We’re heading towards the business end of the Premier League season now, and we’ve had plenty of time to judge the new signings at every club.
Some have been underwhelming. Romelu Lukaku hasn’t looked like a £97.5m player this season, Jadon Sancho has just three goals to his name this term, while Emerson Royal is making a case for being genuinely the worst player in the division.
However, we’re not here to talk about the bad signings today, we’re here to celebrate the best of the bunch, be it bargain signings, gambles that have paid off or cheap gems that have been uncovered.
Here’s what we believe to be the XI of the best signings of the season in the Premier League.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale
Jose Sa has a case to make for being our number one, but it’s incredibly hard to look past Aaron Ramsdale.
The ex-Sheffield United man has immediately become a star at Arsenal. He’s their number one, he’s pulled off some blockbuster saves, and he’s a real fans favourite.
RB: Tino Livramento
If it weren’t for injuries, Takehiro Tomiyasu or Kieran Trippier could very easily have found themselves slotting in at right-back.
However, 19-year-old Tino Livramento makes the cut here after an incredibly impressive debut season at Southampton.
Signed in the summer from Chelsea, Livramento’s performances are already attracting interest from Tottenham.
CB: Ben White
£50m for Ben White looked incredibly steep in the summer, but somehow, he’s actually proving to be value for money.
The England international is proving himself to be a top-level reader of the game, while his calmness on the ball is a real sight to behold.
White has, quite simply, been excellent for Arsenal.
CB: Kurt Zouma
From a purely footballing standpoint, Kurt Zouma has had an excellent season.
The Frenchman has made sure that West Ham’s defence has been as robust as ever – even without Angelo Ogbonna, and his incredible aerial presence is key to David Moyes’ team.
There’s a reason Zouma hasn’t been dropped after his recent controversies, and that’s because he’s been brilliant on the pitch.
LB: Marc Cucurella
Brighton know how to pull off a coup, and they’ve done it again with Marc Cucurella.
The Spaniard has been absolutely electric down that left side for the Seagulls this term. His pace is exceptional, while his 2.5 tackles per game make him a match for even the best wingers in the Premier League.
CM: Conor Gallagher
The first loanee in our team, Conor Gallagher has stepped up yet another level at Crystal Palace this season.
Eight Premier League goals should tell you all you need to know, but the England international’s game has been about so much more than that. A tireless runner who rarely gives the ball away, Gallagher has been a real gem.
CM: Michael Olise
Olise may be playing slightly deeper than usual in our team, but we had to make space for the dazzling Frenchman.
Five assists and two goals in just 969 minutes of Premier League football is outstanding, and if he’s trusted to start more games next season, don’t be surprised if he hits double figures in both of those metrics.
Olise is a star in the making, and we’ve only scratched the surface with this 20-year-old.
AM: Martin Odegaard
Another Arsenal player, Martin Odegaard made his loan move to the Gunners permanent in the summer.
Odegaard has found his feet in England this term, and he’s been a joy to watch on a weekly basis. He presses well, he’s a decent finisher and his eye for a pass is almost beyond comprehension.
Odegaard has certainly solved Arsenal’s post-Mesut Ozil creativity problem.
RW: Emmanuel Dennis
Watford may be relegated this season, but one man who should be playing Premier League football next term is Emmanuel Dennis.
The Nigerian has enjoyed a rather remarkable debut season at this level, scoring nine goals and grabbing five assists, and if the Hornets are to stay up, he’ll certainly have played his part.
ST: Armando Broja
Another Chelsea loanee, Armando Broja has been a revelation at Southampton this term.
Cristiano Ronaldo may feel aggrieved to not make the cut, but despite the fact he’s scored 12 league goals this term, it’s hard to argue that his arrival has actually helped Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Broja has been brilliant for Saints. A physical, dynamic, quick striker with an eye for goal, there’s a reason Arsenal are already looking at this Albanian sensation.
LW: Philippe Coutinho
There were some worries that Philippe Coutinho wouldn’t be able to recapture his best form upon his return to England with Aston Villa, but the Brazilian has quickly proven everyone wrong.
A goal and an assist on his debut immediately got him back into the swing of things, and he’s not slowed down since.
Four goals and three assists in 10 appearances is incredible, and Coutinho is once again proving why he was once considered one of the best players in the world.
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