2. Fabricio Coloccini (£10.1million)
Scott Heppell/AP/Press Association ImagesFabricio Coloccini is proof that patience and time works in football: cast off at the end of his first season by many as another Boumsong, he remains with the club five years later with the captain's armband. His story begins much like Boumsong and Luque, mainly because he joined from the same club as the latter, Deportivo, in 2008. He was the last major signing by the club in a way, and his poor start to things signalled a new era for transfers on Tyneside. A fully-fledged Argentina international and stellar performer in Spain, Coloccini's talent wasn't questioned, but his lack of pace and inability to keep up with play cost him and the team as Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League in 2009. That year in the Championship, which not many expected him to stay around for, really benefitted him however: he was able to get to grips with the physicality of the game against players that clearly weren't at his level. He personified Newcastle's season, as they coasted to the second division title with 102 points, 11 ahead of second placed West Brom, losing four out of 42 games, none of which were at home. Upon his return to the top flight, Coloccini had changed, he was ready and waiting. His performances were commanding, stronger and better as a whole. When Kevin Nolan left for West Ham in 2011, there was no hesitation who should take his captaincy. The cool, calm Rolls-Royce Coloccini got the nod, and he never looked back. He has, thankfully, been an ever-present since, despite speculation about his future at different times. In 2009 he was a joke, £10million had gone down the drain. Now, it feels like daylight robbery from the streets of La Coruña.