The top 10 best signings made by Premier League sides so far.
10. Gareth Barry – Everton
The former England man joined the Toffees on loan from Manchester City over the summer and quickly integrated himself into the new philosophy being put into practice at Goodison Park by Roberto Martinez. Nobody expected the 32-year-old to do anything special at Everton, and he hasn’t, but that’s why his game is so effective, and it is his simplicity when in possession that allows the club’s more creative players to spark into life.
9. Curtis Davies – Hull City
Up until last season Davies was one of the great ‘what if’s’ of English football. A string of terrible injuries and poor judgement when it comes to transfers has hindered his career and expelled him to mediocrity in the Championship with Birmingham and Leicester. However, upon signing for the Tigers over the summer, his presence at the back has given Hull a solid platform to jump from and stopped them from leaking goals.
There has even been talk of a call up to the England national side, though making it to the World Cup next summer may be slightly too much to ask.
8. Gary Medel – Cardiff City
Many believed that when Cardiff broke their transfer record for the third time this summer to land the Chilean international they would be getting a player that would spend more time on the sidelines through suspension than he would on the pitch. However, Medel’s disciplinary record so far has been quite good, and the Bluebirds have instead bought themselves a touch tackling midfielder that will chase down every lost cause with the same enthusiasm he would a 50/50 challenge.
7. Kolo Toure – Liverpool
It is a difficult task to reinvent yourself when you pass 30, especially when you play in a division as unforgiving as the Premier League, but Toure has managed to do just that and has been one of the key figures in the club’s surge up the table this season. His experience alongside Agger and/or Skrtel has been vital this year and he has once again looked like the player that Arsenal first brought over back in 2002.
6. Paulinho – Tottenham Hotspur
It’s fair to say that not all of Tottenham’s new signings have had the desired impact since making their way to the club this summer, but one who has certainly delivered the most has been Paulinho. The Brazilian has already found the back of the net on four occasions across all competitions and has even found himself named as Man of the Match in several Premier League ties too. If he can continue to take the English top flight by storm then there is no doubt that he will be on that plane heading home for next summer’s World Cup as well as stopping the rot to help Spurs take their place in the top four once again.
5. Jesus Navas – Manchester City
There was a time, not too long ago, that Navas would not have even considered turning out for a Premier League side as he suffered from a chronic homesickness whilst at Sevilla that was so bad even away games became problematic. However, over the years he has matured into an exceptional player and many must be wondering how bad the condition was seeing how effortlessly he has slipped into life in the Premier League.
4. Simon Mignolet – Liverpool
Pepe Reina’s gloves aren’t easy ones to fill, but the talented Belgian has done a sterling job so far and looks on course to keeping Thibaut Coutois on the sidelines as the World Cup approaches.
3. Alvaro Negredo – Manchester City
‘The Beast’ has settled in well to life at City, much like Navas, and has already found his goalscoring touch with 13 in 24 games across all competitions. Will most likely get better as the season progresses too.
2. Romelu Lukaku – Everton
The sooner Jose Mourinho realises that the 20-year-old is a natural born goalscorer in the Premier League the better. But Chelsea’s loss has been Everton’s gain as he continues to score for fun like he did last season at West Brom.
1. Mesut Ozil – Arsenal
The German international’s arrival virtually lifted a club starved of success and transfer market action and his form since joining has been a large part to their current position atop the Premier League table.
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