Top 5 Premier League transfers who did not get the limelight: Part 1

There are several players who have taken the limelight away from the ones who also deserve it. 18 Yard Box looks at the top five buys who did not receive a lot of media hype but are still one of the bests for their respective teams.

Players from foreign leagues are making the British shores as never before. 18 Yard Box takes a look at all the young stars coming into Barclays Premier League Season who could end the season as one of the most sought after in world football.

Michu (Rayo Vallecano to Swansea)

Miguel Pérez Cuesta (age 26),famously known as Michu is a Spanish Footballer having previously had spells at Oviedo, Celta B, and most recently Rayo Vallecano has been brought in by Dane Michael Laudrup for a measly 2 million pounds. Having been a good prospect, he shot to fame with his 15 league goals last term fighting relegation with Rayo.

Michu's brace showed the class he possess

Apart from having a good positioning sense in midfield his 6 feet, 1 inch frame provides for a steady presence in the centre of the park. A decent vision coupled with an ability to pass the ball around the park gave Swansea the reason to spend the cash on him. The Dane has famously commented Michu for his fighting spirit which he thinks the player has attained leading the line for a club fighting relegation. His debut has most certainly delighted the Swans. Michu played as an integral part of the Midfield the Swans put out against QPR. When attacking, Michu played as a perfect no. 10 providing crucial balls all across the field to link up play with their forwards. His vision and passing ability make him a perfect second striker. This in fact also gives the manager to tinker with his formation in bigger games with 4-1-2-1-2 providing another suitable position to allow Michu to flourish in his natural game. His finishing is top draw atleast considering his curler which flew straight out of his left foot.

As the game wore on, the defensive side of Michu came to light as his interception to Fabio’s pass gave him the opportunity to release Routledge who set up Natahan Dyer for their 3^rd goal.

An all round performance from the midfielder and a perfect start to his career in the Premier League. It will not be a surprise that bigger clubs will come calling for him come end of the season

Mladen Petric (Hamburg to Fulham)

Mladen Petrić (age 31) is a Croatian international who joined Fulham from Hamburg SV this summer. Having played as a striker for all his clubs which include Basel and Borussia Dortmund among others, he has majorly been brought in to plug the gap which will be left by the Liverpool bound US international Clint Dempsey. His debut for the Londoners couldn’t have gone any better with the 6ft 1 in striker claiming 1 goal across each halves.

Petric is a perfect replacement for Clint Dempsey

Petrić has always been a striker who likes to hold up the ball, come deep into the game and operate as a playmaker(more often than not). A good finisher, he has an eye for goal along with a decent ratio of successful dribbles. He not only has a powerful left foot( the same off which the ball flew 30 yards and into the net against Norwich) but also is an accurate free kick taker.

Alexander Buttner (Vitesse to Manchester United)

Alexander Buttner, a 23 year old left wing back who can also operate in the midfield, has become an important summer recruit for Manchester United. Having previously learnt his trade is the famed Ajax Youth Academy, he had an impressive season at Vitesse last term and was scouted extensively by clubs from England. Southampton had agreed a deal early this summer with him only to later rebuff him over payment of dues to a third party.

A pacey left sided player, he initially started out as a winger only to be moulded in the left back position at Vitesse. A player in the mould of Gareth Bale, Sir Alex Ferguson will definitely have his hopes high having been unable to get Bale himself.

Buttner could be an answer to the United's left back woes

More dangerous going forward, his defensive capabilities are certainly questionable and moreover a more physical style of the Premier League leaves him all the more unproven but still a signing to watch out for.

Marko Marin (Werder Bremen to Chelsea)

Marko Marin, a German international (age 23) has been signed by Chelsea FC for 7 million pounds from Werder Bremen.  An attacking midfielder who can also operate as a winger, Marin is known for his astute dribbling, pace and creativity, vision and tactical awareness.

Also known as the ‘German Messi’ he will certainly bring the required freshness and flair in the Chelsea forward line. Although one would expect him to be behind Hazard and Mata in the starting line up, expect nothing less than a cracker of a season for the 5 ft, 7in attacker.

Marin is a fantastic signing for Chelsea

Cesar Azpilicueta (Marseille to Chelsea)

César Azpilicueta Tanco, a Spanish footballer has been transferred to European Champions Chelsea from Marseille having also represented Osasuna for three seasons prior to that. At a young age of 22, this young prospect already has a winning mentality forged in him having been competing for trophies at a club of Marseille’s stature.

Cesar- a perfect signing at a perfect time for Chelsea

Not only this, but he also has the experience of winning the French League Cup twice in a row. Although steady at the back, he is know to be a good outlet for attacking thus giving width to the team and thus will give Di Matteo another outlet, a new dimension to the team. This could also prove to be a like for like replacement for Bosingwa who left the club on a free transfer earlier this summer. Cesar could definitely be a player in the mould of Ashley Cole, albeit on the right side of Chelsea’s defence. 

Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman is an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box