The latest international break is over and and the 2018/19 season is now well into October.
It is at this stage of the campaign that those involved in football, be it managers or pundits, often say that we can start to judge players or teams and where they stand this season.
Sides across Europe have played around seven or eight league fixtures, European campaigns are well underway and some domestic cup competitions have also begun.
Managers have had a chance to tinker with their squads and try different players.
So after another dramatic summer transfer window that had us all wondering who would and wouldn’t do well this season, which players really have had a positive impact for their new teams?
We’ve picked out the five best defensive signings across Europe’s top five leagues so far this season.
5. Kwado Asamoah (From Juventus to Inter Milan)
How much? Free
Position: Left-back/Left midfield
Appearances: 9
Clean sheets: 2
After a tough couple of years with Juventus, Asamoah chose to seek another challenge ahead of this season and rejected a new contract with the Serie A Champions.
The 29-year-old won 13 trophies in six years during his time in Turin, including six Serie A titles, but struggled to hold down a regular starting spot in his last couple of years at the club.
However, the Ghanian has got his career well and truly back on track following his move to Inter and has been a vital part of Luciano Spalletti’s side so far this season.
The Nerazzurri are currently third in the league table and have won both of their opening Champions League matches, with Asamoah starting eight of their 10 matches.
He offers Inter a balance to their side which they lacked in the past and his ability to play in a number of positions down the left side gives Spalletti real options. A bosman transfer that has definitely worked out.
Key stat: Asamoah has created five chances, completed five take-ons and made 10 interceptions so far this season.
4. Rodri (From Villarreal to Atletico Madrid)
How much? €20m
Position: Defensive midfield
Appearances: 8
Clean sheets: 3
Rodri’s move to Diego Simeone’s is one that had been on the cards for sometime. A deal was said to have been agreed in January, but wasn’t completed until the end May.
The defensive midfielder has been a real asset to Atleti’s side this season and just 22 years of age, there’s certainly more to come from the Spaniard.
His good form for Villarreal last season saw him earn a call up to the Spain squad but he just missed out on a place at the World Cup.
This weekend will see the midfielder return to play former club Villarreal in what will be an emotional homecoming for the youngster.
He is known to be an extremely humble person and famously remained in his student accommodation last year, despite playing week in, week out in LaLiga. A Spain star of the future.
Key stat: Rodri has a higher pass accuracy than any other Atletico Madrid player in LaLiga (93.9%).
3. Lucas Torreira (From Sampdoria to Arsenal)
How much? £25m
Position: Defensive midfield
Appearances: 11
Clean sheets: 3
Torreira was earmarked as the solution to Arsenal’s long-term midfield problems after his arrival from Sampdoria in the summer.
The Gunners have been crying out for some defensive protection from their midfield players for a number of years and Torreira looks like a player who is certainly going to provide that.
Napoli were said to have been monitoring the Uruguayan for some time, but Arsenal swooped in after Unai Emery requested him as one of his first signings at the club.
He has had to bide his time to get opportunities from the start, but the 22-year-old now looks to have established a spot in Arsenal’s first XI alongside Granit Xhaka.
Torreira is deceptively strong, good at breaking up play and has an impressive passing range. He always looks to be positive on the ball and move it forwards whenever he can, something that can’t be said of some of Arsenal’s midfield players in recent years.
A classy player that looks set to be a big part of the future at The Emirates. Money well spent.
Key stat: Torreira made six interceptions in his most recent league match against Fulham, the most by an Arsenal player in a single Premier League game so far this season.
2. Sergi Gomez (From Celta Vigo to Sevilla)
How much? €5m
Position: Centre-back
Appearances: 15
Clean sheets: 4
This was arguably one of the most impressive deals of the summer transfer window and it’s gone right under the radar.
Sevilla have made a real habit of being clever in the transfer market and this looks to be one of the most shrewd deals they’ve completed in recent years.
After arriving for just €5m, Gomez has played a crucial part in guiding his side to the top of the LaLiga table.
At 26, the centre-back looks to be entering the peak years of his career and Sevilla are the beneficiaries.
Many expected Pablo Machin’s side to struggle at the back this season after the sale of impressive centre-back Clement Lenglet to Barcelona in July.
But Gomez, who came through the ranks at Barcelona and is a former Spain U21 international, has been excellent since his arrival at the club and may be in line for a call up to the senior squad in the near future.
Key stat: Gomez has made more tackles (17) and won more aerial duels (21) than any other Sevilla defender this season.
1. Joao Cancelo (From Valencia to Juventus)
How much? €40m
Position: Right-back
Appearances: 8
Clean sheets: 5
What a season this man is having. A big fee, but one that Cancelo is justifying week after week.
The right-back made the big money move to Turin after impressing on loan with Inter Milan last season.
Valencia received a hefty €40m for his services, but there won’t be many at Juventus regretting this move at the moment.
Cancelo is a constant threat in the attacking third for Juve but his positional sense and ability at the back as equally as impressive.
In his most recent Serie A match against Udinese, Cancelo ran the show and was so unlucky to miss out on his first goal for his new side after crashing the bar with an effort from outside the box.
His delivery from wide is exceptional and he has two assists to his name so far this season. A top player and one that has played a big part in Juventus’ 100% record.
Key stat: Cancelo has completed more dribbles than any other player in Serie A so far this season (17).
The post Ranked: the top five defensive signings across Europe’s top five leagues this season so far appeared first on Squawka News.
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