With the Premier League in the middle of its busy Christmas calendar, we take a look at the best transfers of the 2018-19 campaign so far
10Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Club – Chelsea)
The second goalkeeper to break the world transfer record last summer and one who has helped Maurizio Sarri utterly transform the way Chelsea play. While Thibaut Courtois may be one of the world’s best shot-stoppers he simply cannot match the ability of Kepa Arrizabalaga in terms of what he does with the ball at his feet. It’s been reported that Sarri had his eyes on Kepa a long time before pitching up at Stamford Bridge and that foresight has paid off. He’s kept his fair share of shots out but it is his excellent distribution which stands out.
AdvertisementGetty Images9James Maddison (Norwich City – Leicester City)
Fans of many Premier League clubs had never even heard of James Maddison when Leicester City signed him from Norwich last summer. He had long been regarded as one of the Championship’s best attacking talents and has made the step up to the Premier League with astonishing ease. He looks right at home at this level, delivering goals and assists, as well as ranking highly in the chances created category. It won’t be long until he is a regular for England.
Getty8Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion – Watford)
Many tipped Watford for relegation following the departure of their best player Richarlison over the summer. But they won their first four games of the season to confound the critics with Ben Foster starring between the posts. He was voted West Bromwich Albion’s best player during their relegation campaign and remains a difference maker at Premier League level for Javi Gracia’s team.
Getty Images7Danny Ings (Liverpool – Southampton)
A striker who needed a move away from Liverpool in order to get his career back on track. He is back down south with Southampton, where he started out as a youth, and is flying in front of goal. The Saints have struggled, recently hiring Ralph Hasenhuttl to replace Mark Hughes and things are looking up after inflicting defeat on Arsenal. Ings got two that day and has seven in all in the Premier League. If Southampton are going to move in the right direction then his form is going to be key.