Manchester City's Portuguese defender Ruben Dias; Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Willian; English Premier League (Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Premier League Mid-Season Review: Best Club Summer Signings So Far
The half-way point of the Premier League season is now among us, in what has been another surprising and entertaining domestic season thus far.
Reduced revenue from no crowd attendance, as well as the suspension of games, has affected the transfer market heavily. Nonetheless, the ‘big 6’ were among many clubs who aimed to improve their sides over the Summer transfer window.
Before the transfer market heats up again in January, let’s see how some of the League’s major signings are faring and who has been the standout signing so far.
Thiago Silva – Chelsea
The experienced Brazilian defender made the move to Chelsea on a free transfer and has stabilised a youthful squad in London. A leader on and off the pitch, Silva has adapted well to the pace of the Premier League, despite being 36.
Usually partnering with Kurt Zouma or Antonio Rüdiger at the back, the Brazilian has a perfectly balanced defence with playmaking in Chelsea’s back four.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – Tottenhan Hotspurs
The Danish midfielder has impressed under Jose Mourinho at Tottenham. Playing a sweeper role in between the midfield and defence, Højbjerg has excelled in providing coverage for Tottenham’s back four as well as creating for forwards Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.
His ability to win back possession by intercepting or tackling has held Tottenham in great stead as they look to challenge for the league title this season.
Rúben Dias- Manchester City
The Portuguese centre-back was signed from Benfica for what was then the fourth-highest signing fee for a centre-back ever (63 million pounds).
After a transitional period, the defender has become a mainstay for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, showing his class as a ball-playing centre-back. At only 23 years of age, Dias looks likely to develop into one of the league’s best defenders under the tutelage of Guardiola.
Man City’s record when John Stones and Rúben Dias start together this season:
11 games
10 wins
10 clean sheets
1 goal conceded (!!!)Rock Solid. pic.twitter.com/N88dKu92Lx
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 20, 2021
Diogo Jota – Liverpool
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Many raised their eyebrows when Liverpool settled on a fee of 41 million pounds for the Portuguese international.
He, however, has been a revelation for Jurgen Klopp in re-invigorating Liverpool’s front three. Slotting in seamlessly into the Reds heavy pressing style of football, the 24-year-old has also proven to be a goal threat himself, netting 5 goals this season.
Allan – Everton
The reuniting of former Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti and Allan cost a mere 22 Million pounds, as Everton looked to further strengthen their underperforming midfield.
The Brazilian has been a rock in the Toffees midfield three, playing in a deep-lying role providing sturdy defence and creativity for Everton.
With many more signings to come, the Premier League season is sure to take even more twists and turns.
