January transfer deadline day saw a late flurry of loan moves so we’ll be adding a few more names to the list over the coming weeks, including: Anthony Evans (Blackpool), Callum Connolly (Bolton Wanderers), Cuco Martina (Feyenoord), Beni Baningime (Wigan Athletic), and Yannick Bolasie (Anderlecht). Got my work cut out, haven’t I? Let’s get stuck into it.
Kevin Mirallas (Fiorentina)
The Belgian was an unused substitute in the 4-3 win over Chievo Verona, but bagged two assists from the left wing of a 4-3-3 in the 7-1 Coppa Italia win against Roma. He played the full 90 minutes and helped his team to the impressive win.
There were rumours on deadline day of a permanent move for 7 million euros, at which many Evertonians licked their lips to get rid of him, but nothing materialised.
Sandro Ramirez (Real Sociedad)
Sandro made his first start back from injury during an hour of Sociedad’s 0-0 draw with Huesca, and got a few shots and crosses away without making a telling impact.
Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray)
The Nigerian had a quieter game in the 1-0 win over Goztepe SK after last week’s hat-trick, but still managed to get a couple of shots away, one on target from the left-wing. He was then rested for the cup game against Boluspor, which his side won 4-1.
Nikola Vlasic (CSKA Moscow)
With CSKA still playing friendlies during the winter break, Vlasic was again tried out on the wing during the 2-1 win over Nordsjaelland. He wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet again.
Matthew Pennington (Ipswich Town)
Pennington continued at right-back for the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, and had a tricky afternoon up against winger Anwar El Ghazi, but coped well defensively without offering all too much going forward. He made four clearances and won 14 of 17 duels. He was also subject to some rumoured deadline day interest from Derby County, but remained at Ipswich for the time being.
Luke Garbutt (Oxford United)
Garbutt came off the bench for the last ten minutes of Oxford’s 2-2 draw with Barnsley, but wasn’t able to make a difference during that time.
Antonee Robinson, Callum Connolly and Beni Baningime (Wigan Athletic)
Connolly was an unused substitute during his final match at Wigan, a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest. He’ll now be plying his trade at Bolton with Joe Williams, but the recovering Robinson now has Beni to keep him company.
Ashley Williams and Cuco Martina (Stoke City)
Williams did what he could defensively in the 2-0 defeat to Preston North End, but was caught out with a ball over his head on one occasion. He played as part of three-at-the-back with Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi, making three clearances, blocking a shot and won seven of ten duels. Martina again failed to make the squad before he made the move to Holland.
Muhamed Besic (Middlesbrough)
After a string of disappointing performances, Besic didn’t make the cut for the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Newport County, with new recruit John Obi Mikel taking his place in defensive midfield instead.
Joe Williams (Bolton Wanderers)
Williams is still on his way back from a thigh injury, but Connolly’s on his way over to keep him company.
Kieran Dowell (Sheffield United)
Dowell had a few good runs and shots early on showing some promise during the 2-2 draw with Norwich City, but didn’t get on the ball enough as Chris Wilder would have liked him to have done, making fifteen passes before coming off for Mark Duffy on the hour mark.
Mason Holgate (West Bromwich Albion)
Holgate came off the bench for the final moments of West Brom’s 0-0 FA Cup draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, and was given a rest from the start following some electric performances at right-back since his arrival.
Shayne Lavery (Falkirk)
Lavery was again a late substitute for Falkirk, coming on for the final fifteen minutes of their 2-2 draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle without much chance to make an impact.
Joe Hilton (Marine)
Hilton was impressive again in the 2-1 victory at Hyde United making some crucial saves and interventions, and commands his area well for a 19-year-old. To be fair, he is six foot six.
Oumar Niasse (Cardiff City)
Niasse ran around again for Cardiff in their emotional 2-1 defeat to Arsenal but was brought off after 73 minutes, having two shots blocked and only making nine passes.
@TomClarke40
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