Defensive Reinforcements

It has long been alleged that defenders are the least appreciated of the 11 players of a football team. This outlook has changed to an extent thanks to the increasingly important roles played by defenders of the top European teams like Man Utd, Chelsea and nearly all Italian teams. Arsenal and Madrid (both Real and Athletico)'s weak campaign was attributed to their weak defences. So this week around let us take a closer look at three defensive transfers.

1. Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid

The versatile Spanish defender, who is primarily a right back but can effectively play anywhere across the back, has recently completed a 4m euro transfer to his youth club Real Madrid. He is part of Perez's objective of including more Spanish players in the squad and can fit right into the left back spot. Though not a world class player and not good enough to challenge Sergio Ramos for the first choice right back slot, he is surely capable of staking a claim for the LB spot where his competition is with the rash and inconsistent Heinze and the (supposedly) talented Marcelo.

A squad player at best, I don't see much difference between him and another Madrid youth product Miguel Torres. But he comes cheap and gives the manager more options, so I would rate this transfer a modest 6/10. Nothing great about it but nothing bad either.

2. Kolo Toure to Manchester City

The pick of the three transfers is that of the last remaining of the Arsenal ""Invincibles"" to cash land aka Manchester City. Kolo's transfer had to happen as he had reportedly handed over a transfer request early this year after a bust-up with the temperamental Gallas. The fee of 16m pounds, which I may add is peanuts for City, will be a welcome addition into the Gunner's dried up coffers. The move gives the Sky Blues'lineup much needed balance but has weakened an already ailing Arsenal defense.
Mark Hughes said that there will be a top class addition to the club's backline and he has duly delivered. Toure has proved his worth at the highest levels in the Premier League and would prove an impressive transfer. I rate this 7.5/10 as 16m for a defender is still high. But well, this is City we are talking about.

3. Martin Caceres to Juventus

This is my favorite transfer as I made the exact same one while playing Football Manager 09 as manager of Juventus (and he went on to form a rock solid partnership with Chiellini). Well, my fantasies aside, Secco and co continue their marked improvement in the transfer market with this transfer which is a loan deal with an option to make the move permanent later on. This guy impressed a lot of people with his performances for Recreativo and that lead to his transfer to Barcelona. But there he has fallen down the pecking order with Guardiola preferring Pique whenever he changes the central defense partnership. A versatile player, he is young, has height and pace, and I feel will surely make his mark at Juventus.
As I said earlier, I have a soft spot for this transfer and will rate it at 8/10.