Top 10 Signings of the Summer / The best buys of 2009
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THE TOP 10 SIGNINGS OF THE SUMMER
The best buys of 2009
TEVEZ: First class in his first season at CityCARLOS TEVEZ has proved all the doubters wrong with a fantastic season in Manchester City's colours.
The big-money capture of the Argentine has paid off with his hat-trick against Wigan his second treble since joining the club.
But was he the best signing of last summer?
Take a look at our top ten and then let us know your thoughts using the feedback form and exclusive poll.
TOP TEN SIGNINGS OF THE SUMMER
1. Carlos Tevez - Unattached to Man City, £25m
After a few games, the knives were out for the South American striker. Sir Alex Ferguson was right not to sign him, his first touch wasn't good enough, his goal return was poor. But he worried his old club in a thrilling derby and, once off the mark in the league against another of his former teams in West Ham, he hasn't looked back. 19 goals in 26 starts is some record and he also weighed in with another six in six in during the Carling Cup run, which included three strikes against the Red Devils. The main man behind City's push for fourth spot and, if he gets them into next season's Champions League, it'll definitely be a case of money well spent.
2. Thomas Vermaelen - Ajax to Arsenal, £10m
Some scoffed when Arsene Wenger splashed out on the Belgian centre-back, with rumours in Holland suggesting the Gunners had overpaid. Now he looks like a steal after an accomplished first campaign at Premier League level. His partnership with William Gallas was rock-solid before the Frenchman got injured and he's already an Emirates favourite. Composed and cultured in possession, he weighs in with more than his fair share of goals.
3. Richard Dunne - Man City to Aston Villa, £6m
City have also made mistakes in the market and offloading Dunne is clearly one of them. The uncompromising Irishman was a popular figure with the supporters at Eastlands but jettisoned by former boss Mark Hughes to make way for Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott. Yet he's had better seasons than both of them and been a rock at the back for Villa. Reliable and rugged, he has helped the Midlanders go all the way to the Carling Cup final and book a return to Wembley to face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.
4. Darren Bent - Tottenham to Sunderland, £10m
Maybe he didn't go the right away about leaving Spurs when Tweeting obscenities about his bosses but Bent was desperate for first-team football to show he would score goals at the top level. When he got the move he craved, he hasn't stopped hitting the net and managed goals against all of the 'big four'. With his tally standing at 20 in 32 league games, there is no denying he has been one of the shrewdest signings of 2009. His record has always been impressive but it was a gamble from Steve Bruce - one that has struck gold for the Black Cats manager.
5. Niko Kranjcar - Portsmouth to Tottenham, £2m
Harry Redknapp likes a bargain and the Croatian was an absolute steal. With Pompey about to endure the worst year in their history, the midfielder was picked up for a song and has adapted well to life at White Hart Lane. With his fellow countrymen Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka at the club, he has been made to feel at home and become an important member of the side. Undoubtedly one of the biggest bargains over the past year or so.
6. Joe Hart - Man City to Birmingham, loan
With City splashing the cash, there was always going to be value around in picking up the players pushed to the fringes. Shay Given is an excellent keeper so the obvious option was to loan Hart out. There were no shortage of takers but Birmingham have benefitted hugely from having the England hopeful on board. The youngster has developed into a top-class goalie and the only problem is trying to convince City to sell him permanently. Scott Dann and Roger Johnson were also astute acquisitions from Alex McLeish but Hart has been the pick of the bunch.
7. Antonio Valencia - Wigan to Man United, £16m
Ferguson had the Ecuadorian earmarked as the replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo for some time and he's exceeded expectations in his first season at Old Trafford. An old-fashioned winger who likes to beat his man and deliver the ball into the box, he has supplied Wayne Rooney with plenty of chances this term. His manager has admitted he just needs to come out of his shell because he has a shy personality, and there is the feeling that he doesn't realise how good he can be. That said, he was man of the match in his first major final with United and there could be more medals on the way this season.
8. Kevin Doyle - Reading to Wolves, £6.5m
Wolves had been accused of not scoring enough goals until their recent win at West Ham, but there's no blame attached to their record buy. His goal return of seven from 28 matches is almost identical to his international record but his game is not all about putting the ball in the net. Doyle has developed into an ideal lone striker, capable of shielding the ball, keeping possession and putting in a lot of selfless work. Mick McCarthy's system is bringing the best out in him and he's worth far more than what they paid Reading for him now.
9. Jamie O'Hara - Tottenham to Portsmouth, loan
Pompey's money troubles have been well documented but they picked up a gem when signing the Spurs midfielder for the season. O'Hara has proved himself to be Premier League class and his determined displays have lifted the Fratton Park faithful. Although he misses out on the big FA Cup semi-final against his parent club, there will be other grand occasions for him later in his career - obviously starting with the final in May if Spurs are beaten. He won't stay on the south coast when Portsmouth go down and it's unlikely he'll remain at White Hart Lane. But he'll have a choice of where to play his football next term, that's for sure.
10.Damien Duff - Newcastle to Fulham, £4m
Many pundits saw the Irish winger as a player on the way down. Hampered by injuries, he had failed to reproduce the form that made him one of the most exciting players at the 2002 World Cup. While this season has been heartbreaking on the international front, and he missed a gilt-edged chance to win the play-off with France, things have gone swimmingly at Craven Cottage. Duff has weighed in with eight goals and added experience and a touch of quality to Roy Hodgson's midfield. With the Europa League run still going strong, he can be delighted with his contribution and reassured that his career is back on an upward curve.
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i thought Antonio Valencia should be among top 3 sia
he is quite a dangerous player in the epl
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i dont think in order one luh
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lucas lieva best signing!! he joined from a shit club to another shitty club.well done.i love poo,really.i sincerely love liver poo.FUCK LIVERPOO
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adebayor not in the list?
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Richard Dunne & Thomas Vermaelen really is a good buy!
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Originally posted by Rooney9:
adebayor not in the list?
uh adebayor where got good buy
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i think valencia needs to shoot more. But his crosses reminds me of beckham's.
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for mi
Darren Bent is a good buy
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thomas vermaelen.
almost injury free season. super cheap. consistent performer.
whether a top buy or not we should also consider his current market value. he could be worth almost double what AW pay to ajax.
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how come zamora not in there and doyle is?? what about diamanti and lee chung yong?
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For me is Kranjcar liao.