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.  

Can Everton Survive Without Barkley?

Considered by many to be the answer to England’s problem at the playmaker role, Ross Barkley looked ready to further improve his star status in the 2014/2015 season.  His injury which could sideline him for months is an unfortunate one, not just for the Toffees but the entire league and the Three Lions too.  

After a disappointing 2-2 draw at Leicester City on Saturday, Roberto Martinez is under even more pressure to deliver a result against Arsenal at the weekend.  However, the Spaniard was coy on the prospect of bringing in a replacement for Barkley this week.  He does point out that even with the idea of a grueling European schedule, Everton have enough depth to cope with the loss of such a scintillating player.  

Martinez admitted that Everton cannot replace Ross Barkley, and he’s absolutely right.  I say that because Barkley has such high value and given the club's commitments to both him and Romelu Lukaku, I can’t imagine the Toffees spending anymore money this summer.  

Thus, other players will take their turn stepping into the 20-year old’s shoes in the attacking midfield.  Leon Osman has been a loyal servant to the Merseyside club, but Steven Pienaar, Steven Naismith, and Kevin Mirallas will platoon the position as well.  As I wrote the other day, Muhamed Besic has yet to feature for the club and may very well be an excellent replacement.  

At the weekend, Everton will host a sluggish-looking Arsenal.  The Gunners haven’t impressed since their 3-0 romp of Manchester City in the Community Shield, but Mesut Ozil will likely return to the lineup.  In his first appearance, whether it be off the bench or in a starting role, I don’t expect the German to be at his best, but the prospect of him joining the Arsenal attack is scary for Everton and will boost the performances of his teammates.  

James McCarthy and Gareth Barry must put in a good shift in the defensive midfield if they are to slow down the creative players for Arsenal.  Per Mertesacker could also return for Arsenal, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the impressive Calum Chambers features again alongside Laurent Koscielny.  

Some may look to this fixture as a must-win for both teams, but I would argue it is more of a must-win for Arsenal.  Arsenal have to establish confidence against good teams this early in the season, while Everton are under much less pressure to deliver a title-challenging campaign.  

Long-term, I wouldn’t worry too much about Everton.  Roberto Martinez’ reputation precedes itself, and this is a good enough team to the point where losing one player, albeit their best player, won’t bring them down.  Seamus Coleman will probably be fit for the Arsenal game, a big boost for a club in need of one.

Martinez has shown he is adept at overcoming challenges, and even with the absence of Barkley they should be able to create chances and defend well like they always do.  Lukaku will be fit soon, while Everton can always count on loyal performers at the back like Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, and Tim Howard.  

If Everton were to not pick up three points against Arsenal, it would be far from the end of the world.  Away to a newly-promoted club and home against a top four club is never an easy tandem of fixtures to begin a season with, but the schedule lightens for the Merseyside club in the coming weeks.  Under the pragmatic Roberto Martinez, Everton should be fine with the vacancy left by Ross Barkley.