Alternative Player of the Month – January

Published on February 1, 2012 by Tom Pyman · No Comments

January is always a crucial month in the Premier League: the introduction of the FA Cup tests the strength in depth of the top teams, and whether they have enough to compete on all fronts, and the transfer window represents the last chance before the end of the season to bring players in and help create one final push for honours.

Transfer activity was surprisingly limited this year, perhaps clubs having one eye on UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules which come into effect in the not too distant future. The headline deals were the returns of Paul Scholes and Thierry Henry to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively; and both players made telling contributions in a mixed month for both sides.

Consistency was a struggle amidst a hectic fixture schedule, and there were few outstanding candidates for this month’s award. Leon Britton continued to be Swansea City’s heartbeat, and was instrumental in their famous win over Arsenal. Equally impressive results for Newcastle owed a lot to the efforts of Yohan Cabaye and Chiek Tiote whose names are firmly on the shortlist. Whilst Yakubu stole the limelight during Blackburn’s recovery during January, behind him in midfield, Steven N’Zonzi made excellent progress and is unfortunate to miss out.

This month’s winner belongs to Sunderland, who appear revitalised under the management of Martin O’Neill, claiming two victories in three Premier League games and remaining in the FA Cup. Craig Gardner’s stunning goals make him a viable candidate, as does the ever-improving James McLean. But it is their teammate from Benin who takes the January award: step forward and take a bow, Stephane Sessegnon.

Before joining The Black Cats in 2010, I personally remember being impressed with the midfielder at the African Cup of Nations, and also his showing with Paris Saint Germain at the 2009 Emirates Cup. After a quiet, uneventful start to life on Wearside, Sessegnon has blossomed over the past few weeks, undoubtedly owing a lot to O’Neill, who is famous for his motivational techniques and getting the very best out of his players. Often given a role just behind the striker, he now has the confidence to stamp his authority on games and demonstrate his obvious ability to great effect in the final third.

He has proven to be an effective dribbler, running at the heart of opposition defences, deceiving them with his close control and trickery. The Beninese International has shown greater penetration in recent weeks; claiming two fine goals against Wigan and Swansea, and as many assists throughout an extremely impressive month.

Upon signing the player, former manager Steve Bruce noted: “Stephane’s a little powerhouse with a small centre of gravity, some great dribbling skills and a good shot.” Should he continue to improve, the big clubs will inevitably come knocking in the summer, and Sessegnon could well be featuring on the big stage at last.

December: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

November: Brad Friedel (Tottenham)

October: Danny Graham (Swansea)

September: Leon Best (Newcastle)

August: Anderson (Manchester United)

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