It’s all rosy at the beginning of things, especially if your team embarrasses Merseyside giants, and 5 times European Champions and 18 times League Champions, Liverpool, at Turf Moor. Sean Dyche’s cut and thrust football upended much of Premier League’s leading lights in Phil Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, among others. The no-nonsense manager has gone on to bolster his ranks with players, 3 of which may prove to be integral to their chances of surviving in the top-flight. T4O takes a look.
Burnley – Star Arrivals
Jon Flanagan – Liverpool, loan
Steven Defour – Anderlecht, £8m
Jeff Hendrick – Derby, undisclosed
Burnley – Distinguished Departures
Joey Barton – Rangers, free
Here Comes The Cavalry
#1 Jon Flanagan
Dubbed as the ‘Scouse Cafu’, Jon’s rise to stardom was as unexpected as it was meteoric. The Liverpool loanee plays with the knife between his teeth, as he goes in for the tackle – which on most ocassions, is full-blooded and sound of his studs crashing into the ball, generally reverberates around the stadium. A throwback, he has drawn comparisons with Liverpool’s tough-as-tacks, behemoth from Bootle, Jaime Carragher, on whom, admittedly, young Flanno modeled his game on. When this boy goes in for the sliding tackle, you can bet your house and mortgae on the fact that he’ll get the ball. An immaculate marker, who is almost impossible to turn. A defender’s defender.
#2 Jeff Hendrick
Burnley’s record signing for 10.5 million GBP, Jeff Hendrick, came into the public in the 2016 edition of the European Championship. A absolute rash for the opponents, the Republic of Ireland box to box midfielder, played a pivotal part in his country’s daring escapades vs the best teams in Europe. His incessant running to close down opponents, underpinned the natural athleticism of the ex-Derby County man. A constant threat in the attacking-third, with his movement and graft, he was easily the countries most frequent and potent goal threat. He’ll add further gumption, and fearless running to complement Dyche’s style.
#3 Steven Defour
Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Arsenal – these are only few of teh clubs who were interested in procuring the services of the Belgian playmaking maestro, Steven Defour. That was before his series of knee injuries stagnated his potential and fell his stock in world football. At 28, he should be plaing at his prime, but that hasn’t quite been the case. This move to Burnley will give the erstwhile Belgian wonderkid a conducive platform to be able to hit the heights and consistent that his talents demanded. For all of Burnley’s graft, Defour will exdude an unerring sense of calm-composure, that will permeate through the Dyche’s midfield.
