Metro's free agent XI: From Gallas to Arshavin
metro
Metros free agent XI: From William Gallas to Andrey Arshavin
Transfer season is very much upon us, with the Premier Leagues elite already starting to pay out huge fees for some of the best players around.
But signing top quality doesnt always need to cost the earth, with plenty of players out of contract every season and this year is no different.
As such, heres an XI made up entirely of free players this summer, as picked by Metro Sport.
GOALKEEPER: Ross Turnbull
Turnbull was rated as a top talent at home town club Middlesbrough but went off the radar after joining Chelsea in 2009.
He was mostly recruited to make up the numbers of English players in the Blues squad, and only made seven appearances in five years before his release this week.
Still, at 28 years old, he is bang in his prime and still has plenty to offer.
RIGHT BACK: Phil Neville
Hes been tipped for a coaching role at former clubs Manchester United and Everton, but Neville says he still intends to carry on playing.
At 36 the legs might be creaking a bit, but his wealth of experience at the top level combined with versatility should see plenty of interest, especially from the Premier Leagues new boys.
CENTRE BACK: Richard Dunne
Dunne has always been recognised as a solid defender, but he has fallen victim to Aston Villas drive towards a youth-focused squad.
The Irishman has over 450 top flight games under his belt though, and is often recognised for his excellent ability to lead a back-line. At 33 theres not a lot of mileage there but being brave, strong and reliable, hes a tidy free transfer.
CENTRE BACK: William Gallas
Occasionally erratic, sometimes frustrating, but always excellent, Gallas comes with plenty of baggage but is still a first-class defender.
He is well-drilled on life in England, and could do a job all across the back four.
LEFT BACK: Maynor Figueroa
Figueroa has been one of the best left-backs around in recent seasons, with his powerful and aggressive approach winning plenty of admirers.
He has turned down a new contract at relegated Wigan, and will now get a big move. All that remains to be seen is who wins the race.
RIGHT MIDFIELD: Yossi Benayoun
Every team needs a player who works hard and can add a bit of class and guile, and Benayoun fits that description perfectly plus hes free.
Years of experience at West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal stand him in good stead, and despite a few injury problems along the way, he has always been a fine player.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Denilson
Often misunderstood at Arsenal, Denilson racked up stat after stat at the Emirates but didnt seem to get on with Gunners fans and was eventually shipped out on loan.
Back in Brazil he showed his excellent passing range and ability to run a midfield and is now looking for a new challenge. With a little work, the 25-year-old could be a gem.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Thomas Hitzlesperger
Nicknamed Smash Hitz because of his rocket shot, Hitzlesperger is a goalscoring midfielder who has proved to be a fantastic player in both Germany and England.
He added a tough body to Evertons midfield last season, and is now looking for regular playing time after finally shrugging off pesky injury problems.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Florent Malouda
Malouda helped Chelsea win the Champions League last year but now finds himself on the the scrap heap after being kicked out by the Blues.
However, with numerous France caps under his belt and a good record for being a quality play-maker there should be no shortage of takers now hes a free agent.
LEFT MIDFIELD: Andrey Arshavin
Arshavin was Arsenals record signing when he arrived in English football, but despite a blockbuster start, his frustrating attitude saw Arsene Wenger opt not to renew his contract.
The Russian still has bags of quality, but needs an understanding coach who will let him do his thing.
STRIKER: Carlton Cole
Big, strong, powerful and with plenty of pace, Cole needs a new challenge after leaving West Ham where he had become a little stale.
The hitman will never be a 20-a-season striker, but with a nippy partner, he could be a super target man as part of a front two, or able to hold it up and bring others in to the game as a lone striker.
TEAM (4-5-1): Turnbull; Neville, Gallas, Dunne, Figueroa; Benayoun, Denilson, Hitzlesperger, Malouda, Arshavin; Cole.
Transfer season is very much upon us, with the Premier Leagues elite already starting to pay out huge fees for some of the best players around.
But signing top quality doesnt always need to cost the earth, with plenty of players out of contract every season and this year is no different.
As such, heres an XI made up entirely of free players this summer, as picked by Metro Sport.
GOALKEEPER: Ross Turnbull
Turnbull was rated as a top talent at home town club Middlesbrough but went off the radar after joining Chelsea in 2009.
He was mostly recruited to make up the numbers of English players in the Blues squad, and only made seven appearances in five years before his release this week.
Still, at 28 years old, he is bang in his prime and still has plenty to offer.
RIGHT BACK: Phil Neville
Hes been tipped for a coaching role at former clubs Manchester United and Everton, but Neville says he still intends to carry on playing.
At 36 the legs might be creaking a bit, but his wealth of experience at the top level combined with versatility should see plenty of interest, especially from the Premier Leagues new boys.
CENTRE BACK: Richard Dunne
Dunne has always been recognised as a solid defender, but he has fallen victim to Aston Villas drive towards a youth-focused squad.
The Irishman has over 450 top flight games under his belt though, and is often recognised for his excellent ability to lead a back-line. At 33 theres not a lot of mileage there but being brave, strong and reliable, hes a tidy free transfer.
CENTRE BACK: William Gallas
Occasionally erratic, sometimes frustrating, but always excellent, Gallas comes with plenty of baggage but is still a first-class defender.
He is well-drilled on life in England, and could do a job all across the back four.
LEFT BACK: Maynor Figueroa
Figueroa has been one of the best left-backs around in recent seasons, with his powerful and aggressive approach winning plenty of admirers.
He has turned down a new contract at relegated Wigan, and will now get a big move. All that remains to be seen is who wins the race.
RIGHT MIDFIELD: Yossi Benayoun
Every team needs a player who works hard and can add a bit of class and guile, and Benayoun fits that description perfectly plus hes free.
Years of experience at West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal stand him in good stead, and despite a few injury problems along the way, he has always been a fine player.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Denilson
Often misunderstood at Arsenal, Denilson racked up stat after stat at the Emirates but didnt seem to get on with Gunners fans and was eventually shipped out on loan.
Back in Brazil he showed his excellent passing range and ability to run a midfield and is now looking for a new challenge. With a little work, the 25-year-old could be a gem.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Thomas Hitzlesperger
Nicknamed Smash Hitz because of his rocket shot, Hitzlesperger is a goalscoring midfielder who has proved to be a fantastic player in both Germany and England.
He added a tough body to Evertons midfield last season, and is now looking for regular playing time after finally shrugging off pesky injury problems.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Florent Malouda
Malouda helped Chelsea win the Champions League last year but now finds himself on the the scrap heap after being kicked out by the Blues.
However, with numerous France caps under his belt and a good record for being a quality play-maker there should be no shortage of takers now hes a free agent.
LEFT MIDFIELD: Andrey Arshavin
Arshavin was Arsenals record signing when he arrived in English football, but despite a blockbuster start, his frustrating attitude saw Arsene Wenger opt not to renew his contract.
The Russian still has bags of quality, but needs an understanding coach who will let him do his thing.
STRIKER: Carlton Cole
Big, strong, powerful and with plenty of pace, Cole needs a new challenge after leaving West Ham where he had become a little stale.
The hitman will never be a 20-a-season striker, but with a nippy partner, he could be a super target man as part of a front two, or able to hold it up and bring others in to the game as a lone striker.
TEAM (4-5-1): Turnbull; Neville, Gallas, Dunne, Figueroa; Benayoun, Denilson, Hitzlesperger, Malouda, Arshavin; Cole.
