The season is nearly halfway through and January’s winter transfer window is fast approaching, which means Premier League managers should be well aware of how they need to invest.
While different teams will be trying many formations, everyone needs a centre-forward – whether they’re in the starting XI as a target man, poacher, false No.9 or an out-and-out goalscorer.
Naturally, the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane, Luis Suarez, Mauro Icardi and Edinson Cavani among many others receive a lot of plaudits for their impact leading the line. But they are all worth ridiculous amounts of money?
So, what about those going under the radar? Here are eight such hidden gems, and the Premier League clubs who should try to sign them in January.
1. Sebastien Haller (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Who should sign him? Bournemouth or Everton
As it stands, Bournemouth don’t really need a new centre-forward with Callum Wilson enjoying a good start to the season. But the Cherries are set to be bombarded with offers for the Englishman – one of which may come from Everton – and may need to look to replace him.
Sebastien Haller has been previously linked with a move to the Premier League and Bournemouth, with their exciting attacking play, could be the best option. An all-rounder, Haller has directly contributed to 17 goals in the Bundesliga this season including a eight assists and nine efforts of his own.
Should Everton fail with any other targets, Haller should be the man to provide a focal point to their attack.
Key stat: Sebastien Haller has recorded more assists (8) than any other player in the Bundesliga this season.
2. Maximiliano Gomez (Celta Vigo)
Who should sign him? Chelsea
Chelsea are in need of centre-forward fit for Sarrismo, with Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud yet to truly show their abilities in the system. Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez could be the way forward with the Uruguayan chipping in with eight goals and four assists so far in La Liga.
Gomez is fouled 1.9 times per game in La Liga – Hazard’s 3.2 the only average to better it in the Chelsea squad – and although he is not asked to be as involved in the build-up with Celta as he would under Sarri, his robust frame is matched by genuine technical quality and mobility.
The forward has reportedly been identified as a replacement for Diego Costa at Atletico Madrid. However, with the Stamford Bridge club yet to properly replace the talismanic forward themselves, a January move for this particular 22-year-old could prove to be an inspired piece of business.
Key stat: No Celta Vigo player has been involved in more goals than Maxi Gomez in La Liga this season (eight goals, four assists).
3. Emiliano Sala (Nantes)
Who should sign him? Cardiff City
All eyes in France are on Kylian Mbappe who leads the goalscoring charts with 13. But just one behind him is a Nantes forward being linked with a move to the Premier League in January.
According to Cardiff manager Neil Warnock, the Bluebirds had agreed a fee with Nantes for the Argentinian, though the French club then changed their valuation. But this should not deter Cardiff who are in real need of an actual forward, as opposed to using Callum Paterson out of position.
Key stat: Only Kylian Mbappe (13) has scored more goals in Ligue 1 than Emiliano Sala (12).
4. Francesco Caputo (Empoli)
Who should sign him? Crystal Palace
Prior to their shock 3-2 win over Manchester City, Crystal Palace were the joint-second lowest goalscorers in the Premier League. And their victory at the Etihad should not convince the Eagles they will be fine without a recognised centre-forward.
With Christian Benteke still out, Palace could look to Empoli’s Francesco Caputo as a short-term gap filler. The 31-year-old is proving his knack for goalscoring in Serie A and could work well alongside Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend.
Key stat: Only Krzysztof Piatek (11) has scored more goals from inside the penalty area than Francesco Caputo (8) in Serie A.
5. Roger Marti (Levante)
Who should sign him? Burnley
Burnley need a goalscorer. The Clarets’ forwards have combined to score eight goals in the Premier League this season. Levante’s Roger Marti has matched that tally in La Liga on his own.
The 27-year-old averages more shots per 90 minutes (3.2) than any Burnley player has managed, with Ashley Barnes the highest on 2.4 per 90.
Sean Dyche demands a lot from his strikers, but Marti’s arrival could add the refinement needed to lift them out of the relegation zone.
Key stat: Roger Marti (8) has scored more goals than any other Levante player in La Liga this season.
6. Fran Sol (Willem II)
Who should sign him? Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town are the lowest scorers in the Premier League and are still awaiting a goal from one of their forwards. The Terriers have been linked with a January move for Willem II forward Fran Sol, who came through Real Madrid’s academy.
Also linked with Celtic and Rangers, Sol has shown his goalscoring abilities this season with three headed goals, three with his weaker left foot and six with his right.
Key stat: Only Luuk de Jong (14) has scored more goals in the Eredivisie this season than Fran Sol (12).
7. Mitchell te Vrede (NAC Breda)
| Mitchell te Vrede staat voor een mijlpaal. De spits kan zaterdag zijn 100ste eredivisiewedstrijd spelen.
Meer feiten & weetjes over #NACpsv.
https://t.co/4MVjFNWrKW #NACpraat pic.twitter.com/LAD1Zuj62z
— NAC Breda
(@NACnl) September 27, 2018
Who should sign him? Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion are heavily reliant on Glenn Murray this season, and need back-up should the 35-year-old require resting. Mitchell te Vrede of NAC Breda may just be the perfect option, with nine goals in the Eredivisie so far.
The 27-year-old is very strong in the air and can also hold the ball up well, meaning Brighton would not have to change their gameplan were Murray unavailable.
Key stat: Only Luuk de Jong (129) has won more aerial duels in the Eredivisie than Mitchell te Vrede (86).
8. Dyego Sousa (Braga)
Who should sign him? Fulham
Aleksandar Mitrovic cannot save Fulham on his own. The Serbian has scored seven of Fulham’s 16 Premier League goals this season, with Andre Schurrle next on five – two players totalling 75%.
Dyego Sousa has proven himself vital to Braga this season, scoring 10 of their 26 goals, and is the all-round centre-forward Fulham need to help Mitrovic in front of goal. A potential strike partnership between the pair might be enough to save the Cottagers.
Key stat: No player has scored more goals in the Portuguese league than Dyego Sousa (10).
9. Mbaye Diagne (Kasimpasa)
Who should sign him? Wolves
For all of Adama Traore’s explosive dribbling ability, he still lacks the reliability in front of goal when deployed as the most advanced player in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. And whilst Raul Jimenez is the usual choice, the Mexican is often asked to sacrifice himself in order to bring other teammates into play.
Wolves’ most recent defeat against Liverpool highlighted their need to find a clinical forward.
Look no further than the Turkish Super Lig top scorer: Kasimpasa’s Mbaye Diagne has scored 20 goals in 17 league games so far this season.
The Senegalese striker boasts a conversion rate of 29.9% this season whilst no Wolves player to play more than 300 minutes finishes at a rate above 15%; Diagne would add the cutting edge clearly lacking at Molineux.
Key stat: Diagne’s 20 goals this season is at least 11 more than any other player in the Turkish Super Lig.
The post Under the radar: Nine centre-forwards and the Premier League clubs that should sign them in January appeared first on Squawka News.
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