Coral’s 2015 summer signings Premier League all-star XI
As we continue our countdown to the Premier League season starting, Coral’s football experts got thinking about summer signings, and who we would put in an all-star XI?
It’s not easy with transfer window spending set to be the biggest ever come September 1st, and so many top quality players coming to England. Read on to see who we’ve picked in this side from the summer so far…
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Czech Republic custodian Cech’s cross-capital switch from Chelsea to Arsenal has already paid off, as he kept a clean sheet against his long-time employers in the Community Shield. This capture makes the Gunners worthy title contenders at 7/2.
Right back: Nathaniel Clyne
England defender Clyne looks a real bargain at £10m up front compared to the fees Liverpool paid Southampton for his once former St Mary’s teammates Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren, who he links up with again at Anfield.
Centre back: Toby Alderweireld
Southampton will be bitterly disappointed to have missed out on Belgium centre back Alderweireld, but Spurs is a step up for ex-Atletico Madrid and Ajax man. His partnership with compatriot Jan Vertonghen should be good for club and country.
Centre back: Chancel Mbemba
Although it is very early days to judge this youngster, new Newcastle United defensive lynchpin Mbemna has been compared to yet another brilliant Belgian in Vincent Kompany. We think he can live up to that billing!
Left back: Tyrone Mings
A reported fee of £8m is a lot for a club like Bournemouth, set to play English top-flight football for the first time in history, but Mings, who Ipswich Town signed for just £10k, has all the attributes to step up and was previously linked with Arsenal. Eddie Howe is 5/4 to make the Cherries the best of the promoted Premier League sides this season.
Central midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger
When you sign a World Cup winner, well you are obliged to include him in all-star sides like this. Much has been made of Schweinsteiger’s fitness, but this is a brilliant buy from Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
Central midfield: Yohan Cabaye
Only Crystal Palace have outdone the Red Devils by pulling off what is probably the biggest coup of the summer in France playmaker Cabaye. Eagles boss Alan Pardew got the best out of him at Newcastle, so why shouldn’t all of Selhurst Park dream of a top 10 finish at 6/4?
Right wing: Raheem Sterling
Is England attacker Sterling worth £49m? The jury is out, but 12/5 Premier League title second-favourites Manchester City needed homegrown players to fill their quota. Unlike Fabian Delph and Patrick Roberts, there is no doubts over the Jamaican-born wideman’s first-team spot at the Etihad.
Support striker: Roberto Firmino
Liverpool have lost Kop idol Steven Gerrard, but Brendan Rodgers’ raid for rising Brazil star Firmino can more than plug the creativity gap. He is a brilliant foil for footballers around him, and compatriot Philippe Coutinho should help him settle on Merseyside.
Left wing: Memphis Depay
Yet another Eredivisie top scorer has opted to move to England. Can Depay be as deadly as predecessor Ruud Van Nistelrooy was? We think so, and that is why Man Utd are awesome value at 11/2 to be Premier League champions again.
Centre forward: Christian Benteke
Once Sterling was sold, the Reds had no qualms about paying the £32.5m release clause in big Belgium frontman Benteke’s contract at Aston Villa. He will get better service at Anfield and, now that he’s fit again after injuries, all signs point to big things from Benteke.
Substitutes: Maarten Stekelenburg, Matteo Darmian, Micah Richards, Morgan Schneiderlin, Georginio Wijnaldum, Andre Ayew, Radamel Falcao
