Top five footballers on loan who have impressed in 2021/22 season

These players have made a huge impact at their new club.

Big money signings grab a lot of attention during football transfer windows. Clubs use this time period to improve their squad. To achieve that, they spend huge amounts on superstars of the football world. Fans clamour for these marquee signings, but the price tag does not always matter. Sometimes, it is the footballers on loan who achieve more with the club than the popular arrivals.

The 2021-22 season saw a number of loan deals take place. Some came as a shock to the fans. Several superstars moved on to surprising clubs in order to get regular game-time or rejuvenate their careers. Many of them are impressing at their new teams. So, let’s take a look at the top five footballers on loan who are shining for their clubs.

5. Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille)

The Frenchman was one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects. But, he lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s team due to on and off-field issues. He joined Marseille earlier this season to get regular game-time. The midfielder has shone for the French outfit since.

Matteo Guendouzi has featured in all of Marseille’s 30 league games this campaign. He has helped the club to second in the points table. The 22-year-old has also impressed in front of goal. The midfielder has been directly involved in 12 goals in Ligue 1.

On the fringes of an Arsenal side, Guendouzi has found his place in Marseille. It looks certain that the French club will opt to sign the midfielder at the end of the season.

4. Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Argentine defender is one of the footballers on loan shining for their new team. He joined Spurs at the start of the season on a year-long deal from Atalanta. Tottenham have an option to buy him at the end of the campaign. The centre-back has been a regular feature for the club in recent months and has been one of their best players.

A Copa America winner with Argentina, Romero came with a big reputation. An injury forced him to miss most of the first half. However, he has become an integral part of Antonio Conte’s plans. The 23-year-old has featured in every league game since his return to full fitness.

Tottenham Hotspur are involved in a tight race for a top-four finish and Conte will rely heavily on the defender in this period.

3. Brahim Diaz (AC Milan)

The Real Madrid loanee has impressed at AC Milan. He has been a regular feature in Stefano Pioli’s side this season. Diaz has contributed eight goals in 34 appearances in all competition for the Rossoneri.

AC Milan are leading the Serie A table. They are searching for their first league title since 2011. Brahim Diaz will play an important role if the Rossoneri are to achieve this objective. The forward has been in the starting XI for most of the season. He only missed a few games after contracting COVID-19.

2. Phillipe Coutinho (Aston Villa)

An outcast at Barcelona, the Brazilian has flourished at Aston Villa. He returned to the Premier League after few years away and has dominated. Coutinho has featured in 11 leagues games for the Villans. He has contributed directly in seven goals compared to two for the Catalans in the same number of matches earlier in the season.

Coutinho joined Aston Villa in the January window and scored and assisted on his debut against Manchester United. The Brazilian has made a positive impact on Steven Gerard’s team. However, Villa have hit a rough patch at the moment. But, they are in the mix for a finish in the top half.

1. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Antoinne Griezmann is another player who is shining away from Barcelona. He has been brilliant since reuniting with Diego Simeone. The footballer was loaned to Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day of the 2021 summer transfer window. This was done to reduce the Catalan club’s wage bill. But, the move has benefitted the Rojiblancos tremendously.

Griezmann has made 13 goal contributions in 29 appearances this season. He has shone mainly in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid have qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition.

He has also played a huge role in Atletico’s recent resurgence in the league. The striker has featured in five of their six consecutive unbeaten games. The 31-year-old has formed a brilliant partnership with Luis Suarez and Joao Felix.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter and join our community on Telegram.