Coral’s Premier League Best January Signings XI

These players could make a huge impact

January was a very busy month for Premier League clubs as they spent a record £430m on new signings.

Now the squads are set for the rest of the campaign. And the Coral News Team have selected an XI of the very best additions.

Here it is, in a very attacking 3-5-2 system…

Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka (Newcastle United)

Rafa Benitez will be frustrated by Newcastle’s lack of major business, but Martin Dubravka could help the side tighten up defensively.

The 29-year-old is Slovakia’s number one in goal and superb at starting attacks from the back.

Centre-back: Ali Gabr (West Bromwich Albion)

Ahmed Hegazi’s displays at centre-back have been one of the positives for West Brom so far this term. The Baggies will hope his defensive partner at international level can have similar success at the Hawthorns.

Ali Gabr arrives on loan until the end of the season, when West Brom have the option to sign him for £1.1m.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk’s £75m move from Southampton to Liverpool makes him the most expensive defender of all time. If he can stop the Reds from leaking silly goals, they’ll consider it money well spent.

The Dutch international has all the attributes a modern defender requires. He’s physically imposing, reads the game well and is tidy on the ball.

Centre-back: Eliaquim Mangala (Everton)

Everton have benefited from Manchester City’s spending this month, as it’s given them the chance to sign Eliaquim Mangala on loan.

The former Porto defender was an awkward fit in Pep Guardiola’s possession-based style, but his aerial ability and presence make him ideal for Sam Allardyce.

Central midfield: Ross Barkley (Chelsea)

Ross Barkley may not be fully fit yet, but he could prove to be a bargain at £15m.

He’s got huge potential, now he’s got the chance to realise it at a club that will push for trophies. Barkley is 23/10 to open his Chelsea account against Watford on Monday.

Central midfield: Badou Ndiaye (Stoke City)

Between Joe Allen, Darren Fletcher, Charlie Adam and Geoff Cameron, there’s not much energy or power in the Stoke midfield. Badou Ndiaye will help to change that.

The 27-year-old is the second-most expensive signing in Stoke’s history after arriving for £14m from Galatasaray.

Right midfield: Theo Walcott (Everton)

Theo Walcott will hope to make a late push for England’s World Cup squad following his move to Everton.

The former Arsenal winger has made a good start, scoring both goals in his new team’s win over Leicester City on Wednesday evening. His speed and finishing ability should see him become a key player for the Toffees.

Left midfield: Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United)

Alexis Sanchez was one of the best players in the Premier League during his time at Arsenal. He’s likely to continue in the same vein at Manchester United.

He can play anywhere across the front line and provide the sparkle to United’s attacking play that they’ve lacked at times. Jose Mourinho will appreciate his driven mentality too.

Attacking midfield: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Arsenal)

Arsenal may have lost arguably their best player in Alexis Sanchez, but they’ve got a great replacement in Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Armenian may not score as many goals as Sanchez, but his passing game should dovetail very well with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere.

Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

Arsenal will hope Mkhitaryan can instantly hit it off again with his former Borussia Dortmund teammate. Aubamayeng’s pace was the perfect outlet for Mkhitaryan’s passing.

The Gunners’ record £56m signing scored 141 goals during his time in Germany. They’ll want him to hit the ground running in England.

Striker: Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)

Chelsea spent most of January frantically chasing a target man. Their search took them from Andy Carroll to Peter Crouch and then Ashley Barnes. But they’ve ended up with Olivier Giroud, arguably the best plan B around.

Giroud has the height, power and heading ability of a traditional big centre-forward. But he’s also got a great touch and is excellent at linking play. At just £17m, he could prove to be a bargain.

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