City slicker: Eastlands new boy Silva
He has typical Spanish quality. He might need Yaya Toure to be
his minder at times, but if he can get that ball on his wand of a
left foot there will only be one outcome.
He will hug the left touchline or drift in and set up goals. He
was one of the reasons David Villa was so good at Valencia and one
of his many strengths is that he’s happy to make others shine.
Sweet left peg: Spurs star Bale
Could be the best left-sided player in the League since Ryan
Giggs in his prime. He covers so much ground and now has the
confidence to match his promise.
If Spurs have
a big season, expect this young man to be at the heart of it. I
wish he was English, but instead he will play against us for Wales
in the Euro 2012 campaign.
Big time Charlie: Blackpool ace Adam
Another left-footer — and what a left foot. He scored bundles of
goals in the Championship and I think he might continue to do the
same on the big stage. Free-kicks, corners, penalties: he takes the
lot.
If he can produce last season’s form, he might give Ian
Holloway’s Seasiders a
chance. Either way, I suspect he may be in the top flight to
stay.
United front man: Hernandez
He looks like a goalscoring machine and, at £7million, might
prove to be a bargain.
Small, with tremendous movement, this Mexican might find it hard
at first because of the pace and power of the Premier League, but
if he gets the right service from Antonio Valencia and Nani, expect
this little assassin to strike gold.
Talk of the Toon: Striker Carroll
Newcastle
have a new No 9 and will be hoping he is half as good as Alan
Shearer was. He’s formidable in the air and while not quick, he’s
fast enough.
I think Newcastle will struggle, but if this young man can start
well and get some confidence, he can have a big season. All eyes
will be on this young Geordie.
Wide boy: City winger Johnson
I’m a huge fan and out of all the next crop of youngsters, he
should be the one knocking on Fabio Capello’s door. He reminds me
of a young Chris Waddle: one shake of his hips and the full back
has to pay to get back into the stadium.
We are crying out for young talent and I just hope the foreign
invasion at City
doesn’t get in his way.
Staying put: Gunners captain Fabregas
His performances this season will be scrutinised as never
before. Is his mind on the job with Arsenal or is
his heart in Barcelona?
This is not the first time Wenger has had to deal with unhappy
players. Thierry Henry stayed an extra season and looked an unhappy
player. It normally ends up one way. With everyone unhappy.
Kop idol: Liverpool midfielder Cole
Has made a great career move by joining Liverpool and
it should rejuvenate his career so he can be taken seriously again.
Anfield fans love to see someone open up a defence with a run or a
pass and too often it has only been Torres or Gerrard who could do
it.
Too often, Rafa Benitez bought average players. Roy Hodgson
knows Joe’s anything but average.
Decision time: City keeper Hart
Has a massive decision to make at a very important stage of his
career. Does he stay and fight for his place in a battle I don’t
think he will win with Shay Given or go on loan and play and so
take the chance to become England’s new No 1 goalkeeper?
He won’t get that job from the bench at City and he is too good
to sit and watch.
Jack the lad: Young Gunner Wilshere
Not so long ago people would have said he’s too small to play in
the Premier League. But Spain’s dominance and the performances of
Xavi and Iniesta — two mini-maestros — has changed
perceptions.
I still believe that to be that small you have to be special,
and this guy is. It’s a big year for England wannabes; let’s hope
he is a certainty.