World Football: The Top 4 Loan Deals of Deadline Day

Roque Santa Cruz and Michael Essien
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It's September, and the summer transfer window is closed. Now, everyone is able to reflect on what we have seen in the past two months.

From early June to late July, the world has seen many very interesting purchases—some surprising, some expected. 

While the big, expensive transfers have been highest on the headlines, the loan deals have often been equally absorbing. On deadline day, many superb loans were completed.

Here's a list of the four best loan deals on deadline day:

Danny Rose (Tottenham to Sunderland)

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Danny Rose first made the headlines for Tottenham when he scored a superb volley from 30 yards out against Arsenal in April, 2010.

This was Rose's league debut for Spurs, and the goal looked to have made the 19-year-old a fan favorite.

After that goal, Rose didn't play too many matches for Harry Redknapp and was loaned to Bristol City in the 2010/2011 campaign. The English defender made few appearances last season, and another loan away from White Hart Lane isn't surprising at all.

Sunderland sold defenders George McCartney, Marcos Angeleri and Michael Turner over the summer, and the capture of Danny Rose will help strengthen the team's back line. 

Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea to West Ham)

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After three great seasons with Liverpool, Yossi Benayoun moved to Chelsea in July, 2010.

The midfielder made 134 appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring 29 goals, but was unable to win any silverware.

Benayoun's time at Chelsea has been unsuccessful so far, as the 32-year-old has made just 12 appearances in two years for the Blues.

He was loaned out to rivals Arsenal last season, where he played 25 matches and scored eight times.

On transfer deadline day, Benayoun made a smart move in leaving to West Ham United. The Israeli international played for the Hammers from 2005 to 2007.

With all of Chelsea's new signings this summer, Benayoun would have found playing time very limited at Stamford Bridge this season.

West Ham need as many experienced players as possible if they are going to stay in the Premier League, and Benayoun will be very helpful for the London side.

Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City to Malaga)

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This seems like a great deal for both teams.

Roque Santa Cruz has found life very difficult in Manchester since his 2009 move from Blackburn Rovers. Last season, the Paraguayan striker was loaned out to Real Betis and scored seven times in 33 league appearances.

Santa Cruz is now 31 years old and will want to get as much playing time as he can in the next few seasons.

Malaga is a great destination for him, as the Spanish side have let Ruud van Nistlerooy, Salomon Rondon and Santi Cazorla leave the club.

Malaga are having huge financial problems, and the loan of Santa Cruz will help a lot. Los Boquerones are in the UEFA Champions League, so Santa Cruz will have the chance to play in Europe once again.

Michael Essien (Chelsea to Real Madrid)

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This loan comes as a huge shock to most fans.

In the last weeks of August, it was understood that Chelsea wanted to either sell or loan out Michael Essien, but nobody would have expected him to sign for Real Madrid.

After Jose Mourinho left Chelsea, there were always rumors that Essien would join his former coach, whether it was at Inter Milan or at Real Madrid.

Now, in somewhat strange circumstances, the two will be reunited, and it will be on a loan deal.

While Chelsea fans will be somewhat saddened by this (even if it's just one year), this transfer is best for everyone.

Essien has played very little in the past two years or so, and it would have been no different this year.

While Real are also fairly stacked in the midfield positions, the departures of Hamit Altintop, Fernando Gago, Nuri Sahin (loan), Esteban Granero and Lasanna Diarra leave Los Blancos with few defensive midfielders.

The Ghanaian will get more playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu, and fans will hope to see him at his best again.