Timo Hildebrand (Hoffenheim) GK – Former German international goalkeeper could be a useful backup, but has lost his form after leaving Stuttgart for Valencia. He struggled to break into the Spanish side and when he started he made some high profile errors. Returned to Germany with Hoffenheim and played regularly for them in the last year and a half. Now a free agent.
Juliano Belletti (Chelsea) RB – A veteran right back and defensive midfielder, the Brazilian can do a useful job defensively and his adaptability makes him a good squad member who can fill in in many positions if other players are out injured. Could add depth to any squad for a season or two.
Mariano Pernia (Atletico Madrid) LB – The Argentine born Spanish international was a regular at left back for Atletico until last season. He and his family were however involved in a serious car accident last summer and he suffered some serious injuries. He made a full recovery but he only played a few times for his club last season. A reliable, veteran full back who could provide cover for some Premier League sides.
William Gallas (Arsenal) CB – A controversial figure, who is known to fall out with team-mates, Gallas is still a very good defender, and if a manager and his team-mates can put up with his personality, he could possibly be a useful addition to many top teams in Europe.
Paul Scharner (Wigan) CB – Just as adept at central midfield as he is in central defence, the Austrian is an uncompromising tackler and has a colourful personality which improves any dressing room atmosphere. Scharner can also contribute a goal or two here and there, making him a good all round player.
Joe Cole (Chelsea) RW – With high wage demands, this England international won’t come cheap for any suitors wanting to take this creative midfielder on. As comfortable on both wings, as well as a good player in the hole between midfield and the strikers, Cole could well prove a bargain for some top Premier League clubs if he stays fit and can be consistent enough with his form.
Michael Ballack (Chelsea) CM – At 33, the German captain is not getting any younger but his experience, creative flair and control of matches would fit into any team needing a midfield general. He may foul a few opponents and lack any real pace, but he can still create chances for others, and come up with important contributions in front of goal himself, if allowed to play in an attacking midfield role.
Kim Kallstrom (Lyon) CM – A rocket of a left boot, and an expert free kick taker, the Swedish international can give a team something different in the final third if the occasion demands. Can fade in and out of games, and not be as creative as other attacking midfielders, but he makes many goalkeepers worry when he fires one in from long range.
Martin Petrov (Manchester City) LW – The Bulgarian certainly still has the legs to play at the top level, and his pace and dribbling ability can concern any opposition defence on his day. Has suffered with recurring injury problems throughout his career but many Premier League teams may want to look at the 31 year old and give him a contract for a year or two to see if he can make the difference.
Kris Boyd (Rangers) ST – Out of contract this summer and looking for a move south, Boyd has scored his fair share of goals for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. Whether that will be translated to a decent record in the Premier League is another question, but he could be a useful squad player who could come on off the bench and nick a goal in the last minute.
Thierry Henry (Barcelona) ST – Expected to leave Barcelona for free this summer despite still having another year on his contract, the Frenchman’s time in Spain has really gone sour. Many have said he has lost his legs but with injury problems and a lack of game time, he may yet still have life left in him if he is given the chance to play and stays fit. Unlikely to move to another big European league, he is rumoured to be moving to the United States to end his career.
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Football FanCast writer Oscar Pye-Jeary documents his time in South Africa following England in the 2010 World Cup. (England v USA).
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Paul is surely the strongest prophet ..!