Post-Window Awards

Now that the dust has settled on the record transfer window for English clubs, time to take a look at some of the most noteworthy deals that went down in the summer.  

Best Transfer: Diego Costa, Chelsea

After just three games in the Chelsea blue Costa has already earned the adoration of every Blues fan on the planet.  Four premier league goals in three games signal the arrival of a truly world-class striker at Chelsea, something they’ve been missing since Didier Drogba’s hay-day.  If I were Costa though, I would watch who I talk trash to, especially if Tim Howard is watching. 

Worst Transfer: Eliaquim Mangala, Manchester City

What would be a transfer window without the Citizens grossly overpaying for at least one player? Some would say 28 million pounds for Luke Shaw was a lot, but 32 million pounds for Eliaquim Mangala sounds a little ridiculous.  Shaw has two years of premier league experience under his belt, while Mangala is untested for both club and country.  I could be wrong, but until he justifies his massive transfer fee I’ll be scratching my head at this one.  

Best Signing on the Wrong Side of 30: Gareth Barry, Everton

Barry was one of Roberto Martinez’ stalwarts while on loan last season at Everton.  Him and James McCarthy form arguably the strongest pair of true holding midfielders in the league, while his experience will be invaluable to an otherwise very young team.  

Biggest Risk: Mario Balotelli, Liverpool

This one a no-brainer.  Balotelli brings truckloads of talent with him, but also boatloads of extra baggage.  Everywhere the striker has gone, he has lit up the field with his stellar play but also with his bizarre and unpredicatble behavior.  The Italian’s presence on the field could elevate Liverpool to another level, Sunday’s 3-0 win over Tottenham an example of how he helps the squad.  Brendan Rodgers' stock continues to rise, but it could skyrocket should he work magic with Balotelli.   

Best Loan: Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace

Just a year ago, Wilfried Zaha was one of the most coveted youngsters in Europe.  His loan back to Crystal Palace benefits all parties, especially the player.  Zaha has the talent to feature regularly in the premier league, and under Neil Warnock will see exceptional playing time.  A late equalizer at the weekend will thrust him back into the good graces of Golden Eagles fans everywhere.  

Best Value: Jack Colback, Newcastle

Colback gets the nod in the value department, since the 24 year old didn’t cost Newcastle United anything.  Colback, a boyhood Newcastle supporter, had to make the switch across town from arch-rivals Sunderland.  This is reminiscent of Sol Campbell’s switch from Tottenham to Arsenal, but don’t expect Newcastle to go undefeated for 49 matches because of Colback.  

Job Well-Done: Steve Bruce, Hull City

With European football on the horizon, Steve Bruce had his work cut out for him this summer.  He responded by bringing in Jake Livermore, Robert Snodgrass, Tom Ince, Harry Maguire, Andrew Robertson, Michael Dawson, Abel Hernandez, Mohamed Diame, Gaston Ramirez, and Hatem Ben Arfa.  Quite the haul for a mid-table club.  

Best Swap: Gylfi Sigurdsson, Swansea

Sigurdsson fits perfectly into Swansea’s system, and it was well worth giving up Ben Davies and Michel Vorm to secure his services.  Sigurdsson has been at the middle of Swansea’s terrific start in the league and looks poised to regain his status as a highly-coveted player.