Five most incredible Premier League summer signings that hit the ground running

Five summer Premier League signings who have got off to a flying startAfter one of the most dramatic transfer periods ever, many signings will need to prove their worth over the next few months.However, some have already made strong starts in the first four rounds of the Premier League season.Let’s take a look at the summer recruits who are already living up to the hype.James Maddison (Tottenham)The most immediate impact of any summer signing was certainly made by James Maddison.The England international midfielder seems to be perfectly suited to Tottenham’s new style under Ange Postecoglou. He is playing with a swagger this season that hasn’t been seen in club football for years. Saturday’s extraordinary goal at Burnley was the latest in a series of extraordinary contributions to ease the pain of Harry Kane’s defeat by Bayern Munich.Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City)The loss of Ilkay Gundogan was seen as a blow to Manchester City’s hopes of a fourth consecutive Premier League win, but it has made little difference so far.

Thisis largely thanks to the signing of Mateo Kovacic, who cost far less than other equally capable midfielders and established himself alongside Pep Guardiola as if he had always been there.His partnership with Rodri has helped City get off to a perfect start to the season and may be why this is their easiest title defense to date.Declan Rice (Arsenal)However, Declan Rice has already proved his worth by turning down City, being hailed as a hero before even kicking a ball for Arsenal. While Guardiola may have made him another cog in the machine, Rice’s arrival represents the Gunners’ return to the greats and his performance did not disappoint.He already controlled Mikel Arteta’s midfield with acknowledged authority before his first decisive contribution, the added-time goal that put his side ahead against Manchester United last Sunday.James Ward-Prowse (West Ham)James Ward-Prowse showed his class at West HamWest Ham would struggle without Rice, but his score matches Arsenal’s after four games into the season.This is thanks in large part to James Ward-Prowse, who already has four goals to his credit in three games, including a pair of assists thanks to his famous set pieces.Along with new midfield partner Edson Alvarez, who excels in defence, Ward-Prowse ensured that the Hammers’ engine room was in good working order. Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace)Crystal Palace have arguably secured their summer’s value tally by signing Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer from Bournemouth and immediately improving their midfield.Lerma is an all-out player, but his defensive skills are particularly crucial as they give Eberechi Eze the freedom to wreak havoc in the final third.This balance gives Palace the platform to get back on track under Roy Hodgson and should await a season of comfort at least mid-table.