EPL's Five Improving Players To Watch: Half-Term Report

On the eve of the 2008-09 Premiership season, Alex Dimond picked a few Premiership players who he believed were all set to make significant strides in their performances, and force many fans to re-evaluate their opinions.

Now at the half way point in the season, it is time to review how the players nominated have got on so far…

Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

What was said then: “Domestically, perhaps the arrival of Scolari will help Malouda flourish. With more tactical direction than given by Grant, and fewer defensive responsibilities than applied by Mourinho, maybe Malouda will be able to rediscover the form that saw him named French Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2007.”

The story so far: Despite being a fairly frequent selection from Scolari this season, Malouda has still been unable to really hit top gear. With the transfer window looming, it is widely believed that the Brazilian is prepared to sacrifice his French winger in order to bring in other targets. And understandably so.

Grade: C-. Time to let go?

Eduardo (Arsenal)

What was said then: “Before the injury, Eduardo was on the way to proving himself to be one of the Premier League’s most lethal strikers. This season, with more opportunities to shine, he will finally reach that level.”

The story so far: Unfortunately, Eduardo is still walking the long road to recovery, with a recent reserve appearance giving Arsene Wenger cause to believe he will be raring to go as the Champions League knockout stages begin. It could prove inspired timing.

Grade: N/A. Still waiting for doctor’s all clear.

Wayne Routledge (Aston Villa)

What was said: “While his delivery needs a lot of work, Routledge is a very similar player to Ashley Young. Routledge can make a similar impact on the other wing. But the London-born player has to prove he wants to do this—something he has failed to show in the past.”

The story so far: Just 18 minutes of Premiership game time this term tells you all you need to know about Routledge’s season so far. Martin O’Neill preferred to spend big bucks on James Milner than give the former Crystal Palace winger a chance—a damning indication of his opinion. Routledge is currently tearing up the Championship with Cardiff—but didn’t he leave Palace because that wasn’t the league he wanted to be in?

Grade: F+. Going backwards.

Anton Ferdinand (then West Ham, now Sunderland)

What was said: “At 23, now is the time for Ferdinand to show consistent quality. At the same age, his brother Rio had experienced Champions League football with Leeds (after an £18m transfer from the Hammers) and was on the verge of a £30m move to Manchester United. At a crossroads in his career, only Anton can decide whether he wants similar glory. It is not beyond his reach.”

The story so far: Transferred to Sunderland for around £8m before the window shut, Ferdinand has been a regular performer under both Roy Keane and Ricky Sbragia. Has not set the world alight, but nevertheless Sunderland fans should be thankful for the added security he has brought to the Black Cats’ backline.

Grade: B-. Solid, but still in brother's shadow.

Valeri Bojinov (Manchester City)

What was said: “Behind Jo and Benjani at Eastlands, Bojinov will have to work hard to see first-team action—especially as Felipe Caicedo and Daniel Sturridge will also be competing for minutes. Nevertheless the 22-year-old, as something of unknown quality in the Premier League, should make a great impact off the bench against tired defences unfamiliar with his game.”

Story so far: Oh, what an unfair mistress football can be. Struck down by another long-term injury before the season even started (for the second consecutive year), the club appear reasonably optimistic that the Bulgarian will be back in January. Will he then be able to prove his value to a team that can easily by a replacement? It would be an astounding achievement.

Grade: N/A. Another one waiting for the doctor’s nod.

Other names considered:

Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham)

What was said: “The former Derby youngster has massive potential, which he has only managed to show in patches whilst at White Hart Lane. This season, under Ramos’ guidance, he could become crucial to the team.”

Story so far: Gradually falling out of favour with Ramos before being reinstated to much fanfare by Harry Redknapp, Huddlestone has had an inconsistent season so far. Has continued to impress with his range of passing and, as ‘Arry typically loves his midfielders to be big and physical, should get more chances to show his worth as the season goes on. Encouraging. B-.

Abou Diaby (Arsenal)

What was said: “With Flamini and Gilberto having moved elsewhere, there appears to be a shortage of centre midfielders at the Emirates. Diaby, so often used on the left, could fill the void. Tall and powerful, he also has the great control that could lead to him winning over his many critics.”

The story so far: If anything Diaby’s critics have only been strengthened, after a series of tepid displays in the Arsenal midfield. Nevertheless Arsene Wenger seems keen to preserve, and some decent shifts in the last few weeks have shown improvement. Still needs to do more. C+.

Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth)

What was said: “Quite simply, Diarra has the potential to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Don’t be surprised if his continued good performances for Pompey earn him another move, back to a Champions League side.”

The story so far: Amidst a couple of niggling injuries, Diarra has continued to be the driving force in a weakened Portsmouth midfield, and has been so impressively enough to secure a transfer to European heavyweights Real Madrid. Job done. A.

Afonso Alves (Middlesbrough)

What was said: “The £12m signing took a while to settle in last term. This season, with a bit more experience, we should see more spectacular appearances from the Brazilian—like the lethal finishing he showed against Manchester United at the Riverside.”

The story so far: Still agonizingly frustrating stuff for Gareth Southgate and the Middlesbrough fans. Alves has only notched three league goals this term—although one was a simply incredible free-kick—despite frequently looking a threat. Surely more goals will come. C+.

Manuel Fernandes (Everton)

What was said: “Rescued from the disaster zone that was/is Valencia, Fernandes may well be this season’s Stephen Pienaar. Cousin Gelson Fernandes (at Man City) should also turn some heads.”

The story so far: Erm…..well, Manuel Fernandes ended up back at the “disaster zone” that was Valencia this season, appearing regularly—and to good effect—for the resurgent Spanish side. Cousin Gelson, on the other hand, has found opportunities hard to come by at Eastlands. Mixed fortunes. C+.

Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool)

What was said: “Arbeloa looks likely to be crucial to Liverpool this season. The first-choice right back (unless Benitez opts to move Carragher into that position to accommodate Agger and Skrtel) will want to prove he is in the same class as Bacary Sagna—and help the Reds mount a realistic title challenge.”

The story so far: The Reds have so far mounted a realistic title challenge—and Arbeloa has been a big part of it. Bosingwa may have jumped to the top of the league’s best right-backs—but Rafa will be more than happy that the Spaniard has performed consistently in a position that many considered a problem. Positive. A-.