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If the likes of Gareth Bale and Robin van Persie are going in your team, you’re going to need a few bargains to balance things out. These could do a job…
Per Mertesacker - £5.5m
2012/13 Points – 135
The big German centre half established himself as an Arsenal regular last season and put in some impressive performances. His haul of 135 points, helped along with 3 league goals, made him the 6th highest scoring defender in the competition. Always a danger from set-pieces, he should chip in with a few more this year too. £5.5m looks a steal.
Michael Essien - £5.5m
2012/13 Points - 0
Chelsea’s forgotten man has struggled with injuries over the last few years and spent last season on loan at Real Madrid. Though he made 34 injury-free appearances for the Spanish giants and generally looked impressive. He’s now back at Stamford Bridge, reunited with his mentor Jose Mourinho who clearly has a lot of time for him, so much so that Mourinho calls him son, with Essien referring to his manager as daddy. The £5.5m price tag is most likely due to a lack of Premier League action in recent years, but he’ll not struggle for a game this season.
Lucas - £4.5m
2012/13 Points – 55
Another one who’s struggled with injuries, the Brazilian midfielder only really had half a season in 2012/13. He still managed 55 points though and was instrumental in Liverpool’s improvement towards the end of the campaign. If he can stay fit throughout 2013/14, he’ll easily clear 100 points and that £4.5m price tag will seem ridiculously low.
Andy Carroll - £7.5m
2012/13 Points – 94
When you consider his form towards the tail end of last season, £7.5m could be a snip. A total of 94 points is probably why the price is so low but he only made 23 appearances and the first 10 or so of those were interrupted by injury. With his loan move made permanent, Sam Allardyce will build the West Ham attack around the big Geordie and if he stays fit, 15-20 league goals aren’t out of the question.
Jay Rodriguez - £6m
2012/13 Points -108
The young striker struggled to make an impact after signing from Burnley last summer. This was largely down to being in and out of the team, and being played out of position by Nigel Adkins. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival saw him play more regularly and in a more advanced role. The faith was repaid with some important goals against the likes of Chelsea, Spurs and Man Utd. Should Southampton sign another striker this summer he might not be playing every week in 2013/14, but at £6m you’ll not find many better 3rd strikers for your team.
Who have I missed out?