Top 3 Decisive Transfers This January – Matic To Chelsea, But No Juan Mata In The List

Its almost been a fortnight since the January Transfer window slammed shut with majority of the Premier League teams teething their way to revitalise their squad for a push in the second half of the campaign.  While Juan Mata’s £37.1 million move from Chelsea to Manchester United remained the talking point, there were some smart buys by the other teams which caused the action to go till the last hours.

It’s not easy judging players in just two weeks, but with decent performances worthy of praise and the ability to adjust in tough situations coming through, we here at Soccersouls decided to provide our readers with the Top three decisive January transfer window buys. While one might feel that familiar names go missing, feel free to slate us and give us your opinions as for we believe this is the best we could have come up with.

Shane Long: West Brom to Hull City

A £7m transfer buy from West Brom might just be a tactical masterstroke by Steve bruce come at the end of the campaign. The short but strong and sturdy Republic of Ireland international brings with him raw pace, the ability to turn defenders inside out and the willingness to chase balls even in lost causes. Certainly on his day, Shane Long is one of the most “watchable” strikers in the Premier league and make no mistake if his yet to blossom partnership with Nikica Jelavic might just prove instrumental if the Tigers are to stay and fight for another season in England’s top tier football.

Lewis Holtby: Loan deal from Tottenham to Fulham

The German was unable to locate himself in the Tottenham side and was right to move on a loan deal to the Cottagers to get some more game time rather than warming the sidelines. The young German international is simply brilliant on the ball, reminiscent of his time at Schalke, has the “third eye” for a pass: just ask Steve Sidwell who put to bed Holtby’s brilliant chip at old Trafford. Holtby is ever present in the middle of the park if he is given his favourite role to play and express out there on the pitch. As the Cottagers continue to struggle, currently rock bottom in the Premier League table the on loan midfielder from Spurs will play a significant role in Fulham’s chances to stay up this season.

Nemanja Matic: Benfica to Chelsea

When one talks of Juan Mata, they certainly forget that Nemanja Matic’s signing from Benfica to Chelsea was probably the best January deal this season. Matic has made five appearances so far in his second spell with Chelsea, since his big-money arrival from Benfica in the January transfer window. Matic has certainly caught the eye with his performances in midfield, and played a key role in Chelsea’s midfield, remember the way he single handedly drafted Yaya Toure off in the Blues’ recent 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad. He looks to have settled in Mourinho’s system with immense ease  and if the blue half of London are to win the Premier League in Jose Mourinho’s second homecoming, Nemanja Matic’s name will be ever present in the cheers of the Stamford Bridge faithful.