The Premier League’s deadline day was underwhelming to say the least. Powerhouse clubs remained mostly quiet, while mid-table clubs made most of the noise. New and exciting players, such as Leander Dendoncker and Mateo Kovačić, were still introduced, however. All in all, what were the top five moves during deadline day?
Top Five Moves
5. Caglar Söyüncü, Leicester City
The Foxes kept Harry Maguire, which is massive for their defence. They needed a replacement for the ageing Wes Morgan, however, and have that with Söyüncü. The Turkish international has spent the last two seasons as a regular in the Bundesliga and has 15 international appearances to date.
His statistics were quite impressive last season. He averaged 1.6 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, and 3.4 clearances per game in 26 appearances. At only 22-years of age, he should continue to improve while playing with and facing more talent all around.
4. Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Fulham
Fulham were very busy throughout the transfer window. Promotion into the top flight made them an attractive location once again for big-name players. Although they spent heavily, Fosu-Mensah’s simple loan move should prove to pay dividends.
The Dutchman is a very versatile player – being able to line up as a centre-back, full-back, and defensive midfielder. Although shaky at times with Crystal Palace last season, the experience he earned should help him with Fulham where he is expected to see plenty of time on the pitch. The Cottagers should have no problem scoring goals but must rely on their defence to stave off relegation.
3. Mateo Kovačić, Chelsea
Chelsea were smart to push for Kovačić in their deal with Real Madrid for Thibaut Courtois. Although he comes on a season-long loan, his displeasure with playing time for Real Madrid was evident, and Chelsea can perhaps use this in the future to convince him to push for a permanent transfer.
Kovačić still has untapped potential and will fit manager Maurizio Sarri’s system well. He has a great passing vision and is tenacious on both the defensive and offensive end. Furthermore, he is almost the perfect complement to Jorginho and N’golo Kanté. Jorginho controls the flow of play while Kanté stabilizes the midfield and will take care of most defensive duties. Kovačić will supply the rest, similar to Sarri had Marek Hamšík do at Napoli.
His addition might be the piece in driving Chelsea back into the Champions League.
2. Yerry Mina, Everton
Everton were a mess last season after a flurry of spending last summer. Although very active once again, new manager Marco Silva prioritized filling the evident holes.
Phil Jagielka is ageing and Mason Holgate is still young, so the Toffees needed a new centre-back to start with Michael Keane. They made a shrewd move in picking up a promising young player fresh off a fantastic World Cup.
Mina dominates the air, making him a defensive presence and major set-piece threat. He’s also a strong tackler and a very accurate passer for a centre-back. His experience with Barcelona and Colombia will be welcomed at Everton, a club obviously pushing to reach the next level. Mina should solidify the defence and have Everton pushing for a Europa League spot.
1. Leander Dendoncker, Wolves
Wolves have had a spectacular transfer window for a club their size. They added quality all over the pitch, and one name that should stand out is Dendoncker. He is a rising star, capable of being deployed as a centre back or in the midfield.
Dendoncker’s passing touch is sublime, and he’s shown strong defensive discipline while at Anderlecht. He’s also been known to be a major threat in the air, which the Wolves will definitely utilize with their new influx of attacking talent. Dendoncker has loads of potential, but this move is more about his product on the field for Wolverhampton.
They’ve shown that they can become an attractive destination for young stars, and if they develop Dendoncker properly, that reputation will only grow. Wolves look very ambitious, and this move, paired with others, should secure Premier League survival and possibly even a top-ten finish.
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