World Cup Corner

So another exciting Premiership season has come to an end. Congratulations to Manchester United for snatching the crown away from Chelsea. I think this finally lends credence to the old saying that “You cant buy the title”. Football winners are always about mentatlity, hunger, tactics and teamwork. While it certainly helps to have the best players, it doesn’t always translate into winners. Real Madrid and Chelsea are 2 very good examples. Here are the top 10 best signings of the 06/07 season that have made an impact on the English game.

10. Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesborough):
Arguably one of the most naturally gifted central defenders England has produced in a while, Woodgate has been plague by injuries for the past few seasons. Upon returning to Boro, his hometown club, Woodgate has contrived to put in a string of classy performances leading up to a recall to the national team. It remains to be seen if his injuries problems are gone for good, but it is fair to say that, when fit, Woodgate has to be one of the best centerbacks in the league at the moment.

9. Kanu (Portsmouth):
The tall and gangly striker has seen it all. From being a Champions League winner with Ajax to being told he had to quit the game at the young age of 22 during his stint at Inter Milan. Through it all, Kanu has somehow managed to stay in the game earning the reputation of being a skillful and unpredictable support striker, but lacking the predatory finish. This past season however, has changed much of that perception with his best ever goal return of 12 in 32 starts.

8. David James (Portsmouth,):
Another former “has been” that was revitalized by Harry Redknapp. The imposing keeper broke David Seaman’s record for most clean sheets. A far cry when he was known as ‘Calamity James’ and often flubbed crosses and corners during his Liverpool days. With Paul Robinson looking shaky in decision making at the moment, the path is clear for James to regain the no. 1 jersey in the national team.

7. Javier Mascherano (Liverpool): While he had a torrid time at West Ham, he has quickly become an integral component of Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool team. Just goes to show what an experienced and tactically aware manager can do with the players at his disposal. Mascherano put in a man of the match performance against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final 2nd leg. Breaking up attacks and distributing the ball with skill and vision. Any player that is able to displace Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko deserves a mention in the top 10. Mascherano holds the dubious distinction of being both the worst (West Ham) and best (Liverpool) signings of the season.

6. Christopher Samba (Blackburn):
The giant Congolese defender is arguably pound for pound, arguably the best signing of the season. Transferred for a mere 400k during the January transfer window, Samba has adapted quickly to the pace and power of the Premiership.

5. Joleon Lescott (Everton):
Originally a right-sided central defender, Lescott has garnered rave reviews for his left full back and centreback performances. Classy and composed, it won’t be long until Lescott finds the consistency needed to earn an England call-up and eventual cap.

4. Obafemi Martins (Newcastle):
Taking over the no. 9 shirt from the legendary Alan Shearer at Newcastle can be a very daunting task. But Martins has shown that he has the hunger, application and ability to do this. With 17 goals in all competitions, it has to be said that Martins is a success for the Magpies. Blessed with amazing pace and physical power, it remains to be seen if Martins and Michael Owen can form a lethal partnership next season.

3. Carlos Tevez (West Ham): Tevez, along with his Arngentine compatriot Mascherano endured a torrid introduction to the Premiersihp. Once he adapted though, there was no turning back for Tevez. All important strikes in the last 7 games for the Hammers Tevez has almost singlehandedly lead the line for the Hammers and it is no wonder he ended up West Ham’s player of the year.

A very special player, who by all indications will be a major player in the years to come. The question now is, can West Ham hold on to their prized asset?

2. Benni McCarthy (Blackburn):
McCarthy has been in the transfer rumormill for the past few seasons before Mark Hughes and Blackburn finally took the plunge at the start of the season. 24 goals later, the South African has banished any doubts as to his ability to perform in the Premiership.

Signed for just £2.5 million, McCarthy’s value has got to be at least in the £15 million range now. Why he was not signed sooner remains a mystery.

1. Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham):
The lanky Bulgarian wins the award of the best signing of the season. With a wonderful first touch, ball control and vision, Berbatov has been an integral part of Tottenham’s successful campaign.

Most important;y, Berbatov possesses the calm clinical finishing required for all goal poachers. 24 goals in all competitions has brought forth unrelenting rumors of a big money transfer to one of the big four. Will Tottenham smash their wage cap structure to accommodate Berbatov? It would certainly be foolish not to.