Everton ace proves inspired arrival in Premier League new signing XI

A number of teams - Tottenham aside - spent big last summer to achieve their seasonal goal, and with that, we take a look at the best new signing Premier League XI using our unique rating system… 

Goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham) - 7.02 rating 

Lukasz Fabianski was one of the low key signings of the season. Goalkeeping uncertainty at West Ham last season, with Adrian and Joe Hart both sharing the number one responsibilities, meant the Hammers were keen on a new number one as they exploited Swansea’s relegation to bring to the Pole to the London Stadium and he didn’t disappoint. Indeed, the Hammers faced the fifth most shots per game (13.9) in the Premier League this season, but Fabianski made more saves (144) than any other top flight goalkeeper to return a WhoScored rating of 7.02. 

Right-back: Ricardo Pereira (Leicester) - 7.34 rating 

Impressing in his debut campaign in England, forging a fine understanding with Jamie Vardy in the process, Ricardo Pereira was an astute capture from FC Porto. A change in manager didn’t impact his performances either, with the Portuguese full-back playing well under both Claude Puel and Brendan Rodgers. He returned a WhoScored rating of 7.34 this campaign having ranked second for tackles (117) and top for successful dribbles (68) of Premier League defenders this season and, excitingly for Leicester supporters, is that there is more to come from the 25-year-old. 

Centre-back: Jannik Vestergaard (Southampton) - 7.07 rating 

Injuries limited Jannik Vestergaard to just 23 league starts, but he still enjoyed a commendable first season in England after his arrival from Gladbach last summer. The powerful Dane returned a WhoScored rating of 7.07 on the south coast and fans have every right to expect more from Vestergaard as Ralph Hasenhuttl leaves his mark on the squad. That being said, the centre-back still chipped in with an average of 7.4 clearances per game, the second most in the Premier League. 

Centre-back: Fabian Schar (Newcastle) - 7.30 rating 

Another fine signing the snuck under the radar, Fabian Schar’s good form at Newcastle has attracted interest from north London pair Tottenham and Arsenal, but the Magpies would be understandably keen to keep the Swiss defender at St. James’ Park. Newcastle won 11 of their 12 league games in 22 matches Schar started as he earned six WhoScored man of the match awards, no defender won more, to help gain a WhoScored rating of 7.30. 

Left-back: Lucas Digne (Everton) - 7.36 rating 

Everton had long sought a Leighton Baines successor and they have just that in Lucas Digne. The Frenchman joined from Barcelona and immediately won the hearts of the Toffees faithful as he scored four goals and registered four assists for the Merseyside outfit. The Frenchman has regained his spot in the France squad as he scored four goals and registered four assists. No player made more crosses from open play than Digne (48) in the Premier League to reinforce a statistically calculated WhoScored rating of ‘crossing’ and return a rating of 7.36. 

Right midfield: Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City) - 6.96 rating 

Riyad Mahrez endured a so-so debut season with champions Manchester City, with his penalty miss in their 0-0 draw at Liverpool a low point, but he was an effective performer where required. His man of the match performance in the 4-1 win over Brighton was a timely reminder of Mahrez’s talent as the Algerian earned an average WhoScored rating of 6.96 in his first season with the champions. 

Central midfield: Joao Moutinho (Wolves) - 7.06 rating 

Adding a spark of experience into the Wolves midfield, Portugese midfielder Joao Moutinho proved a shrewd pickup from Monaco as he formed a solid partnership alongside Ruben Neves in the middle of the park. He routinely displayed a statistically calculated WhoScored strength of 'defensive contribution' as he made 113 tackles, the fifth most in the Premier League this season, while going forward; eight assists from 84 key passes, that the fourth best, helped return a WhoScored rating of 7.06. 

Central midfield: James Maddison (Leicester) - 7.20 rating 

Partnering Moutinho in this midfield, James Maddison’s debut campaign has drawn plenty of admirers, with some of the Premier League’s top six showing an interest in the youngster. Indeed, one of Maddison’s best strengths is his ability to create, which he exhibited time and time against as he made more key passes (100) than any other player in England’s top tier to help gain a WhoScored rating of 7.20. 

Left midfield: Felipe Anderson (West Ham) - 7.22 rating 

West Ham made Felipe Anderson a club record signing last summer and they were rewarded with a series of stand out displays by the Brazilian. He landed a WhoScored rating of 7.22 in his first season in England as he scored nine and assisted four for the Hammers. Anderson completed more dribbles (74), made more key passes (65) and, interestingly, second for tackles (89) of all West Ham players as the former Lazio man impressed both on and off the ball. 

Striker: Salomon Rondon (Newcastle) - 7.05 rating 

Salomon Rondon has implored Newcastle to make his loan move permanent and despite his age, the Magpies would be foolish to pass down the opportunity. The 29-year-old scored 11 and assisted seven for Rafa Benitez’s side, having a direct hand in 42.9% of their 42 league goals this season with his partnership with Ayoze Perez a delight for Newcastle fans as Rondon returned a WhoScored rating of 7.05. 

Striker: Raul Jimenez (Wolves) - 7.07 rating 

One team who made a loan star’s move permanent is Wolves, who made Raul Jimenez their club-record signing earlier this year. The Mexican has made a huge impact at Molineux after his arrival from Benfica having had a direct hand in 20 of the 47 league goals (42.6%) Wolves scored this term, netting 13. Averages of 2.1 aerial duels won and 1.1 key passes per game further contributed to Jimenez’s fine WhoScored rating of 7.07.