Glamorous new foreign imports, exciting youngsters, even the odd grizzled old veteran – we pick out out the 15 players we think could shake up the Premier League this season.
1. Theo Walcott, Arsenal The speedy winger-come-striker has flattered to deceive since his move from Southampton but he showed glimpses of his potential last season. With Alexander Hleb gone to Barcelona, there’s a gaping hole on the right-wing. Time for Walcott to fill it.
on Theo Walcott to be the Premier League 2008/09 top goalscorer
2. Luka Modric, Tottenham Spurs did well to sign the midfielder before Euro 2008 – because his value could almost have doubled after his excellent performances there for Croatia. A bit on the slender side, Modric has a cute touch and splendid vision. He’ll create a ton of goals.
3. Brad Friedel, Aston Villa Villa were the third-highest scorers in the league last season but shipped too many goals. They turned to Friedel, signing the goalkeeper from Blackburn during the summer. At 37, the American is something of a golden oldie, but he’s got a super-steady pair of hands on him.
4. Deco, Chelsea
Landing this man for a mere £8m could be the transfer deal of the close season. The Portugal playmaker has won the Champions League with two different clubs – Porto and Barcelona – and could inspire Chelsea to finally lift the trophy they crave above all others.
on Deco to be the Premier League 2008/09 top goalscorer
5. Robbie Keane, Liverpool A tad on the pricey side at £20m, but even so, Keane is an astute signing by Liverpool. He can score goals and create them equally well, and is the kind of unselfish striker who should compliment Fernando Torres beautifully. 6. Alfonso Alves, Middlesbrough The big Brazilian took his time settling on Teeside when he arrived at Boro in the January transfer window. Given a full pre-season, Alves should be firing on all cylinders by the time the new season starts.
on Afonso Alves to be the Premier League 2008/09 top goalscorer
7. Peter Crouch, Portsmouth
Mysteriously underused by Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, Crouch quit Anfield for regular football at Pompey. There, he’ll link up with Jermain Defoe in a classic ‘big man, little man’ partnership that could shoot the south-coasters into the top six.
on Peter crouch to be the Premier League 2008/09 top goalscorer
8. Dave Kitson, Stoke City A good move by Stoke. Kitson scored ten league goals for relegated Reading last season, and another double-figure total would do Stoke’s survival hopes the world of good.
9. Olivier Kapo, Wigan During his time at Birmingham, Kapo demonstrated one of the strongest left-foot shots in the league. Former boss Steve Bruce wasted no time in enticing him to Wigan – expect at least one Goal of the Season contender from the French midfielder.
10. Nani, Man Utd
Cristiano Ronaldo’s ankle injury could open the door for another Portuguese winger to shine. Nani has quick feet and an enviable range of tricks but was used sparingly last season – expect more playing time for him, at least until Ronaldo returns.
11. Steed Malbranque, Sunderland Sunderland gaffer Roy Keane signed three players from Spurs during the summer, and Malbranque is the pick of them. An attacking midfielder, the Frenchman can go past players and score goals, and he gives Sunderland an extra dimension to their play.
12. Freddie Sears, West Ham This young striker showed plenty of potential last season and, with the likes of Nobby Solano and Freddie Ljungberg off the wage bill, he’ll have more room to grow. If Craig Bellamy’s injury woes continue, expect Alan Curbishley to call on the 18-year-old.
13. Jo, Manchester City
The Brazilian was one of the costliest new signings of the summer at £19m from CSKA Moscow. But if he’s as good as Mark Hughes thinks he is, he could be a smash hit. And with Martin Petrov and Elano supplying the bullets, he won’t be short of goalscoring chances.
on Jo to be the Premier League 2008/09 top goalscorer
14. Frazier Campbell, Man Utd Campbell scored 15 goals for Hull in the Championship last season and while the Tigers would love to keep him, his future – as Sir Alex Ferguson has said – is at Old Trafford. United are short of firepower up front, so while he won’t be a regular, the young striker could play an important role this season.
15. Geovanni, Hull City Much of Hull’s approach this season could be huff and puff, but Geovanni can add a touch of subtle class to the Tigers. Snapped up on a free transfer from Man City – for whom he scored a derby day winner against Man Utd – the Brazilian could prove vital.
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on Theo Walcott to be the Premier League 2008/09 top goalscorer
