Sophomore surge
Two of the biggest signings from premier league clubs last summer were Erik Lamela and Stevan Jovetic. Neither of these men made their presence felt in their inaugural season in England, but after two weeks it’s clear these two are out to justify their steep transfer fees. Jovetic bagged a brace against Liverpool, while Lamela has electrified the Tottenham attack with his pace and creativity.
Clueless Woodward
Years from now, people may still be talking about David Moyes’ solitary season at Old Trafford as if the debacle was entirely the Scot’s fault. It’s beginning to look clear that Manchester United’s problems could stretch further than the Moyes effect, with director of football Ed Woodward running out of excuses for his abysmal handling of the transfer window time and time again. Red Devil fans can only hope that Angel Di Maria doesn’t turn out to be as big of a flop as Marouane Fellaini...I wouldn't worry about that.
Spanish feeder clubs?
It would be completely farfetched to declare Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid feeder clubs for the Premier League, but in the last 12 months Mesut Ozil, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez, Felipe Luis, and now Angel Di Maria have joined the premier league. This is no declaration of total supremacy, but the quality of players coming from Spain to England have been top-class in the last year.
Rodwell Freed
After his big move to Manchester City three years ago, much was expected from Jack Rodwell. On Sunday, he scored against Manchester United, but it was with Sunderland. Rodwell’s move to the Black Cats is great for not just the player, but also the league, because a talent like him needs to be on the field.
Welcome to England
It isn’t just the big-money signings that have an impact on the premier league. This season, a plethora of lesser-known World Cup stars will feature in the premier league. Carlos Sanchez (Aston Villa), Mauricio Isla (QPR, loan), David Ospina (Arsenal), Giorgios Samaras (West Brom), Deandre Yedlin (Spurs), Muhamed Besic (Everton), Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle), and Christian Atsu (Everton, loan) should all feature this season in England, with maybe the exception of Yedlin.
Southampton should be OK
Any premier league fan with a soul couldn’t possibly wish any worse on Southampton this summer. The Saints lost the likes of Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Calum Chambers, Dejan Lovren, and perhaps most importantly manager Mauricio Pochettino. However, the club have shown signs of competitiveness in the first two weeks, and new manager Ronald Koeman will likely sign more players before the close of the window.
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