With the transfer window closing in just over a fortnight, clubs across the country will be frantically vying for signatures at inflated prices. These five players are already in place and have certain skills that could transform their respective teams \u2013 all of whom, in one way or another, failed to meet their respective goals in 2017\/18.<\/p>\n
Liverpool\u2019s need for an \u2018upgraded\u2019 deep-lying playmaker has been quenched. From\u00a0humble beginnings\u00a0in Guinea, Keita will serve as the versatile agent of transition Liverpool lacked in the earlier stages of last season. With Fabinho set to be the anchor in front of record signing Virgil Van Dijk, there is a distinct spine throughout the Anfield outfit<\/p>\n
Such is Keita\u2019s versatility, there is no reason to believe that he cannot also fill the \u2018number ten\u2019 role once filled by Philippe Coutinho, if Klopp desires a more attacking setup. In this scenario, there would exist the opportunity to bring his wide players forward. When the Liverpool squad executes such a formation to good effect against inferior opposition, it can provide devastating results.<\/p>\n
While the Reds no longer have the services of Philippe Coutinho, there is nothing to suggest that the same heavy wins that characterised last season\u2019s run to the Champions League final cannot be repeated. All it depends on is how long it takes for Keita, and Fabinho, to gel between Virgil Van Dijk and Mo Salah.<\/p>\n
At \u00a336m, the playmaker \u2013 who was a vital part of Lazio\u2019s fight to finish in the top four last season \u2013 is exactly the type of player for which the long-suffering claret and blue faithful have been praying. His arrival has also coincided with West Ham’s rise to a projected eighth place finish in current\u00a0football spread betting markets, but more than anything, Anderson’s arrival is also a statement of intent from Manuel Pellegrini to drive an ailing club towards brighter days.<\/p>\n
Through most of 2017\/18, West Ham\u2019s attack was one-dimensional under David Moyes, with only Marko Arnautovic enjoying any sort of consistency as a supporting attacker. Next season, the Austrian international will have backup in the form of Anderson, and Andriy Yarmolenko, who is also a Premier League debutant that has whet the Hammers\u2019 appetite for success.<\/p>\n
In 170 appearances for Lazio, Anderson scored thirty-three goals amongst many more assists. His ability to run on the ball has torn many an opposition\u2019s gameplan asunder, and it is this sense of unpredictability that should see the Hammers improve on last season\u2019s 13th place finish.<\/p>\n
Jose Holebas has been a good servant to the Hornets, but at the age of thirty-four, many Watford fans believe that his time is up at Vicarage Road. Though some are skeptical, Masina’s ability in possession and good vision is exactly what the Hertfordshire club needs at this time.<\/p>\n