The English Premier League season for 2016/17 witnessed a historical import of superstars, made remarkable with Manchester United’s world record transfer fee for former Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
Here’s a list of the big names currently plying their trades in the EPL:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Club: Manchester United
From: PSG
Cost: Free
Age: 34
Position: Striker
Country: Sweden
Zlatan Ibrahimović revealed to his 16.7 m followers on Instagram that he signed for Manchester United via the hashtag: #iamcoming. The pony-tailed goal scoring machine comes to Old Trafford after an amazing record of 373 goals in 629 appearances, having won 13 league titles in four different leagues. Jose Mourinho may be the special one but if Zlatan does a Zlatan he will be the saviour of Manchester United.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Club: Manchester United
From: Borussia Dortmund
Cost: $60m
Age: 27
Position: Attacking midfielder/winger
Country: Armenia
Armenian national team captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan produced 41 goals in 140 appearances for Dortmund. But it’s the winger’s skill, vision and ability to produce through balls, key passes and crosses to his teammates that should excite Ibrahimović, Martial and Mourinho the most.
Ilkay Gundogan
Club: Manchester City
From: Borussia Dortmund
Cost: $40m
Age: 25
Position: Central midfielder
Country: Germany
Versatile German international Ilkay Gundogan is Pep Guardiola’s first signing for Manchester City. The former Dortmund midfielder comes to the Citizens with an intelligent passing game, excellent technical ability and a venomous shot from distance.
Nolito
Club: Manchester City
From: Celta Vigo
Cost: $40m
Age: 29
Position: Striker
Country: Spain
Nolito’s scoring stats for Celta Vigo during the last three seasons reveal he reached double digits every year. The 1.75m forward reunites with former coach Pep Guardiola who gave him his debut at Barcelona. The Spanish international possesses a deft first touch, vision and a strong physique. He played in all four of Spain’s games at Euro 2016 and scored against Turkey.
Ahmed Musa
Club: Leicester
From: CSKA Moscow
Cost: $36m
Age: 23
Position: Striker
Country: Nigeria
Leicester’s record breaking signing Ahmed Musa scored 54 goals in 168 games for CSKA Moscow and he’ll provide the Premier League title holders with Champions League experience. The Nigerian can play upfront but his natural pace, explosiveness, close control and dribbling skills make him more effective on the wing.
Granit Xhaka
Club: Arsenal
From: Borussia Mönchengladbach
Cost: $60m
Age: 23
Position: Central midfield
Country: Switzerland
Swiss international Granit Xhaka describes himself as an ‘aggressive player and a leader”. Besides his combative attributes, the 23-year-old also possesses a creative streak and combined with his vision and accurate distribution he could be the player in the mould of Patrick Viera that the Gunners have been searching for.
Vincent Janssen
Club: Tottenham
From: AZ Alkmaar
Cost: $34m
Age: 22
Position: Striker
Country: Holland
Dutch international striker Vincent Jansen was the Eredivisie’s top striker with 27 goals in 34 games last season. At AZ Alkmaar the 1.80m forward showcased his expert finishing, passing range and ability to meet crosses. He has decent pace and his work ethic will suit the rigors of the English game as will his strength on the ball.
Michy Batshuayi
Club: Chelsea
From: Marseille
Cost: $66m
Age: 22
Position: Striker
Country: Belgium
Belgium’s powerful forward Michy Batshuayi scored 26 goals in total for Marseille last season and also impressed at Euro 2016 when he scored against Hungary. The 5”11 striker has pace to burn, is a natural finisher, possesses excellent control and dribbles past opponents with ease.
Sofiane Feghouli
Club: West Ham
From: Valencia
Cost: Free
Age: 26
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger
Country: Algeria
La Liga’s fastest man, Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli will provide Hammers fans with excitement and unpredictability down the right flank this season. Having played over 200 games for Valencia that includes the Champions League, the powerful, intelligent winger also guided his country to the last 16 of the 2014 World Cup.
