Yak’, the Nigerian has previously plied his trade at various Premier League clubs such as Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Everton, and has been quite successful in each of his stints. So when Everton were struggling to meet his wage demands, Steve Kean acted quickly to bring the burly striker to Ewood Park for an undisclosed fee. And as soon as he had overcome his persistent weight issues, he switched to full gear as he put in a Man-of-the-Match performance on his Blackburn debut in a 4-3 home win over Arsenal with a brace. His standout performance this season came against Swansea City, when he scored all four goals for Blackburn in a 4-2 victory. His current tally stands at 9 goals from 9 appearances, and given he doesn’t have to face spending much time on the sidelines, Yakubu can be one of those competing for the Premier League Golden Boot.