And so our run of naming new additions to the master list of players to watch in the upcoming season is well and truly over. Richard Neale's additions are listed below and we now have a grand total of 26, though only two of those come courtesy of this, the final addition. However, if the weight of opinion is to be believed, the players likeliest to succeed and thus be worth targetting during the PlayTheGame campaign are those who have received two nominations.
These are Robin Van Persie of Arsenal, Kieran Richardson (Sunderland), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Giles Barnes (Derby County) and Carlos Edwards (Sunderland). The two Gunners are not much of a surprise but two Black Cats and a Ram make for strange company. Worthwhile targets? Time will tell, but first Richard's selections in full:
Robin van Persie (Arsenal) - The Dutchman missed almost half of last season after breaking the fifth metatarsal in his right foot against Manchester United in January 2007, but he still finished as Arsenal's leading scorer in the Premiership with 11 goals in 22 games. With the talismanic Thierry Henry now departed for Barcelona, RVP will thrive on the extra responsibility, providing he can stay clear of injury and curb what, at times, can be a somewhat suspect temperament. A sound fantasy bet who is more than capable of bagging 20-plus goals in the top flight this season.
Giles Barnes (Derby County) - In a workmanlike Derby County side sadly lacking in creative, match-winning talent Barnes is the glaring exception. One of the best young players in the Championship last season, he scored some jaw-droppingly good goals (take a look at this clip if you have yet to see him in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPMy-o7VhDw) and will be the one Rams player to remain in the top flight when they are, in all probability, relegated at the end of the season. Little wonder West Ham United have been desperate to secure his services this summer. Blessed with pace and an eye for the spectacular, Barnes also has amazing ball skills and is capable of humiliating opponents with his incredible technique. One thing to be wary of, though, is that he starts the season on the injured list, having broken a foot in the play-off final victory over West Bromwich Albion in May.
Carlos Edwards (Sunderland) - The signing of the Trinidad and Tobago international, who represented his country with distinction at the 2006 World Cup, from Luton during the January 2007 transfer window was one of the shrewdest acquisitions in English football last season. Edwards has the ability to cope with the demands of the bigger stage and will prove to be an instant hit with his surging forward runs and ability to score spectacular goals. He is not prolific, but do not be surprised if he wins a goal of the month award on Match of the Day; his stunning strike at home to Burnley last season was one of the goals of the season in the Championship.
Mikael Forssell (Birmingham City) - Mikael Forssell was one of the most feared forwards in the Premiership four years ago when he joined Birmingham City from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal, the flying Finland international striker finishing the campaign with 19 goals from 37 games. He has been plagued by fitness problems seemingly ever since but if - and yes, admittedly, it is a very big if - he can steer clear of injury, the signs have been there in pre-season that Forssell could be back to something approaching his best. He scored five goals in three friendly matches prior to the start of the 2007-08 Premier League campaign and Forssell's form has been such a revelation that his manager, Steve Bruce, is on record as saying that it is like having a new signing in his squad.
Jason Koumas (Wigan Athletic) - The signing of Jason Koumas from West Bromwich Albion in July 2007 for a hefty £5.3 million fee was huge for Chris Hutchings and could just prove to be the difference between relegation and the ability of the new manager to keep his side in the Premier League. Koumas was named the Championship player of the season in 2006-07, not so much for his nine goals but for his all-round attacking abilities from central midfield. Always probing for an opening, he simply sees opportunities to inflict damage on the opposition that few others possess, be it a sweetly-struck shot from distance or a perfectly-weighted pass between two defenders for a team-mate to run on to. Voted into the Championship team of the season in successive years, firstly while on loan at Cardiff City and latterly with West Brom, he has proved himself too good for that division and should relish the opportunity to showcase his talents on the highest stage. He is a setpiece specialist and has been in scintillating form in pre-season, where he has been among the goals.
And so our list thus far is as follows:
Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) x2
Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth)
Andriy Voronin (Liverpool)
David Healy (Fulham)
David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)
Luke Moore (Aston Villa)
Adel Taarabt (Tottenham)
Darren Bent (Tottenham)
Michael Dawson (Tottenham)
Joey Barton (Newcastle United)
Shay Given (Newcastle United)
Kieran Richardson (Sunderland) x2
Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) x2
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United)
Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea)
Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham)
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
Steven Reid (Blackburn)
Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal)
Martin Petrov (Manchester City)
Dean Ashton (West Ham)
Giles Barnes (Derby County) x2
Damien Duff (Newcastle)
Carlos Edwards (Sunderland) x2
Mikael Forssell (Birmingham City)
Jason Koumas (Wigan Athletic)
Comments (2)
when will new players be added to the transfer list?
PTG: New players are added on an ongoing basis once they have made an appearance for their club in a Premier League fixture.
Posted by Harvey | August 25, 2007 4:01 PM
Posted on August 25, 2007 16:01
As you will know that chelsea have added a new player to their team.
Will Chelseas new RBK be added to the player list?
Juliano Belletti ?
Posted by Harvey | August 27, 2007 2:09 AM
Posted on August 27, 2007 02:09