Now that we're ten games or so into the new Premier League season, we thought it was a timely point to see how some of the big-name transfers have been getting on at their new clubs. Here's a short progress report on a selection of those playing at clubs listed A-L in alphabetical order:
Eduardo Da Silva (Arsenal)
Good start for The Gunners. Has scored a couple of goals in the league and is already a regular in Arsene Wenger's side on the basis of his impressive performances thus far. A useful utility striker to call upon, and one of Wenger's more astute purchases in recent seasons.
Impact rating: 7/10
Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa)
Who? Since arriving at Villa Park he's made just three substitute appearances and failed to score any goals. Struggling to get into Martin O'Neill's side thanks to Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor's current good form. A case of 'out of the West Ham frying pan and into the fire'?
Impact rating: 2/10
Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa)
Has picked up where he left off at Upton Park by giving supporters an occasional glimpse of quality, but he's also remained consistent on the disciplinary front, too. Four yellow cards and one red won't please his manager and he may have to improve that side of his game if he's to prosper in future. Overall though, not a bad start so far.
Impact rating: 6/10
Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn)
An explosive start to the season tailed off a little after the first few games, but the Paraguayan has recently returned to form to maintain his 'goal every other game' ratio. Partnered with Benni McCarthy, he's one half of a potentially lethal strike force who should be in the top goalscorers table come the end of the season.
Impact rating: 8/10
Florent Malouda (Chelsea)
Despite scoring in the Community Shield match, the steady stream of goals that were expected to follow... didn't. He looks a capable enough player and is obviously still adjusting to life in the Premier League, but he sometimes fades from view during matches. An obvious talent but one that isn't currently playing to his full potential.
Impact rating: 6/10
Kenny Miller (Derby)
This proved to be quite an eye-opening transfer at the start of the season and it's not difficult to see why. After a successful spell at Celtic, Miller's already scored two goals in five appearances and could be the single reason why Derby will avoid relegation this season. A quality player who continues to show plenty of promise.
Impact rating: 7/10
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton)
Has chipped in with a couple of goals so far this season, but David Moyes was quick to drop him from the team when he was suspected of not working hard enough in training. If he can up his game somewhat and earn a regular place in the team, we should see more of the sort of form that made him a favourite at Middlesbrough... at least until the African Nations Cup starts in January.
Impact rating: 5/10
David Healy (Fulham)
The former Preston and Leeds man has struggled a little so far this season. A couple of goals early on was a sign of what we thought was things to come, but it's all come to a shuddering halt for the Northern Ireland man. Even his Fulham team-mates are struggling to score, so maybe a few good results will turn the fortunes and restore the confidence of Healy and co.?
Impact rating: 4/10
Andriy Voronin (Liverpool)
The blonde Ukrainian has scored some valuable goals already this season and might have picked up a few more were it not for Rafa Benitez's infamous rotation system. A handy player to have and one who is destined for greater things at Liverpool but needs to see more action before it happens. With many other strikers to choose from, Rafa's probably got his fingers in his ears as we speak...
Impact rating: 7/10
Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
As 'Andriy Voronin', but substitute 'Ukrainian' for 'Spaniard'.
Impact rating: 8/10.
Part 2 follows tomorrow...
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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2 comments:
I would disagree with Eduardo and Torres. I think both of them should be rated one point less (6 for Eduardo and 7 for Torres).
Eduardo hasn't really done all that much yet, nicking a couple goals here and there. In fairness, he hasn't had to, though, seeing as the rest of the team is zooming right now. I believe Wenger bought him as cover, and in that respect he's been doing well. So rather than being "impactful" he's been quietly efficient. Or maybe that's the same thing.
As for Torres, he's nabbed a couple big goals (Spurs and Chelsea), has good movement and speed, and seems to have settled in to the team. He's not really helping Liverpool win though, so that's why I think his impact has been slightly less. Or, I could just biased, because I really just don't like Fernando Torres.
That's all fair enough, Adam. I was hoping someone would suggest their own scores!
I think you're right about Eduardo. 'Quietly efficient' is a good description of him. If I had half-points, I'd probably give him 6.5 instead...
Torres, I think, suffers from infrequent selection, as with Voronin. I'd have almost certainly scored them both higher had they played more often and shown the world more of what they're all about.
Collectively, Liverpool aren't succeeding because their best players are warming the bench too often.
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