Its never easy to challenge the top four. Everton, Tottenham and Liverpool have been trying to do it for several years, with varying degrees of success. Here, we look at the signings made by the chasing pack so far and what, if anything, still needs to be done.
Everton
Best buy – Gerard Deulofeu
So far:
As has often been the case, Everton haven't bought big. Roberto Martinez’s men have made a promising start to the season thanks to players already in place. Barry, Pienaar and Osman all had their 30th birthdays a long time ago so Tom Cleverley, on a free from Manchester United, is a solid addition; adding the composure and quality which graduates of the United academy often bring. The real excitement, however, surrounds a graduate of a different academy; La Masia. The permanent signing of pacy Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu, who impressed while on loan at Goodison two years ago, could be a real coup. Young Mason Holgate has joined from Barnsley as a potential long-term replacement for John Stones.
What do they need?
If John Stones decides to head off to West London, as seems likely, then they will need a more immediate replacement. Martinez is rumoured to be interested in Bayern’s Dante, who we would do nicely. Aside from that The Toffees seem to have a fairly complete squad with over a week of the transfer window remaining.
Tottenham
Best buy – Toby Alderweireld
So far:
The media focus has been solely on attack, despite the fact that Spurs’ attacking record was only better by the top 4. Their defensive record, however, was abysmal; only 4 teams conceded more goals than Spurs last season, so the contentious transfer of Alderweireld is a great addition. The Belgian international looked extremely solid on loan at Southampton last season and Pocchetino will hope that he can continue that form. £12m Clinton N’Jie is the man that has, thus far, been the only help Harry Kane has been given. The young Cameroonian comes highly recommended from Lyon, only time will tell whether or not he can fulfil this task.
What do they need?
N’Jie, good as he may be, probably won't be enough support for Harry Kane. It seems that Saido Berahino will make the journey south to White Hart Lane, eventually. From the Tottenham of old we are used to seeing at least one flair player in central midfield but, with all due respect to the current crop of Bentaleb, Mason and Dembélé, the memories of Modric and van der Vaart seem long ago. However there seems to be no action of this kind from Pochettino so don't expect anything much.
Liverpool
Best buy – Benteke
So far:
Big spending from Liverpool after a disappointing season, especially the run-in, necessitated by the departure of a couple of their biggest stars. New additions Benteke and Ings will aim to fill the Suarez-sized gap that was apparent in the front line for the whole of last season. As we have already seen, Benteke has been effective, albeit in a very different way to Suarez, in leading Liverpool’s line and looks more than up to the task. The man charged with filling Raheem Stirling’s boots is Roberto Firmino, who comes in with an impressive record of a goal every three and a half games, not bad for an attacking midfielder. Sir Solidarity James Milner has been brought in to provide some stability in the wake of the departing captain Gerrard and the much sought-after Nathaniel Clyne arrives as a long-term replacement for new Stoke signing Glen Johnson. Clyne’s £12.5m price tag could seem like a real bargain in years to come.
What do they need?
There are no gaping holes in the Liverpool squad and, judging by the lack of Rodgers’ name in any of the papers, at this point it seems like Liverpool’s business is pretty much done.
Everton
Best buy – Gerard Deulofeu
So far:
As has often been the case, Everton haven't bought big. Roberto Martinez’s men have made a promising start to the season thanks to players already in place. Barry, Pienaar and Osman all had their 30th birthdays a long time ago so Tom Cleverley, on a free from Manchester United, is a solid addition; adding the composure and quality which graduates of the United academy often bring. The real excitement, however, surrounds a graduate of a different academy; La Masia. The permanent signing of pacy Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu, who impressed while on loan at Goodison two years ago, could be a real coup. Young Mason Holgate has joined from Barnsley as a potential long-term replacement for John Stones.
What do they need?
If John Stones decides to head off to West London, as seems likely, then they will need a more immediate replacement. Martinez is rumoured to be interested in Bayern’s Dante, who we would do nicely. Aside from that The Toffees seem to have a fairly complete squad with over a week of the transfer window remaining.
Tottenham
Best buy – Toby Alderweireld
So far:
The media focus has been solely on attack, despite the fact that Spurs’ attacking record was only better by the top 4. Their defensive record, however, was abysmal; only 4 teams conceded more goals than Spurs last season, so the contentious transfer of Alderweireld is a great addition. The Belgian international looked extremely solid on loan at Southampton last season and Pocchetino will hope that he can continue that form. £12m Clinton N’Jie is the man that has, thus far, been the only help Harry Kane has been given. The young Cameroonian comes highly recommended from Lyon, only time will tell whether or not he can fulfil this task.
What do they need?
N’Jie, good as he may be, probably won't be enough support for Harry Kane. It seems that Saido Berahino will make the journey south to White Hart Lane, eventually. From the Tottenham of old we are used to seeing at least one flair player in central midfield but, with all due respect to the current crop of Bentaleb, Mason and Dembélé, the memories of Modric and van der Vaart seem long ago. However there seems to be no action of this kind from Pochettino so don't expect anything much.
Liverpool
Best buy – Benteke
So far:
Big spending from Liverpool after a disappointing season, especially the run-in, necessitated by the departure of a couple of their biggest stars. New additions Benteke and Ings will aim to fill the Suarez-sized gap that was apparent in the front line for the whole of last season. As we have already seen, Benteke has been effective, albeit in a very different way to Suarez, in leading Liverpool’s line and looks more than up to the task. The man charged with filling Raheem Stirling’s boots is Roberto Firmino, who comes in with an impressive record of a goal every three and a half games, not bad for an attacking midfielder. Sir Solidarity James Milner has been brought in to provide some stability in the wake of the departing captain Gerrard and the much sought-after Nathaniel Clyne arrives as a long-term replacement for new Stoke signing Glen Johnson. Clyne’s £12.5m price tag could seem like a real bargain in years to come.
What do they need?
There are no gaping holes in the Liverpool squad and, judging by the lack of Rodgers’ name in any of the papers, at this point it seems like Liverpool’s business is pretty much done.
Comments
Post a Comment