Rodri and Tanguy Ndombele among most exciting signings in the Premier League

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 18:36 21/08/2019
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • The new season is here, and so is the hype surrounding fresh signings.

    The transfer window has closed in the Premier League and we have witnessed some big names swapping shirts. The season has already begun and the new boys are showing signs of fitting in like a glove.

    We’ve been taking a look at five of the best signings from each of the top five leagues, judge them based on compatibility and lay expectations ahead of their debut season.

    With the help of transfermarkt.com, age, transfer fee, and value, compatibility, and potential are some of the criteria used in the development of this list.

    Here’s a look at Premier League….

    Rodri (Manchester City) – Midfielder

    Rodri

    Age: 23

    Transfer fee: €70 million

    Value: €80 million

    Procuring the right midfielders for Pep Guardiola in the right position is one way Manchester City can have their hands glued to the Premier League trophy.

    Sergio Busquets, Javi Martinez, Fernandinho are evidence of how Guardiola has perfected the use of the central defensive midfielder position and Rodri will follow suit.

    The 23-year-old was labelled the ‘next Busquets’ even before his name appeared on mainstream media. Rodri’s positional awareness, ability to make and break plays renders him a perfect fit to the City side.

    Replacing Fernandinho – one of their most crucial players of the last two seasons – was bound to be arduous but City have seemingly found an upgrade.

    Expectation: Numbers can’t define the impact of a player of his profile. Rodri must establish himself in the squad right away and play a key part in the title defence and a deep run in the Champions League.

    Tanguy Ndombele (Tottenham) – Midfielder

    Ndombele

    Age: 22

    Transfer fee: €60 million

    Value: €65 million

    After hibernating for two transfer windows, Tottenham have made a statement by signing one of the most complete midfielders in Tanguy Ndombele.

    The Frenchman’s physicality and defensive prowess will bring a lot of stability to the Spurs midfield. His partnership at the base of midfield with Harry Winks could provide the Champions League runners-up a massive upgrade.

    Ndombele is a confident dribbler of the ball, thrives under pressure and is accurate with his pressing. His presence at the centre of the pitch could also bring the best out of Dele Alli, Heung-Min Son and Christian Eriksen in front of him.

    Expectation: Transform Spurs midfield. Placing such a burden on a player just entering the league could be harsh, but Ndombele is capable of seeing it through. His skill-set is diverse and he was made for the Premier League.

    Sebastien Haller (West Ham United) – Midfielder

    Sebastien Haller

    Age: 25

    Transfer fee: €40 million

    Value: €40 million

    West Ham witnessed the departure of Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll, Lucas Perez and failed in their pursuit of Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez. However, the capture of Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt saved their transfer window.

    Haller’s 6’3” towering physique and huge frame is built for the rigours of the Premier League. The all-round striker’s ability to link-up with players outside the penalty box, eye for passes and smart movement to create space for his team-mates attaches a promise to this transfer.

    The German scored 20 goals in all competitions at an xG (expected goals) of 17.33 last season, hence erasing doubts about his efficiency in front of goal, if any.

    Expectation: 20 goal involvements. Haller was involved in 30 goals in all competitions last season with 20 goals and 10 assists. However, he will be transitioning from a two-striker system to being the lone No9 for West Ham. This and the challenge of adjusting to a league of superior quality could warrant for lowering of expectations.

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United) – Defender

    AaronWanBissakaManUnited (1)

    Age: 21

    Transfer fee: €55 million

    Value: €35 million

    United fans will experience a welcome change in personnel with Aaron Wan-Bisssaka pacing down the right flank in place of the heavily underperforming Ashley Young.

    The 21-year-old has established himself as a top tackler and interceptor of the ball during his time at Crystal Palace. He is also one of the last defenders you would want to face in a one-on-one situation.

    Wan-Bissaka is still honing the offensive aspect of his game, as evidenced by the mere three assists he garnered last season. His final deliveries need to improve and the flashy dribbles must conclude with some end-product.

    Expectation: Seven assists and obvious improvements in the attacking aspect of his game. Both Crystal Palace and United waste less time in build-up and look to transition very quickly. In theory, Wan-Bissaka must fit like a glove and this transfer must bear fruits from the very first season.

    Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal) – Winger

    Pepe

    Age: 24

    Transfer fee: €80 million

    Value: €65 million

    After leading Lille to the Champions League for the first time in a long time, Nicolas Pepe has decided to settle for Europa League football by choosing Arsenal over other top clubs like Liverpool. This could only mean that the marriage of interests between the parties involved was truly immense.

    Arsenal’s failure to land a quality winger has brought about a sense of blandness on the flanks but the arrival of Pepe could shake things up for the better. The directness that the explosive forward brings to his game could go a long way in adding some much-needed firepower in Arsenal’s attack.

    The 24-year-old is forward-thinking with his play, crafty with his movements off the shoulder coming in from the wing and confident with his finishing. In an ideal world, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, and Pepe could forge one of the deadliest trios in Europe.

    Expectation: 15 assists. Pepe managed 22 goals and 11 assists for Lille last season. Given Lacazette and Aubameyang will be first in line to bag the goals, Pepe must finish the season with at least 15 assists. He could go step on the podium for the top assists in Premier League this season.

    Recommended