The new Premier League season might only be three weeks old but there are plenty of summer recruits that have already had a huge impact on the division. Ahead of match day four and the end of the first month of the 2018/19 campaign, we rank the 10 best signings of the summer transfer window, based solely on performances in August.
10) Luciano Vietto – Fulham (on loan)
A late entry to this list, having only started his first league game last weekend, Fulham’s loan signing from Atletico Madrid set up two goals on his full debut in a 4-2 victory over Burnley. The 24-year-old Argentinean was once seen as among the nation’s brightest prospects, but Vietto failed to settle in Spanish football, bouncing around with a series of loans over the last few years. The intelligent, creative winger may have finally found a home.
9) Joao Moutinho – Wolves (on loan)
The Portugal midfielder has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs over the years and finally arrived in England this summer, on loan from Porto. Moutinho has already forged an excellent partnership with Ruben Neves in Wolves’ two-man midfield, his crisp passing and composure on the ball counter-balancing his Portuguese team-mate perfectly. The 31-year-old was particularly impressive in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City, making three tackles and grabbing an assist.
8) Richarlison – Everton (£50m)
Everton’s new Brazilian winger would have ranked higher on this list had he not been sent off for headbutting an opponent last weekend, exposing the erratic side of Richarlison’s personality. He is still very raw at 21, with much to learn – both in terms of temperament and consistency on the pitch. However, three goals from three games shows just how dangerous he can be when partnered with Marco Silva; his dribbling speed and decision-making in the final third make him worthy of such a high fee.
7) Raul Jimenez – Wolves (on loan)
Wolves have found a serious player in Raul Jimenez. The Mexican striker, on loan from Benfica, has settled in very quickly at Molineaux and has become an exciting fulcrum of their attack despite only scoring once in his first three Premier League appearances. Unafraid to take on a shot, strong with his back to goal, and linking neatly with inside forwards Diogo Jota and Helder Costa, Jimenez looks set to contribute plenty as Wolves seek a top ten finish.
6) David Brooks – Bournemouth (£10m)
Eyebrows were raised when Bournemouth spent £10 million on a 21-year-old from the Championship, but ex-Sheffield United winger David Brooks has made the transition look easy. Cutting in from the right, his playmaking ability has been a crucial part of the Cherries’ superb start to the new campaign. Brook, sharp in tight spaces and with an eye for a through ball, doesn’t seem to be fazed by his dramatic rise to the top.
5) Jean Michael Seri – Fulham (£25m)
Fulham broke their transfer record to bring 25-year-old central midfielder Jean Michael Seri to Craven Cottage but already the decision is paying dividends. The Ivory Coast international is a superb technician, adding energy and technical grace to midfield while also improving their defence; Seri completes more tackles and interceptions (4.6 per match) than any other Fulham player. His goal against Burnley was pretty special, too.
4) James Maddison – Leicester City (£20 million)
James Maddison is a young attacking midfielder who has been destined to play at the highest level ever since coming through the youth academy at Coventry City four years ago. Maddison made 12 appearances in League One as a 17-year-old and has improved constantly since then, earning a big-money move to Leicester after scoring 14 goals and assisting eight more for Norwich City last season. His dead-ball ability and neat interplay in the final third has already made the 21-year-old Leicester’s linchpin.
3) Jorginho – Chelsea (£55m)
Chelsea’s new metronome has clearly helped the club settle into their rhythm under Maurizio Sarri, who brought the Italian midfielder with him from Napoli over the summer. Jorginho’s control at the base of midfield was highlighted most prominently in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United, in which the 26-year-old equalled a Premier League record for most touches in a single game with 186, and set a new record for a Chelsea player with 158 passes.
2) Matteo Guendouzi – Arsenal (£8m)
In terms of price tag, potential, and impact, Matteo Guendouzi earns a number two spot on this list. The 19-year-old had never played a game in a first division before starting all three of Arsenal’s opening fixtures against Manchester City, Chelsea, and West Ham. He is certainly erratic and a bit raw for this level, but Guendouzi has proved himself to be a superb reader of the game and an excellent tackler. Already the young Frenchman has moved ahead of Granit Xhaka in the pecking order having averaged 3.3 tackles and 3.3 interceptions per game.
1) Naby Keita – Liverpool (£48m)
Liverpool fans have had to wait a long time to see Naby Keita in action but their patience has been worth it. The Guinean is the complete midfield player, an outstanding athlete and defensive shield but also an excellent dribbler, weaving through the middle to help open up the pitch for Liverpool’s front three. Keita’s energy and ability to split through the opposition lines is the final piece in the jigsaw, turning Liverpool into genuine title challengers this season.
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