Offside Yap #12 – Who was the biggest bargain in the Premier League this season?

Now into our twelfth instalment, this week we have called upon some of the team to give their thoughts on a talking point in the game which has really got us thinking!

This week we asked…

What was the bargain of the season?

Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotpur) – signed for £11.5m from Ajax

Greg Helmich – Tottenham spent a lot of money in the summer but their best acquisition was without doubt Christian Eriksen.10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions is a good return for his first season in the Premier League and at 22 he can only get better. Bargain!

Morgan Hammond – My bargain of the season has to be Christian Eriksen. He has been one of the standout players of the season for me in the Premier League. His league tally of seven goals and eight assists for Spurs have been a source of pride for fans who have had to endure a difficult season. He is one of the most exciting talents in England and holding on to him will be vital for Spurs’ future.

Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace – on-loan from Southampton, signed in January for £1.75m

Mark Young – Jason Puncheon has been one of the surprises of the season at Selhurst Park and was even being touted for a place in the England squad near the end of the season. Now, I believe that was nothing more than talk but Puncheon, who joined the Eagles on loan before a permanent move from Southampton has scored the important goals that have kept Palace in the Premier League. Big impact at a minimal fee. Bargain.

Paul Dargan – Puncheon was already member of an exclusive club of players who have scored in every professional division in England and he took his goal-scoring instincts to Selhurst Park. Grabbing the only goal in crucial home games against Hull, Stoke and Aston Villa were part of his seven in total and assisted Palace’s battle against relegation; something which was achieved with more than a month remaining of the season.

Tom Huddlestone (Hull City) – signed for £5m from Tottenham Hotspur

Tom Simmonds – The popular idea of Huddlestone as a lavish talent unfulfilled gained traction with his summer move from Spurs to a Hull side widely tipped for relegation. His subsequent excellence as Hull’s midfield pivot was a key factor in their 16th place finish and run to Saturday’s FA Cup final. Such was Huddlestone’s form last season, he can perhaps consider himself unlucky to be playing at a time when England are suddenly spoilt for choice in midfield.

One more from Tom Simmonds…

Erik Pieters (Stoke City) – signed for £3m from PSV Eindoven

Tom Simmonds – A circa £3 million summer signing from PSV, Pieters made the Stoke left back slot his own last season, making 36 PL appearances for a Stoke team who achieved their highest divisional finish in 13/14. His OPTA stats also stack up; Pieters was 4th most prolific tackler in the PL last season, averaging 3.71 challenges per game, showing that, whilst he is a player of some pedigree, he has adjusted well to his new role as a cog in Stoke’s notoriously tough defence.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) – signed for £7m from Marseille in August 2012

Nikki Davidson – Though he was actually purchased prior to the 2012-2013 season, Cesar Azpilicueta more than proved his worth during the season just past. He has shown he can play consistently not only in his natural position as a right back, but as a left back (keeping Ashley Cole out the side) and a winger. His versatility caught the eye of Jose Mourinho and made him a regular fixture in the starting eleven. His talent, particularly in one-on-ones, is apparent, and his work rate is one to be emulated, something that did not go unnoticed by his fellow players, who voted him Players’ Player of the Year. He narrowly missed out on Player of the Year, which went to Eden Hazard, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a Chelsea supporter who would disagree had he won it.

Loic Remy (Newcastle United) – signed on season-long loan from Queens Park Rangers

Jess Martin – Loic Remy stands out as the bargain of the season for me. On-loan from QPR, he has barely cost Newcastle a penny! In a very up and down season for The Toon, Remy stood out as one of the most consistent players of the lot. Securing 14 goals in 24 appearances, his stats speak from themselves. He’s keeping us guessing as to where he’ll be next season but what’s the betting he’ll be a bargain there too?

Who do you think provided the best value for money in the 2013-14 season? Get involved in this week’s Yap by leaving a comment below!

Check out the rest of the Offside Yap series here!