Report card: rookies galore

By Zain Alvi | 21st December 2009

Report card: rookies galore | read this item

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As Frank Lampard admitted right after Chelsea’s controversial 1-1 draw against West Ham United Sunday evening, the Barclays Premier League is full of new twists that are constantly developing. Sometimes, even the most experienced stars of the league are dumbfounded by the unexpected challenges they have to face. With that said, it is obvious that newcomers to the league often face obstacles that test their characters severely.

Those Premier League debutants who deliver under such cracking pressure unsurprisingly go on to become fan favorites at their respective clubs. Today’s report card is dedicated to grading the Premier League “rookies” from what we have seen in this season thus far.

B- Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – Everton FC: This Russian youngster’s journey has been reminiscent of a rollercoaster ride. After his arrival at the beginning of the season, he had to train hard to optimize his fitness levels, but unfortunately, a minor injury delayed the start to his Toffees career. However, when he made his debut towards the end of August, he became an integral part of David Moyes’ struggling Merseysiders in both the Europa League and the Premier League.

His sound movement off the ball as well as an uncanny ability to control it all the way to the goal is what makes him one of the most exciting newcomers to watch in the league. His early goal over the weekend ended Birmingham City’s five-game winning streak and don’t be surprised if you see him accomplishing similar feats in the future.

B Alessandro Diamanti – West Ham United: Although Diamanti has not yet fully justified his billing as the Hammers’ high-profile summer signing, he has managed to make an impression with the Upton Park faithful nevertheless. In fact, given the turbulent nature of affairs in East London throughout the season, he has made quite an impression on the entire league with his three crucial goals preventing West Ham from sliding to the rock-bottom of the table. His true potential can only be evaluated as the season goes on, but so far he has come across as a technically sound player with a lot of untapped potential still to be explored.

B+ Arunda Dindane and Frederic Piquionne – Portsmouth FC: Both these men have fought valiantly in Pompey’s awful battle against relegation. Piquionne has repeatedly proven his pedigree while Dindane was responsible for opening Portsmouth’s column of wins with a stunning hat-trick against Wigan Athletic at the end of October.

Before joining the world’s fastest and most physical league, things had already been tough for both men. Piquionne never settled down at any club since his poor rapport with the Rennes management and teammate Alexander Frei led to his exit from the Ligue 1 side in 2004. Dindane, on the other hand, has suffered the massive disappointment of losing one of his twin daughters almost four years ago. Surely, both of them have shown their passion and drive to bounce back with a bang. With seven goals, an assist, and a ton of confidence between them, this duo is poised to be the difference between Portsmouth’s downfall and survival.

A- Ivan Klasnic – Bolton Wanderers: The Trotters brought Klasnic to the Premier League despite knowing that his delicate medical history with two kidney transplants could pose major physical constraints. However, the investment paid off because Klasnic’s skill and determination has easily overcome any apprehensions regarding his fitness. Furthermore, his discipline and professionalism – traits said to be found in most Croatian players - have propelled him towards all-round excellence in the Premier League.

In five starts and six substitute appearances, he has struck five times in the league, announcing very clearly that he is hitting peak form. Can anyone stop him? Only time will tell. For now, his resilience and success ensures that he is second to the best newcomer this season.

A Thomas Vermaelen – Arsenal FC: When Vermaelen scored a catastrophic own goal against Chelsea during Arsenal’s humiliating 3-0 home defeat at the end of November, most Gunners faithful felt sorry rather than angry. It was truly tough to see such a gifted performer suffer the huge misfortune of putting the ball into his own net in a fixture as crucial as that.

However, the former Ajax captain remained confident and immediately resumed performing the way he had been doing until the Chelsea game. His four goals in the league thus far have only added to his solid defensive displays, and although some will point out that as one of Belgium’s most renowned sportsmen he is ineligible for inclusion in a rookie report card, that doesn’t change the fact that this is his first year in the league.

It’s actually rather refreshing to see a formerly established star continue his progress in the Premier League rather than struggling to be the same player. It is certainly no secret that Vermaelen’s presence has, and will continue to be a huge factor in Arsenal’s push for silverware this season. Hence, the instrumental Gunner wins top honors in this report card.

If you did not see your favorite newcomer in this list, you need not worry. I assure you that this report card will return again at the end of the season to review the entire season’s best newcomers. Till then, enjoy all the Premier League action that is coming your way and make sure to get behind your “rookie”.

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