MAGAZINE

New faces - 2

Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

The Frenchman is Chelsea's only big-money signing of the summer so far, and manager Jose Mourinho will be expecting rich reward for his outlay. The Portuguese tactician knows that in Malouda, he has acquired a player at the peak of his powers. The 27-year-old international played a major part in Lyon's recent title successes, providing a sustained attacking threat from out wide. He can also play more centrally behind the strikers, and his ability to break into the box means the Blues may have signed a midfielder capable of scoring 10 to 15 Barclays Premier League goals a season.

Previous clubs
Châteauroux
Guingamp
Lyon

Steven Pienaar (Everton)

Like Bojinov, many critics believe Pienaar has yet to realise his full potential. After making his name at Ajax, he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2006, touted as a replacement for Thomas Rosicky who joined Arsenal that summer. He could not find the form that established him as such a bright prospect at Ajax and will hope that his loan move to Everton can signal a change in fortunes. Possessed with a fine right foot, Pienaar is a good creator who can play in a number of midfield positions, but prefers the left wing. In 2003 Pienaar finished as runner-up to Arjen Robben for the Dutch Young Player of the Year Award.

Previous clubs
Ajax Cape Town
Ajax
Borussia Dortmund

Valeri Bojinov (Manchester City)

The Bulgarian international made his professional debut for Lecce in Serie A at the age of just 15, making him the youngest player ever to appear in the Italian top flight. Now 21, Bojinov hasn't hit the heights that many expected, but his talent is not in question. His impressive form for Lecce earned him a move to Fiorentina in 2005, and he joined Juventus on loan last year. Neither stint has seen him rediscover his best form, but there are numerous examples of past players hitting their peak once they have arrived in England.

Previous clubs
Pietà Hotspurs F.C.
Lecce
Fiorentina
Juventus

Anderson (Manchester United)

The 19-year-old has been compared to his illustrious compatriot Ronaldinho. Like the Barcelona playmaker, Anderson started his career at Gremio. He moved to Porto in January 2006 after impressive showings at the 2005 South American U-17 Championship and 2005 U-17 World Cup. The official Manchester United website reports that the club fought off interest from Barcelona to sign Anderson from Porto. Capable of playing wide left and more centrally, Anderson catches the eye with his pace, dribbling skills and passing. He is also not afraid of tracking back, a crucial asset for any midfielder in the Barclays Premier League.

Previous clubs
Gremio
Porto
Manchester United

David Rozehnal (Newcastle United)

One of Sam Allardyce's main priorities when arriving at Newcastle United in the summer was to strengthen the Toon backline. In Rozehnal, Allardyce will hope that he has signed a player who can form a strong central defensive partnership with the promising Steven Taylor. His commanding form for Paris Saint-Germain last season saw him named the club's Player of the Season and earn a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season. A strong presence in the air, he is now a regular for his country, the Czech Republic.

Previous clubs
Sigma Olomouc
Club Brugge
Paris Saint-Germain