3) Javi Martinez
Bolstering his reputation as one of the game’s finest players, Javi Martinez is probably my favourite defensive midfielder in world football. Erupting into the limelight, his performances for both Athletic Club and Bayern have been so impressive, his prowess is becoming feared. Controlling the tempo of a football game is what this Spaniard does best, with his cool personnel mopping up all trouble around his space. Certainly, his game has been plagued by injuries but he’ll fit right in. Composure comes from being the invisible man, as does the praise. Adapting to the Premier League’s tempo would be his next challenge, but let’s have our fingers crossed for what would be a shrewd signing.
Martinez suffered a bad injury in August, but is set to return in January.