Best summer 2016 signing?

The upcoming January transfer window offers an opportunity for Premier League clubs to strengthen – but which teams’ summer investments have paid off this season?

Paul Pogba, John Stones and Shkodran Mustafi were among the most expensive acquisitions but are they the top performers among summer transfers?

Here, using WhoScored.com’s stats-based ranking system, we pick out the top 10 summer signings, based on their performances in 2016/17 so far (minimum 10 appearances)…  

10. Victor Wanyama – WhoScored.com rating 7.16

Having long been linked with a move away from St. Mary’s, Wanyama finally got his wish in the summer in a switch that saw him reunited with former Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino. While Spurs’ transfer activity ahead of the current campaign has come in for some criticism having failed to secure the requisite strength in depth to juggle both domestic and European responsibilities, the Kenyan has been the obvious exception to that theory.

The 25-year old has started every league game for Tottenham since his arrival, scoring twice and completing more passes per game (48.9) than any team-mate at the heart of the XI.

9. Joel Matip – WhoScored.com rating 7.16

While Liverpool’s defensive issues have continued this season to disrupt what otherwise would surely be a serious title bid, the consensus is that Matip has proven a very shrewd acquisition. Signed on a pre-contract agreement in January, the centre-back has made a solid start to life in England, and his composure on the ball has been a real asset to the way that Klopp wants his side to play.

The Cameroonian has completed the eighth most passes per game in the Premier League this season, with 56 enough to rank second of all centre-backs. Moreover, he is yet to commit a single error leading to an opposition shot, where seven other Liverpool players have.

8. David Luiz – WhoScored.com rating 7.16

When Chelsea re-signed David Luiz for an eye-watering £30m fee on deadline day, it’s fair to say most neutrals and pundits saw the move as an act of desperation. In the past we’ve needed to tread with caution when praising the Brazilian but it’s a switch that is now looking like something of a masterstroke. Dictating play from the heart of Conte’s favoured back three, the former PSG man is looking far more assured with players either side of him.

Now able to step out from defence with far less risk, Luiz is averaging the most shots per game of any centre-back in the league (1.2), while an average of 5.3 clearances per game ranks first of all Chelsea players by a distance.

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