Sometimes all it takes is one good move to turn a team’s fortunes around, and that has been the case here in the Premier League.
Inspired transfers can be the difference between relegation and survival, and it can even boost your Premier League 2021 odds to win the championship or sneaking into the top four.
So many players have come and go especially during these abnormal times of COVID-19 where clubs aren’t as financially-free as they’re used to. But which players have proved to be the best signings this past year?
Here at SBOTOP, we have our top five for the 2020/21 season.
Raphinha
The Brazilian winger is on the radar of multiple big clubs given his superb campaign under Marcelo Bielsa this season.
Raphinha was Leeds United’s most expensive signing in club history, and so far he has lived up to the hype much to the delight of the fans at Elland Road.
With six goals and as many assists in 33 matches, Raphinha’s numbers may look modest for a casual football fan.
But his impact goes beyond the stat sheet and he is a perfect fit to the Whites’ run-and-gun system. Raphinha’s speed, flair, and strong ballhandling skills have helped Leeds United overachieve in their first season back in English top-flight.
The Whites are placed ninth in the Premier League standings with 47 points. They are undefeated in their last six fixtures and they can even sneak in to an European qualification spot if somehow Everton, Tottenham, Liverpool, and West Ham United falter in their remaining games this term.
Tomas Soucek
Tomas Soucek continues to impress for West Ham United since his loan arrival last year. And who would’ve thought that he’ll be an integral piece to the Hammers’ revolution after confirming his permanent move to East London?
David Moyes certainly played a huge part to Soucek’s renaissance as he gave the former Slavia Praha midfielder all the confidence in the world.
Soucek is their second leading scorer with nine goals and one assist. Moreover, he has formed a dangerous combination with the young Declan Rice to strengthen their midfield.
Spending £19-M total to acquire one of the top midfielders in the Premier League is quite a shrewd deal for West Ham United.
Jesse Lingard
West Ham United’s European qualification chances have taken a turn for the better because of Jesse Lingard’s arrival. The 28-year-old winger has been a revelation for the Hammers as he has already made the most out of his tenure so far in East London.
After scoring only once for Manchester United last season, Lingard emerged as the Hammers’ top hit man with nine goals and three assists in just 11 matches.
He is definitely on fire right now and his fantastic play has earned for himself a big consideration to be included in England’s European Championship squad.
David Moyes is certainly keen on making Lingard a permanent West Ham United member, but they are expected to face resistance from his mother club in Manchester United this summer.
Diogo Jota
Liverpool have heavily relied on the front trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah especially during their title run last season. However, that may change since they now have Diogo Jota in the fold.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward has been the bright spot for the Reds’ difficult season as he has registered 12 goals and multiple Premier League 2021 highlights in 27 fixtures played.
Jota adds another dynamic to the Liverpool’s offence especially since Roberto Firmino has declined this term.
Liverpool have never lost in all games that he finds the back of the net, which is handy considering his penchant for scoring.
£41-M looked like an overpayment back then. But given Jota’s youth and upside, the Reds may have gotten a diamond in the rough that will serve as one of their future cornerstones.
Ruben Dias
One of the reasons why Manchester City are dominating in the Premier League is because of Ruben Dias. The Portuguese centre-back has added granite to the Sky Blues’ rock solid backline alongside John Stones.
His imposing stature and physicality makes opposing strikers think twice whenever they charge inside the penalty area.
In 29 appearances, Dias secured 14 clean sheets – spearheading the best defence in the Premier League which has only conceded 24 goals as of this writing.
Dias also played a huge role in helping Manchester City register a crucial 2-1 victory over PSG in the first leg of their Champions League tie as his brick wall-like presence limited attacking opportunities for Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
With him at the back, Manchester City are on the way to secure their third Premier League trophy in the last four seasons, and possibly this year’s Champions League.
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