The transfer window’s official opening edges closer. There are a number of great free transfers who have been told, ‘thanks but no thanks’ by their former employers. However, it seems that this year that there are many good players being released from Premier League clubs. Perhaps this emphasises the ever growing quality within the Premier League. But, here at The Football Front, we have made a dream team squad consisting only of released Premier League players!
GOALKEEPER – Marcus Hahnemann (Released from Wolves) – The old American goalkeeper has been pretty decent for Wolves in the past two seasons. He has come into the side and has made some telling contributions. He is a goalkeeper who knows how to turn up for the big matches and can often have games where he is just so difficult to beat. At 39, he is even by a goalkeepers standard a pretty old folk. But, his experience and ability makes him the best released goalkeeper by far.
RIGHT BACK – John Paintsil (Released from Fulham) – The energetic full back is a good player. Defensively he is solid and you always expect the Ghanaian to support the attacks from the right. Perhaps his final ball and his crossing isn’t incredible. Furthermore, Paintsil’s last season was marred with an incredible three own goals. It’s something which must make the Fulham fans cringe with anguish. But his energy and good positional play makes him a very good free transfer.
Here is his funniest own goal.
CENTRE BACK – Jonathan Woodgate (Released from Tottenham) – Again, another quality free transfer. But the issue with Woodgate is that he is incredibly injury prone. But when this guy is fit, he is a very competent centre back. The club that eventually takes on Jonathan Woodgate would be taking a massive risk. Injury has blighted his career. But, if he does regain fitness, he will walk into most Premier League teams.
CENTRE BACK – Mathew Upson (Released from West Ham) – Upson had a poor season last year. One could argue he didn't recover from his woeful performances for England in the South Africa World Cup. But, when this guy is on form, he can keep the best strikers out. Furthermore, Upson possess leadership qualities and is a very good organiser. He can help keep his defence stay strong and focused. At 32, he maybe losing he legs. But, he can still do a decent job with some Premier League sides. All he needs is a good kick up the backside.
LEFT BACK – Jonathan Spector – (Released from West Ham) – Spector had a decent season last year. His versatility makes him a good free transfer. He has proved he is decent in the full back postions, but he can also do a job in a midfield role too. The American can pass the ball very well and has a great deal of creativity. This helped him shine in the centre of midfield. Spector’s versatility along with his ability it makes him a player which certain Premier League clubs will be seriously considering.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD - Abdoulaye Faye (Released from Stoke, now at West Ham) – Although he is 33, this guy is still tough as nails. His no nonsense and physical approach makes him a tough opponent. Faye is a hard tackler who is dominant in the air. His physical presence makes him a very practical player, as he can stop his man or alternatively break up the play.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD - Tamir Cohen (Released from Bolton) – Cohen found it hard to get into Bolton side last season. However, his ability is still there for everyone to see. Cohen is a midfielder who can pass the ball reasonably well and he has the creativity to execute his passes too. Not only this, Cohen has proved he can be a clinical finisher too. It’s clear the Israeli is a dynamic player who can find spaces if given the time. There will probably be a queue for this guy..but not in the Premier League.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – Zoltan Gera (Released from Fulham) – This guy is a seriously good player. He is a highly technical player who can operate in small places. Furthermore, he can be relied upon to exploit gaps in order to make something happen. Although his time at Fulham has been mainly coming off the bench to make an impact, this guy has proved time and time again that he is the man who can score crucial goals. His instinctive play makes him a big threat.
RIGHT MIDFIELD – Seb Larsson (Released from Birmingham, now at Sunderland) – Another high quality free transfer. This guy has a great cross, a great pass and a great footballing mind. His time at Arsenal as a youth player really comes out in his style of play. He is an extremely technical and versatile player who can deliver superbly from set pieces. Furthermore, his free kicks aren’t bad either.
LEFT MIDFIELD - Diomansy Kamara (Released from Fulham) – Although Kamara seems to have a problem with consistency and staying fit. However, when he is fit and firing, he is a pretty effective player. His finishing can be clinical and he's known for scoring important goals. A few clubs will be seriously considering whether Kamara is worth the risk, but if he can have stay injury free for a year, he could be a good asset.
CENTRE FORWARD – John Carew (Released from Aston Villa) – Big John Carew is a handful of a player. His psychical ability makes him a nightmare for defenders. Along with this, his aerial dominance makes him a strong threat in the air. Although Carew is renowned for his aerial dominance and his strength. His finishing must not be forgotten too. You can expect Carew to finish off a few chances with his feet.
At 31, Carew still has a little left in his locker. But in the past, his stupidity has often lost him his place or even cost him his job at certain clubs. However, his ability could make him a risk worth taking.
Here is a visual of our free transfers XI.
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