The top THREE Premier League signings of the season:

As we approach the end of the season, the time is right to start assessing individual player’s unique merits and their overall contributions to their clubs. Time illuminates all and it now seems that a number of great transfers were made last summer and this January – as well as a few bad ones (I’m thinking of Sebastien Squillaci). Of course, some transfers were better than others and with this in mind, we’re going to take a run at counting down our top three Premier League signings of the season. When assessing what makes them a great signing we’ll take into account both their ability and their price tag. Without further ado, here’s number three:

3. Yaya Toure

Toure joined Manchester City for a fee of £24m in July 2010. The only reason he hasn’t come in at number one on this list is that he’s sporting a much higher price-tag than his competitors. He’s got a great engine, works incredibly hard for his team and does everything he can to force play. Though he excelled in his defensive duties earlier on in the season, it’s since City boss Roberto Mancini entrusted him with more freedom to get forward that he has truly began to shine. Who can forget his goal against Wolves, where he charged 90 yards down the pitch to get on the end of a sublime counter-attack by City? But it’s his Man-of-the-Match performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final that sums this man up: tough, mobile and a fantastic all-round footballer.

2. Rafael Van der Vaart

Tottenham got great value for money when they managed to take VDV off of Real Madrid’s hands for a meagre £8m. Whether the stories are true regarding a potential £18m move to Bayern falling apart, Spurs have reaped the benefits of the Dutchman’s fantastic technique at a cut price. 15 goals from midfield in 36 appearances in all competitions speaks for itself. What’s most notable regarding VDV is that he adds a touch of class to Tottenham’s midfield. Whilst the likes of Tom Huddlestone and Sandro add a certain ‘directness’ to the centre of the park, Rafael is an entirely different breed of footballer. Such is his influence on the team after one season at the club that Harry Redknapp will do just about anything to incorporate him into his starting-XI, sometimes at expense of balance within the side.

1. Javier Hernandez

Who else? ‘Little Pea’ has had a debut season that defies belief. Not only has he won his first Premier League trophy but he also played a vital role in ensuring that Manchester United secured victory. He’s scored 20 goals this season as well as impressing with his seemingly endless movement. If ever Manchester United need to find pockets of space in opponent’s defences, Hernandez is their man thanks to his uncanny ability to drag defenders out of their comfort zones. It seems that his success has not only taken the fans by surprise, but also the player himself. Hernandez told MUTV: “Of course I imagined that we could win the title but I never thought I would play so often and score so many goals… I am delighted to be part of this great team.” That’s something that I’m sure United fans are equally delighted about.

Honourable mentions: Luis Suarez, Sandro, Chris Smalling, Cheik Tiote, Peter Odemwingie.

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