It's no secret that the form of Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic hasn't exactly been impressuve thus far in the 2010-11 season, and as a result, left wing may be a particular position of interest for Roy Hodgson when the transfer window opens in January.
Two possibilities for such a role may be Valencia's Juan Mata and Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia. Mata has been particularly impressive for Valencia this season in the wake of the departures of David Silva and David Villa. He has kept Valencia in La Liga's top four and qualifying position for the knockout stage of the Champions league, with a goal and three assists in his appearances thus far.
For a wing player, Mata scores at a strong rate, approximately a goal every three matches over his past few seasons. The 22-year-old Spanish international, however, is likely to cost upwards of $27 million (17 million pounds), according to CaughtOffside.
Wigan number 10 and French international Charles N'Zogbia could also fit the bill, and it is possible that he may come at a slightly lesser cost. N'Zogbia has been highly impressive in his term at the DW, and has been the subject of transfer rumors for the past year. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has acknowledged that his offensive wizard may be on the way out.
"The speculation about him is going to continue until January, but Charles is a Wigan player…There are players who are going to bring in interest from other parties and they are going to have a valuation in the market… If a team matches the value, you are going to have to consider that," said Martinez, according to TribalFootball.com
N'Zgobia would likely come at only slightly more than half the cost of Mata.
Check out some of Mata's highlights below.
