THE 'CITY SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THEM' XI
Jussi Jaaskelainen
Having been linked on and off with Arsenal for years, Jussi seems to have accepted that he will see out his days at Bolton. A mainstay at the Reebok, and consistently one of the Prem's best 'keepers, the flying Finn would have performed far better than bigger names who have tried and failed to fill the gloves of England's big clubs.
Leighton Baines
Probably one of the more expensive of this XI, Leighton has asserted himself as one of the league's most effective attacking full-backs. Missed out on a place in England's World Cup squad because of apparent 'homesickness,' so perhaps question marks remain over his mentality. Could he hack it in the Champion's League?
Gary Cahill
Would easily command the biggest fee out of this team and will probably be at one of the top six clubs come the start of next season. A solid centre-back with technique which belies his English upbringing, Cahill could use a transfer to stake a claim as one of England's new stars. A firm favourite here at FAF and always likely to pop up with a goal.
Brede Hangeland
His height and strength would compliment the ball-playing Cahill. The giant Scandinavian is another who has been linked with bigger clubs for a few transfer windows but seems content at Fulham for the time being. How many times do you see this man beaten by his centre forward? Fulham's defensive record speaks volumes for his ability.
Aaron Hughes
Probably the biggest surprise on this list, Mr Consistency plays a big role alongside Hangeland for the Cottagers. An undervalued member of the Newcastle side for years, the Northern Ireland defender has settled in at Craven Cottage to offer calm and assured defending. No nonsense, nothing fancy - just steady defending and very rarely makes a mistake.
Mikel Arteta
Having endured something of a poor season by his high standards, the ex-Barca and Rangers midfielder was at his creative best again at the weekend against Newcastle. Has hints of many compatriots in his game - think a combination of Fabregas and David Silva and you are close to Everton's number 10. If he wasn't up against such stiff competition he'd be a guaranteed starter for Spain. Would he be any less effective than Silva if City bought him?
Having been linked on and off with Arsenal for years, Jussi seems to have accepted that he will see out his days at Bolton. A mainstay at the Reebok, and consistently one of the Prem's best 'keepers, the flying Finn would have performed far better than bigger names who have tried and failed to fill the gloves of England's big clubs.
Leighton Baines
Probably one of the more expensive of this XI, Leighton has asserted himself as one of the league's most effective attacking full-backs. Missed out on a place in England's World Cup squad because of apparent 'homesickness,' so perhaps question marks remain over his mentality. Could he hack it in the Champion's League?
Gary Cahill
Would easily command the biggest fee out of this team and will probably be at one of the top six clubs come the start of next season. A solid centre-back with technique which belies his English upbringing, Cahill could use a transfer to stake a claim as one of England's new stars. A firm favourite here at FAF and always likely to pop up with a goal.
Brede Hangeland
His height and strength would compliment the ball-playing Cahill. The giant Scandinavian is another who has been linked with bigger clubs for a few transfer windows but seems content at Fulham for the time being. How many times do you see this man beaten by his centre forward? Fulham's defensive record speaks volumes for his ability.
Aaron Hughes
Probably the biggest surprise on this list, Mr Consistency plays a big role alongside Hangeland for the Cottagers. An undervalued member of the Newcastle side for years, the Northern Ireland defender has settled in at Craven Cottage to offer calm and assured defending. No nonsense, nothing fancy - just steady defending and very rarely makes a mistake.
Mikel Arteta
Having endured something of a poor season by his high standards, the ex-Barca and Rangers midfielder was at his creative best again at the weekend against Newcastle. Has hints of many compatriots in his game - think a combination of Fabregas and David Silva and you are close to Everton's number 10. If he wasn't up against such stiff competition he'd be a guaranteed starter for Spain. Would he be any less effective than Silva if City bought him?
Tim Cahill
A poor man's Paul Scholes? Combative, strong, influential and free-scoring, the Australia captain would be a great signing for one of the Premier League big boys. Would you rather have him in your team than say, Gareth Barry or Patrick Vieira? Stuart Holden The USA international arrived at Bolton last season without too much fuss and quickly settled into the Premier League with his box-to-box all-action style and eye for a pass. Another personal favourite of ours, not least for his always entertaining Twitter feed. Matt Jarvis Tipped for an England call-up not so long ago, the Wolves winger has been a bit quieter this season, probably due to the fact that most are now aware of how good he is. Strong, direct, pacy and creative. Would probably come at an inflated price because of his nationality, but would still be far cheaper than the kind of money City paid for the likes of Jo. Hugo Rodallega Despite his awful hair and boots, the Colombia striker makes the list because he is looking impressive in a relatively average Wigan side. His scoring record isn't too bad either - one in four in a side fighting relegation every year could be better but could he make the step up? Demba Ba Undoubtedly one of the best names in the world, and quickly proving himself alongside Thomas 'The Hammer' Hitzlsperger as the reason behind West Ham's post-January resurgence. Power, skill and pace to burn, this man may not be at West Ham for very long. Ba at £6m would maybe have been a safer option than say £20m+ on Darren Bent. |