McALLISTER - THE BEST SUMMER SIGNING?
Opta put all of the close season transfer deals between England‚ÇÖs top clubs under the microscope and McAllister emerged as THE biggest bargain earning more Opta points than more high profile signings David Ginola, Paulo Wanchope and fellow Liverpool new-boy Nick Barmby.
McAllister was awarded top marks after a stunning campaign in the heart of the Coventry engine-room which saw him take the Sky Blues Player of the Season award. No midfielder managed more Premiership strikes than the stylish veteran who scored 11 times, and only one player - Roy Keane - attempted more passes.
Gerard Houllier isn't the only manager with an eye for a bargain though. Harry Redknapp has done his fair share of wheeling and dealing and clearly subscribes to the view that life begins after 30.
The West Ham manager wasted no time when Arsenal's defensive stalwart Nigel Winterburn came on the market, and with Winterburn taking second spot in Opta's top 10, the stattos clearly feel that the Nutty Boy is a real steal.
Nick Barmby is the most expensive player on the list. The pint-sized playmaker enraged the blue half of Merseyside by defecting from Goodison Park to Anfield, but even though he had an excellent season for the Toffees, Barmby only makes number six in the top 10 - one place lower than Aston Villa‚ÇÖs flamboyant new purchase David Ginola.
The former Tottenham man scored well with Opta for his ability on the ball attempting 415 dribbles - the most in the Premiership. But he failed to make as great an all round contribution to his side as the likes of Dan Petrescu and Don Hutchison, both of whom earned more Opta points and cost less than Ginola.
At least Ginola makes the top 10, which is more than can be said for Benito Carbone. The Italian enjoyed some magical moments last season, but averaged just 772 points a game for Aston Villa before his acrimonious departure and will need to put in a few more forceful performances for Bradford if he is to be a Bantam menace.
Opta‚ÇÖs chart only includes those players who have moved between English clubs. It remains to be seen which of this summer‚ÇÖs expensive foreign imports proves to be the best value. One thing is clear, though, there are still plenty of bargains to be had closer to home.
