Starting eleven of the best transfer dealings made in the Premier League this season.
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Keeper
Hugo Lloris – Lyon to Tottenham – £8.5 million
Lloris arrival at White Hart Lane during the summer raised a few eyebrows as the club already had one of the finest goalkeepers in the Premier League in the form of Brad Friedel. The American goalkeeper was not getting any younger at the age of 41, but he was just coming off the back of another fine season with Spurs. Lloris initially found himself on the bench but following some outstanding displays, had now firmly dislodged Friedel as the number one at White Hart Lane.
Left-Back
Nacho Monreal – Malaga to Arsenal – £8.5 million
When Monreal followed in the footsteps of Santi Cazorla by making the move from Malaga to the Emirates Stadium this January, there were many followers in the English game who hadn’t heard of the Spanish left-back. Monreal has quickly proven what he is capable of though with some fine displays for Arsenal at left-back. The Spanish defender hit his first goal for the club during the 2-0 win over Swansea and looks set to become a mainstay of the Arsenal team for seasons to come.
Right-Back
Nathaniel Clyne – Crystal Palace to Southampton – free
While a lot of the attention has been on the opposite flank this season following the emergence of young left-back Luke Shaw, Nathaniel Clyne has been quietly getting on with a more than impressive season. The right-back is still only 21 and looks to have a bright future ahead of him and Southampton will do well to hold on to the youngster should he maintain his form from this season.
Centre-Back
Jan Vertonghen – Ajax to Tottenham – undisclosed
Vertonghen upset many at the Emirates Stadium, including his Belgian national team-mate Thomas Vermaelen, by choosing to join Tottenham instead of Arsenal this season. Spurs fans have been grateful ever since as the player has put in some great performances for their side this season. Capable of playing at centre-back, left-back or in midfield, the versatile Belgian is rapidly becoming a fan’s favourite on account of his blistering long shots.
Centre-Back
Chico Flores – Genoa to Swansea – £2 million
There were concerns at the Liberty Stadium about how the club were going to replace Steven Caulker after he was recalled for the current season by his parent club Tottenham. But those thoughts failed to take into consideration the transfer nous of newly appointed Swansea manager Michael Laudrup. The Dane brought Chico Flores in from Italy for a bargain £2 million fee and the Spanish defender has gone on to form a formidable partnership with Ashley Williams in the middle of the Swans’ back four.