This transfer window’s been as interesting as a bowl of Sprout soup, but which players should be sending Sky Sports News into overdrive come deadline day?
Andrey Arshavin
The diminutive Russian has made Dimitar Berbatov look like a seasoned athlete this term. Whilst his talent is undoubted, Arshavin has rightly been used as a spare part for Arsenal recently.
At times the 30 year old looks more interested in keeping warm, but it’s also worth noting the former Zennit man hasn’t really had the chance to play in his natural position Under Arsene Wenger. Perhaps a return to his homeland or a venture to Spain might be best for both parties.
Michael Owen
It’s a crazy thought really, to assume that a 32 year old proven top level performer might want to see out the rest of his career playing football like a real professional, but it’s an idea.
Michael Owen has appeared in a whopping four games this term, and whilst another hollow championship medal could beckon, wouldn’t his talents be best served at a toothless Everton or an ambitious QPR?
Marouane Chamakh
Not much can be said about Chamakh, other than to assure people that he hasn’t in fact been injured for the past year. The Moroccan seems to have forgotten how to play football, his previous prowess in the air reduced to laughable pencil jumps and a tendency to fall over.
This forgotten man could do worse than getting on the next plane back to France.
Stephan Savic
This might be harsh, considering the Montenegrin has only appeared sparingly for Manchester City, but performances have suggested the 21 year old simply isn’t ready for the big time.
With the positional play of a David Luiz mixed with the comedy of a Titus Bramble, Savic represents a cocktail of defensive mayhem. A loan move abroad or at a far lower profile club might help him get his head together.
Adam Johnson
Perhaps England’s finest current winger, Adam Johnson will find himself in the familiar territory of the dugout come June if things stay the same. The former Boro man has found himself embroiled in a rather unfulfilling pattern this season, with an excellent performance constantly followed by a place on the bench.
At 24 Johnson should be pushing on, and deserves to be considered an indispensable member of a top side. Liverpool would be perfect, but they’ve already blown £20 Million on a rather more underwhelming wing man.
Christopher Samba
Somehow, after a winter of utter turmoil, Blackburn find themselves only one point from safety.
With owners seemingly unable to transfer their vast knowledge of poultry to the beautiful game and a manager as popular as next doors dog, the club find themselves in an almost perilous state. Amongst the mayhem however there are some talented players, none more deserving of a move than Chris Samba.
His colossal displays have kept Blackburn afloat for the past few seasons, but this year is different and Samba must move on in order to progress. It’s easy to forget the Congolese giant is only 27, and has been an obvious candidate to sort out Arsenal’s shambolic defence for years now.
Victor Moses
If there’s one thing which can be certain at this stage in the season, it’s that Wigan Athletic are going down. They’ve survived spectacularly in recent seasons, but now represent a side which screams Championship in everything but status.
Though at times frustrating and naive on the ball, Victor Moses shows frequent glimpses of raw talent with his pace and eye for goal. He’s still young, but the former Palace man might benefit from continuing his development in a side with real aspirations and a fan base of more than ten.
Leighton Baines
With a world class left foot and commendable defensive qualities, Baines is a rare breed amongst this current crop of Premier League fullbacks. Infact he’d get into most top Premier League sides, with Patrice Evra vulnerable and Arsenal two injuries away from employing Theo Walcott in defence.
Whilst it’s hard to state the case for a player to leave as great a club as Everton, Bill Kenwright’s failure to sell up means the Toffee’s are going nowhere. Baines is 27 and therefore entering his peak, but a high valuation and reluctance to sell means he’ll remain a Blue till the summer at least.
Sylvan Ebanks Blake
Robert Earnshaw, Michael Chopra, Marlon King, Kenny Miller. All succeeded in the Championship, all failed horribly in the Premiership. Add to that list Ebanks Blake. It was thought at the time of Wolves promotion that the former Plymouth striker would revel amongst the countries elite.
Like those who have succeeded in making the step up, he holds all the attributes; pace, power and finishing, but doesn’t have the confidence in his ability to perform regularly. A move back down to the league he dominated in 2009 seems the only escape route.
Jermain Defoe
Tottenham have been one of the teams to watch this season, with free flowing attacking football delighting the neutrals as well as their own fans.
However, with Van Der Vaart’s presence essentially voiding any possibility of a 4-4-2 system, Jermain Defoe has had to make do with a supporting role. At 28 Defoe is as sharp as ever, and deserves better than the bench. The emergence of Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge mean his England place is far from certain, and an ambitious side in need of goals would suit the former Hammers man perfectly
