Borrowed XI: Best players loaned away from the Premier League
While the likes of Calum Chambers, Adnan Januzaj, and Enner Valencia have remained in the Premier League in their respective temporary deals, a large throng of youngsters and misfits are spending their temporary spells elsewhere.
Whether its in more exotic climes like Valencia, or simply at unfashionable hubs lower down the English football ladder like Ipswich Town, there’s an undeniably impressive selection of talent being borrowed away from the top flight right now.
Here’s theScore’s best XI comprising of players loaned away from the Premier League:
The lineup
GK – Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola showed he still has no issue disposing of fan favourites upon taking the helm at a new club, quickly making Hart surplus to requirements at City. He’s had a fine start to his Torino loan, offering leadership between the sticks and earning adulation from the stands.
RB – Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)
In his fourth temporary stint away from Liverpool in four years, Wisdom is abroad with Red Bull Salzburg. A veteran of 37 appearances for England between Under-16 and Under-21 levels, the 23-year-old is trying to find form after a miserable sojourn at Norwich City.
CB – Kyle Bartley (Swansea City)
At 25, Bartley’s chances at Swansea City may have dwindled, but he’s showing himself to be a consummate performer in the Championship at an improving Leeds United. He’s blossomed alongside Pontus Jansson at the back.
CB – Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City)
Mangala struggled to shoulder the burden of a price tag exceeding £40 million at City, but can rebuild his career with a spell at Valencia. Through improved concentration and composure, the Frenchman can improve to around half the defender Manuel Pellegrini thought he was.
LB – Baba Rahman (Chelsea)
Edging out Cameron Borthwick-Jackson at left-back is Rahman, on loan at FC Schalke 04 following a lack of minutes for Chelsea last term. While he does have a tendency to dwell in possession, he offers a lot more defensive ability than, say, another full-back by the name of Branislav Ivanovic.
RM – Juan Cuadrado (Chelsea)
The explosive winger’s never been given a fair run in the team at Chelsea, but has shown his dribbling brilliance in now his second season on loan at Juventus. Cuadrado has unfortunately been used sparingly by the Old Lady this campaign.
CM – Jonny Williams (Crystal Palace)
“Joniesta,” a gifted midfielder who’s won a cult following at Crystal Palace, has failed to win the trust of Alan Pardew in the senior squad. Williams is now on a temporary stint with Ipswich Town, but continues to struggle with repeated spells on the sidelines.
CM – Samir Nasri (Manchester City)
Soon cast off from City when he turned up for preseason training overweight, Nasri appears reinvigorated at Sevilla. “Wonderful seeing Nasri enjoying his football again,” tweeted journalist Guillem Balague. “The best Sevilla player so far.”
LM – Joel Campbell (Arsenal)
A winger who’s admittedly looked short of the pace and aggression required in the Premier League, Campbell has been propping up on the left under Jorge Jesus at Sporting Lisbon. Some areas may be lacking in his game, but there’s no questioning his work ethic.
FW – Bertrand Traore (Chelsea)
A youngster that looked set to finally trouble Chelsea’s ageing XI has been sent away once again, this time on a one-year stay at Ajax. Traore brings superb athleticism and strength to the lineup and, now aged 21, will hope it’s his last loan from his parent club.
FW – Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)
What an impact Abraham has made at Bristol City. The 18-year-old’s already collected 10 goals this season, bringing firepower to an attack that could see the Robins swoop into the top flight for the first time since 1980.