Top 5 foreign debutantes in the EPL this season

A lot of untested foreign players were purchased by EPL clubs in the transfer window. While quite a few failed to make an impact for their respective teams, a few players proved to be invaluable as they were key players for their sides this season. Let’s take a look at the top 5 foreign débutantes of the EPL season

5. Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)

Like his fellow Belgian full back Thomas Vermaelan, Vertonghen is an equally offensive centre-back. Has scored an amazing five goals for Tottenham so far this season, and has cemented himself at the heart of their defense line. He can pretty much play any defensive position and joins the counter attacks occasionally. A solid defender, he looks set to hold guard for the Londoners for years to come!

4. Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

The highly-rated playmaker who came in from Malaga has slid into the Arsenal game with utmost ease. He makes a difference in the game every time he has the ball at his feet. He has appeared in all the games in the league for Arsenal this season, and has started in all except one! He has shown his skills, shooting accuracy and capability to set the pace of the attack. Cazorla scored a hat-trick in his very first season and has more than lived up to his expectations.’

3. Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)

The young lad has managed to score 18 goals in the league so far and has been the stand-out player for Aston Villa. The 22-year-old striker was also nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year in his debut season and ended up being runner-up to Gareth Bale! Benteke is a player to watch out for in the coming season. If it wasn’t for him, Villa would probably be in the relegation zone right now. He is their key to staying in the top-flight next season.

2. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Snatched up by the Blues for €32 million from Lille, he has lived up to his price tag. To kick off the campaign, he was declared Man of the Match consecutively for the first four games in the Premier League. He has single-handedly turned games around for Chelsea, saving face by avoiding an Europa League exit against Sparta Prague with a stunner. Hazard has scored wonder goals, troubled opposing defenders with his trickery, has partnered Mata excellently and has been a top assist provider.

1. Michu (Swansea)

The Spaniard from Rayo Vallecano is the pick of the lot imported last summer. Bought for just 2.6 million, he has been worth far more. He’s amongst the top scorers this season, with 17 goals in the league. He has shown an unquenchable thirst for goals. He has been a player to rely on for Swansea after the departure of Scott Sinclair and Gylfi Sigurdsson, and was instrumental in their Capital One Cup win. If he can keep up with this kind of form, big spending clubs will soon be rooting for him. Will Swansea City be able to hold onto him? We’ll know the answer come June.