DISQUS

Michael · 1 year ago

Karthik -- great article. I agree with you on almost every player here, definitely ones to watch.

Weston · 1 year ago

I am particularly interested in seeing how Jo plays for ManCiteh, a no-name striker from the Russian premier league for 19mil pounds? He must be good, or that crook Thaksin must be desparate.

Dos Santos looks like he will be a quick fan favorite and is already well on his way just by smiling on the pitch and enjoying the game of football, unlike a certain Bulgarian employee. Saying GDS is on level with Berbatov is obviously exaggerating, but his future does certainly look bright.

Lonnie · 1 year ago

Boro had a speedy winger last season -- his name is Stewart Downing !! :) But it will be nice to see someone perhaps compliment him on the right side of midfield.

Lonnie · 1 year ago

I would have put Luka Modric ahead of Behrami.

I also think its a bit of a stretch to dos Santos is "right up there with Berbatov"....he's had a couple cups of coffee in the Barca first team but if they rated him as a player in that class, I don't picture Barca letting him go. If they have then things are in bad shape at the Nou Camp ! :)

Michael · 1 year ago

Weston, believe me..Jo is quality, he was worth that much money. He's going to have a great breakout season.

SamSpur · 1 year ago

Vela isn't a new transfer...just called back from loan when he got a work permit. I'd also bet on a certain portuguese midfielder, Miguel Veloso, coming to spurs in the coming weeks and joining this list!

Karthik Balasubramanian · 1 year ago

I knew Vela was out on loan at Osasuna but he is like a new signing this season and I think the stint with Osasuna did him a world of good.. And are spurs going for Veloso?? really?? another midfielder and not a forward?? hmm.. dont really know what to think about that..

SamSpur · 1 year ago

Karthik, spurs are actively looking for upgrades at center back and defensive midfield. All the talent they've bought (Modric, Bentley, Dos Santos) are mainly attacking players. Veloso fills a big gap at defensive mid upgrading on Jenas/Zokora/Huddlestone, who likely will be fighting for one starting spot at best.

Remember, the problem for them is shipping goals, and while the Gomes upgrade helps at keeper, all those goals weren't Robinson's fault. And by the way, the link to Corluka of Man City is true, he should be joining as well within the next few days. He'll be cover for King/Woodgate's injury problems, as well as at RB and Dmid as well.

Chris O · 1 year ago

Excellent article - well done, Kartik.

I'd say all of your selections were made on merit and I for one will be looking forward to seeing them (especially Behrami as a West Ham fan!)

I heard a glowing reference to Villanueva the other day but at one point he was described as 'Dos Santos Lite' because he hasn't got the Tottenham man's pace. Is this so, would you say, and will it impede him in any way?

Karthik Balasubramanian · 1 year ago

Man City wont sell Corluka.. All these players seem good but where is the money coming from?? and also they need to sell one of Jenas, Zokora or Huddlestone..

Arshavin - 20 million
Veloso - 15 million
Corluka - 7-8 million
-----------------------------
42-43 million pounds

really??

Karthik Balasubramanian · 1 year ago

I think in the end they are gonna keep "the Berbabot" and wont need Arshavin.. in that case, welcome Veloso..

Karthik Balasubramanian · 1 year ago

@Chris O - I ve seen him play on youtube.. from what I saw, he looked really good but also the opposition he played against wasnt quite prem standard.

There is no doubt he is good, he may not be as pacy as Dos Santos or Walcott but he seems to have a keen football acumen.. Like I said before, I think he will struggle a bit initially.. but with some coaching from MGP he will come really good towards the end. He will also score a few from free kicks.

In fact I think he is much more of a "finished article" than Dos Santos and Walcott.. he has the ability to be better than both of them.

Nick · 1 year ago

If we're looking at young players that could make an impact this year i would include Ben Sahar (on loan at pompey), Di Santo (2 goals in preseason), Gael Kakuta and Miraslav Stoch (youth team stars), those chelsea boys got skills! Mark my words...

Sanjay · 1 year ago

As a gooner I have to add a few more players here. Jack Wilshere and Alex Song should be great too, although neither of them is really going to challenge for a starting spot. Actually, Maybe Song might be backup in defense or as a defensive midfielder.

R.BALASUBRAMANIAN · 1 year ago

Karthik, i read the article. your observations were based on in depth analysis of each player i concur with your observations in toto.