Some you've heard of, some were unknown. These players have helped their respective teams contend for top spots in Europe and the Premier League.

5. Yakubu: Middlesbrough to Everton

After David Moyes’ James Beattie experiment didn’t quite work out for the Toffees, Nigerian international Yakubu was signed in the summer take some of the scoring pressure off of Andy Johnson. At £11.25 million, he became the most expensive import in club history last August.

Yakubu has proved his worth, sitting in the top 10 amongst Premier League scorers with 13 goals to his name. In the 2004-2005 season, a Yakubu goal saved Portsmouth from relegation after he equalized in a 1-1 draw against Bolton – this year, he leads Everton at the other end of the table as they battle Merseyside rivals Liverpool for a spot in Europe.

Yakubu, the highest-scoring African player in EPL history, brings pace, power and flare to an Everton side that has separated itself from the previously conservative, defensive-oriented style it showcased before this season.

4. Roque Santa Cruz: Bayern Munich to Blackburn

After summer additions Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose walked their way onto the Bayern starting 11, Santa Cruz was destined for departure from Allianz Arena. The 26-year-old Paraguayan striker transferred from the German giants to Blackburn in the summer for a mere £3.5 million.

He’s scored 14 goals on the season, tied for fourth amongst EPL scoring leaders, and at 6’3” provides a strong aerial presence as the Blackburn target man. In January, he was rewarded for his efforts by receiving the Barclay’s Premier League “Player of the Month” award.

Santa Cruz has helped establish a formidable Rovers frontline that also features South African international Benni McCarthy, scoring more than five league goals for the first time in his career.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes now has a quality striker at his disposal for the future as Santa Cruz prepares to reach his prime.

3. Javier Mascherano – West Ham to Liverpool

What Mascherano provides Liverpool doesn’t appear on stat sheets. He’s the defensive anchor of Liverpool’s midfield, frustrating opposing midfield stars with his air-tight marking. He was officially signed on Feb. 20, 2007, only one of a number of high-profile additions by Liverpool in 2007 that also featured Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel.

Despite the controversy that surrounded his arrival at Anfield from West Ham, his eventual debut at Liverpool was met with a positive response by Reds fans. Liverpool fans voted him “man of the match” following Liverpool’s Champions League defeat in the final to Milan.

At 23, the Argentine international has already drawn comparisons to defensive midfield greats. If his current form and development continue, don’t be surprised when he joins the likes of Claude Makelele or Gennaro Gattuso.

2. Bacary Sagna: Auxerre to Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger once again scouted his native country for the latest talent, this time bringing French international Bacary Sagna to Emirates Stadium from Auxerre for transfer fee of just over £6 million.

At 25 years old, Sagna may be known more for his eccentric haircut than for his history prior to joining Arsenal. Seemingly emerging from nowhere, the right-back has established himself a consistent starter in Arsenal’s starting 11. He presents a commanding physical authority in Arsenal’s backline, comfortable on either side or as a centre-back in Arsenal’s defense.

Sagna is one of 26 international players on the Arsenal squad and will be representing France in the 2008 Euro along with Arsenal teammates William Gallas, Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini.

1. Fernando Torres: Atletico Madrid to Liverpool

After spending twelve years with his childhood club Atletico Madrid, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez brought the 24-year-old Spanish international to Merseyside for a reported £27 million price tag last July. A fast-paced striker with a deadly finishing touch, Torres departed Madrid with 82 goals in 214 appearances.

Torres has continued his torrid goal-scoring pace since arriving in the Premier League, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo in the EPL scoring race with 21 goals this season. In Europe, he’s propelled Liverpool to the semi-finals of the Champions League with five goals in nine appearances.

With the help of Torres, Liverpool has amassed the same goal tally as last season with five games still remaining. His 29 goals in all competition this season has also placed him ahead of Liverpool icon Michael Owen for most goals in a season.