Swansea’s Michu has been one of the stars of the Premier League season so far
It’s that time of the year again, a time when we look back at the action that has taken place in the past 12 months.
What I am going to focus on are the players that have proved outstanding signings in 2012.
These are my personal choice, but you will have your chance to nominate your signings of 2012 in the comments box. Here are my top five signings in no particular order:
Michu (Swansea)
The Spaniard could prove to be one of the bargains of recent times. The 26 year-old cost just £2million from Rayo Vallecano and the attacking midfielder-turned striker has found the net 14 times this season.
Michu arrived as an attacking midfielder, but Swans boss Michael Laudrup has successfully converted the Spaniard into a striker in recent months. He is now the focal point of the Welsh sides attack. His form has led to talk of a first international call-up of his career.
Michu will miss today’s trip to Fulham and his absence could have a major effect on his side’s performance.
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Another player that arrived on British shores from Spanish football. The Spanish international arrived this summer from troubled Malaga for a fee in the region of £17million.
The little playmaker has proved to be one of the players of the season so far in the Premier League. He is the man that controls the midfield for the Gunners. Cazorla has provided and scored goals this season, with a hat-trick against Reading an example of his virtuoso skill.
The diminutive midfielder could be the key to Arsenal once again, as the Gunners once again challenge for a place in the top four and a Champions League spot.
Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)
When Robin Van Persie joined Manchester United from Arsenal in the summer for £24million, there were some United fans questioning the need for another striker at the club.
Since his arrival though he has continued his outstanding goal scoring form from last season, finding the net 16 times in a United shirt. His goals have helped the Red Devils to establish a seven point lead over champions Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
The Dutch international has form a deadly partnership with England international star Wayne Rooney in United’s attack.
Steven Fletcher (Sunderland)
I really wasn’t convinced by this signing by the Black Cats. The North East club paid Wolves £14million for the Scotland international this summer. Fletcher has scored goals in the top flight in previous spells with Burnley and Wolves, but he never looked prolific.
This season though Fletcher has scored eight goals in 20 appearances for the Black Cats, with many of those goals being important goals. In fact earlier in the campaign the Scot was the only player scoring goals for Martin O’Neill’s side.
Nikica Jelavic (Everton)
Although the Croatian striker has gone off the boil slightly in recent weeks he has proved a bargain buy. Jelavic arrived at Everton from Rangers in January for £5.5million and went on to help Everton finish in 7th Place in the Premier League last season.
This season he has suffered from injury and form problems, but he still leads the line well and is looking more likely to go on a scoring spree.
Others
There are other players that could be on the list, such as Mohamed Diame or Papiss Cisse. However, the five I have chosen are the players that I believe have had the biggest effect on their respective teams in 2012.
Who would be your top five Premier League signings of 2012?
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