Premier League clubs spend money at every window in the hope of landing some of the best players in the world, with hundreds of millions, if not billions, spent.
Typically, teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool will go out to seal eye-catching signings in their attempt to dominate the league.
It’s easier said than done, of course, and it’s often the moves that go unnoticed that prove to be the most effective and best value for money.
But who is the best signing of the season according to the cold, hard statistics?
Conveniently, sport mail has rounded up the top 10 using data from Who scored…
Cole Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea since he arrived from Manchester City
Alexis Mac Allister has adapted magnificently to life in Liverpool and is a bargain
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10. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) – 6.97
After scoring three goals and providing two assists during his time at Liverpool, Dominik Szoboszlai has hit the ground running despite several injury problems.
As a result, WhoScored rated it 6.97, just shy of the milestone of seven.
Dominik Szoboszlai has made a flying start at Liverpool and has three league goals to his name.
9. Kai Havertz (Arsenal) – 6.99
It may have taken him a while to warm up, but Kai Havertz has now found his groove.
He has linked up strongly with his team-mates in recent months and cemented his place in a red-hot front line. His nine goals and five assists are an added bonus.
Kai Havertz has found his stride at Arsenal and cemented his place under Mikel Arteta.
8. James Ward-Prowse (West Ham) – 7.06
James Ward-Prowse, a set-piece wizard, has kept West Ham ticking over in midfield as a No. 8 and has also continued his rich streak of goalscoring form.
His goal against Wolves from a corner was his sixth in the league this season.
James Ward-Prowse has kept West Ham going in midfield and with diabolical set pieces
7. Ross Barkley (Luton) – 7.15
Ross Barkley has been sensational for Luton.
After joining on a free transfer, Barkley, an incisive playmaker happy to go deep, scored four and completed the fifth-most dribbles (57) in the league.
Ross Barkley has been sensational for Luton and scored four goals since arriving on a free transfer
6. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – 7.16
All-rounder Alexis Mac Allister has felt right at home passing the ball to teammates and hitting the net from long range.
He has a great left and right boot and after Jurgen Klopp gave him the freedom to move forward, he scored four goals and scored five more.
Mac Allister’s complete game is masterful and Jurgen Klopp has given him freedom
5. Mohammed Kudus (West Ham) – 7.18
David Moyes was initially reluctant to throw Mohammed Kudus into the fray early on, but he more than earned his place after a series of superb performances.
His skill on the ball is almost unparalleled and he remains devastatingly creative, allowing West Ham to move away from their counter-attacking tendencies.
Mohammed Kudus’s ability on the ball is almost unmatched and he is devastatingly creative.
4. Jeremy Doku (Man City) – 7.25
He may be frustratingly inconsistent, but Jeremy Doku has shown flashes of brilliance after being recruited by Pep Guardiola to join his lethal strike force.
It’s no surprise, then, that he has completed the second-most dribbles (72) in the league this season, with countless full-backs enduring a torrid time against him.
Jeremy Doku has shown flashes of brilliance despite his inconsistent performances.
3. James Maddison (Tottenham) – 7.31
An injury in November cruelly derailed James Maddison’s season. The vibrant attacking midfielder had come to life perfectly under Ange Postecoglou.
However, he has since returned and will look to move up these rankings.
James Maddison was excellent for Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou before suffering an injury
2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 7.34
Cole Palmer has been cold to Chelsea this season and has fully justified his decision to leave Manchester City in search of regular playing time.
He has scored an incredible 16 league goals this season, including his sensational hat-trick in the stunning comeback against Manchester United.
Palmer has nine assists to his name and stands out in a poor season for the Blues.
Palmer has been on ice this season and has already scored an incredible 16 league goals.
1. Declan Rice (Arsenal) – 7.35
Coming in at number one on this list is Arsenal lynchpin Declan Rice. His WhoScored rating of 7.35 is the seventh best overall in the Premier League this campaign.
He has contributed going forward, scoring six goals and dishing out five assists, but he has also been instrumental in his team’s fierce pressing in midfield.
Declan Rice has occupied the number one spot on this list and has been instrumental in Arsenal’s title challenge.