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    Monday
    May272013

    An alternative selection of some of last summers most productive transfers

    There have been plenty of articles throughout the press since the season drew to a close outlining the best  signings of the season, here we look at seven moves that might not have been as eye catching as the likes of Robin van Persie, Michu and Jan Vertonghen but nonetheless proved to be astute pieces of business.

    Hugo Lloris

    When he was signed there were many questioning why Tottenham were splashing such funds on a goal keeper when they already had the ever reliable Brad Friedel on the books, however that view was soon quashed following a few months of seeing Lloris in action. The Frenchmen has proved why he is rated amongst the best keepers in all of world football with several commanding displays throughout the campaign and Spurs look to have secured a top class keeper for the foreseeable future.

    Chico Florres

    Ashley Williams has attracted much of the attention in regards to Swansea's impressive defensive returns, however the impact of the arrival of Chico from Genoa in the Summer has been huge. Costing just £2 million the Spaniard has proved another bargain buy for Michael Laudrup, with Swansea never quite looking as solid when he was missing.

    Sebastian Bassong

    One of two Norwich players to make the list, Bassong has finally found the form that saw him build such a strong reputation at Newcastle. The Canaries who at times leaked goals last season found a new sense of defensive solidarity this term with the Cameroonian proving a key factor to that, with this being highlighted by him taking the clubs player of the year crown.

    Robert Snodgrass

    The Scottish midfielder has near seamlessly made the transition from Championship to Premier League, contributing six assists and five goals during the season. Given how Norwich have struggled for creativity and goals the contribution of Snodgrass has been a pivotal factor in them securing Premier League football for another year.

    Ashley Westwood

    Snapped up from the Crewe Alexandra youth system treadmill for just £2 million Westwood has become an integral part of the Villa set up and like his club he continued to grow as the season went on. It should not be underestimated the step up that Westwood has made and in such a short space of time and whilst Villa's front three will draw the plaudits for their fine finish to the season the impact of the unflappable Westwood should not be played down.

    Arouna Kone

    Ok so he could not prevent Wigan falling out of the league but nobody can deny that Kone did not have a significant impact on the season, contributing eleven goals and five assists. Further to that the Ivoirians link up play drew him further plaudits and it looks unlikely Wigan will be able to retain his services, they will though hope they can get more than the minimal fee they paid for him.

    Kevin Mirallas

    Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke were the obvious Belgium stand out signings of the summer, however the impact that Mirallas had at Everton should not ignored. A total of just six goals and three assists might not appear worth writing home about but when Mirallas missed a chunk of the season through injury the Toffees form tailed off badly as they missed his creativity and menace. With a season under his belt the forward should only go from strength to strength, particularly if his final third of the season form is anything to go by.