Premier League Newcomers 2012/13
A new Premier League season brings with it many things to get excited about. There's nothing quite like the anticipation of seeing how your clubs new signings perform. It's been another frantic summer of transfer activity, but which of these new faces are true Premiership material?
Here we look at this seasons top 10 Premier League dÉbutantes who will be getting their first taste of English football. Will these new arrivals sink or swim in Europe's toughest league? Let us know. Join the conversation online, on Twitter on Facebook.
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal) - A seasoned attacker with a wealth of creative talent, a lot of Arsenal's season could depend on Cazorla. The Spaniard signed from Malaga in a £16.5m deal with the aim of filling the creative void left by Cesc Fabregas's departure. The pocket-sized midfielder has the ability to pick apart opponents with his agility and vision, while boasting a deadly free-kick. The little Spaniard is certainly one to watch this season.
Oscar (Chelsea) - Chelsea fans were given a brief taste of what they can expect from their young Brazilian at the Olympics. Having joined Chelsea from Internacional in a £25m deal, the attacking midfielder is another option for Chelsea's crowded midfield. He boasts a lot of footballing intelligence with a real eye for a pass. At just 20-years-old, Chelsea wont rush his development as he adjusts to life in the Premier League.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea) - One of the summer's blockbuster signings, big things are expected from Chelsea's £32m man. Hazard is a pacey player with outstanding technical ability - the youngster scored 22 goals in 48 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille last season. The Belgian ace could take some time to adjust to the Premier League, but will undoubtedly be a strong asset for Chelsea this season.
Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United) - A versatile attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, Shinji Kagawa will bring a fresh threat to Manchester United's midfield. At just 23-years-old, the Japanese international poses all of the qualities needed to become a big hit at Old Trafford. However with Manchester United's strong attacking competition, Kagawa will have to hit the ground running if he is going to be a regular starter.
Lukas Podolski (Arsenal) - With Van Persie gone, Podolski will relish being Arsenal's main-man. When utilised as a central striker he knows how to find the back of the net - he scored 18 times in 29 games for Cologne last season. Podolski has an impressive international goalscoring record, but sometimes struggles at club level. With or without goals, Podolski's approach play will make him one of this season's stand out players.
Marko Marin (Chelsea) - At just £7m, Marko Marin could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer. How much we will see of the former Werder Bremen midfielder this season is yet to be seen - Chelsea may not be the ideal club for his talent to flourish. The midfielder isn't a prolific goal scorer, but with an impressive assist record and a high technical ability, he could force his way into Roberto Di Matteo's plans.
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham) - After captaining Ajax to the Eredivisie title last season, Jan Vertonghen will be a solid addition to Tottenham Hotspur's first choice defensive line-up. Vertonghen's strong, physical style is a good match for the Premier League. He's already displayed promise in pre-season and with an eye for goal, the Belgian international will be an important part in Tottenham's push for Champions League football.
Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) - It's been a fast rise to the top for Olivier Giroud. The powerful striker only made his international debut for France in 2011. A traditional no.9 (although he'll wear the no.12 shirt for Arsenal), Giroud led Montpellier to an unexpected Ligue 1 title last season, scoring 25 times. Bringing these goals to the Premier League in his debut season will be a big ask. Arsenal fans will reserve their judgement for now, hoping that the Frenchman can quickly fill the void left by Robin Van Persie.
Fabio Borini (Liverpool) - If Liverpool are to mount a Champions League challenge this season, Fabio Borini will need to find the form that saw him net 10 times in 24 matches for Roma last year in his debut Serie A season. Brendan Rodgers worked with the Italian originally at Chelsea and at Swansea in 2011 where Borini scored six times in nine appearances. An intensely fierce competitor with a hunger for goals, Borini's talents do need refining but he could be a big hit this season.
