Fernando Torres the pick of the Premiership newcomers

Premier League / Mike Norman / 10 January 2008 / Leave a Comment

"Mystical" Mike Norman talks us through the success stories amongst the Premiership debutants and those who are yet to shine

One of the highlights of the summer from my perspective doesn't involve spending a fortnight in sunnier climates or attending countless barbecues in the company of scantily clad females. No, the highlight of the summer in my strange world is tuning into Sky Sports News to see which great footballers have been signed to exhibit their talents in the English Premiership - yes, there's sad, and then there's me.

Unfortunately for the barbecued chicken, the pork kebabs, and the slim brunette whose eye I was catching, the only thing I was licking my lips at last summer was the prospect of seeing Torres, Anderson and Nani this season, as they became arguably the Premiership's most anticipated debutants. Not surprisingly then, these players do feature in my assessment of the most impressive players who have been tasting Premiership action for the first time.

Anderson and Nani, along with Owen Hargreaves, were Manchester United's summer acquisitions at a combined fee of around £50m, as the Red Devils made their intentions clear with regards to retaining their title. Hargreaves is honest and hardworking without being spectacular, while Nani has been a shade disappointing for me. He has a massive future in the game, but perhaps just needs a little more time before adjusting to the pace of the Premiership.

To my surprise, out of the three newcomers, Anderson has been the one who has made the biggest impact at United. Moved into a central midfield position because of injuries to Scholes and Hargreaves, Anderson has shown great maturity, and skill, in his new position. At a reported fee of around £17m, he looked a bit of a gamble at first, but this teenager continues to impress as the season advances. With such quality in their side, United [1.27] should have no problem seeing off a below-par (and now managerless) Newcastle [18.0] at the weekend.

Arsenal spent just over £6m in capturing the signature of Frenchman Bacary Sagna, money that has been very well spent if his performances to date are anything to go by. Sagna is a modern day right-back, getting forward and supporting the attack whenever possible. He is very comfortable on the ball and is easily the best 'new' defender to grace the Premiership.

At the other end of the Arsenal pitch is a £7.5m signing that goes by the name of Eduardo da Silva. Eduardo is an extremely gifted goalscorer who has found the net with regularity for whoever he has played for. His quick feet, composure, and excellent finishing will no doubt have him as one of the Gunner's top performers come the end of the season. Backing Arsenal to lead at 'Half-Time/Full-Time' at [1.68] on Saturday will be the equivalent of putting £100 in your sock draw, and finding nearly £170 in it ninety minutes later. Sorry Birmingham [21], you don't stand a chance.

Before I tell you who I believe to be the best debutant this season (it doesn't take a genius to work it out), it's worth mentioning some players that have made a great impact at their new clubs. Belletti at Chelsea, Geovanni, Bianchi and Elano at Manchester City, Sulley Muntari at Portsmouth, Steven Pienaar at Everton, Kenwyne Jones at Sunderland, and finally Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, who is arguably the bargain of the season at just £3.5m.

And so to Anfield, where American owners are rarely seen, strange team selections are made, and a manager talks in riddles. Step forward the Premiership's best debutant, Fernando Torres a player that cost Liverpool a reported £20m, yet appears worth every penny of it. Quite simply, play Torres and he finds the net. I was a bit of a 'non-fan' during his initial months, but lately he has been quite outstanding, scoring some exceptional goals. Have a look for yourselves: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EkJ9hEO_6oU

I was a bit worried that Torres wouldn't get enough games, but even Barmy Benitez now accepts that he has a world class talent on his hand. Ten league goals have come Fernando's way, and if he can stay fit (and selected) his odds of [5.6] to be the top Premiership goalscorer will surely evaporate. Liverpool [1.76] are another confident selection this weekend away at Middlesbrough [5.7], though such is Boro's record against the better teams, some of you may be tempted by 'The Draw' option at [3.9]

Remember though, as credit card giants Mint will testify, for every top class signing, the clever/dumb balance is restored - I give you Tottenham's £7m defender, Younes Kaboul.