Premier League's top five signings and biggest summer flops.
By Dan Ripley (Dailymail).
Since the transfer window shut at the end of August, fans of Premier League clubs have had a good chance to assess the majority of their summer signings.
As ever, some players have hit unthinkable heights while others have flattered to deceive. But at such an early stage in the season there is still time for those struggling summer arrivals to make an impact.
So with the Premier League starting to take shape, Sportsmail assesses the transfer window's five biggest hits and worst misses so far.
Where have you been all our lives?
Rafael van der Vaart (£8m)
Spurs dived in at the very last minute of transfer deadline day to seal the Dutchman’s signature, and in the six weeks since he has become a cult hero among fans.
The Dutchman has made a major impact both domestically and in Europe, providing both assists and goals in equal measure. He is Spurs’ joint leading scorer overall and outright in the league.
If Harry Redknapp’s prime target was to sign a top class midfielder in order to help Spurs compete in Europe he can consider his mission very much accomplished.
Marouane Chamakh (free)
Good things come to those who wait, and Wenger sure waited patiently to bring the Moroccan to Emirates Stadium.
Just a year after Wenger’s multi-million pound offer for the striker was rejected by Bordeaux, Chamakh arrived in north London on a free transfer and has not looked out of place.
The 26-year-old has already scored four times and as well as looking good with the ball at his feet, provides the aerial threat the Gunners often lacked last season. He looks a handy prospect if Arsenal are to end their trophy drought.
James Milner (£26m)
The former Aston Villa man didn’t come cheap, but with David Silva and Mario Balotelli failing to fully live up to their big money moves for different reasons, Milner has proved a success.
Mancini went to great lengths to sign the England international and it is clear to see why. He has been an integral part of City’s midfield since his winning debut against Liverpool.
Both domestically and in Europe Milner has provided the creative threat he was brought in for and with City flying high in the Premier League, the 24-year-old will be a key player as they challenge for silverware.
Kenwyne Jones (£8m)
Things didn’t look good when record-signing Jones was injured just minutes in to his debut, but since his return to the Stoke side he has been a goal scoring menace.
The Trinidad and Tobago striker is scoring at an average of over a goal every other game and looks to have fully settled at his new club since his move from Sunderland.
Jones led from the front as Stoke came from behind against Aston Villa and in just a short space of time has fully established himself as a key player in the side.
Peter Odemwingie (£3.5m)
After a mixed time at Lokomotiv Moscow and a very low key World Cup, Odemwingie's arrival at the Hawthorns passed with little fanfare. It was certainly a bit of a gamble by boss Roberto Di Matteo.
But his faith and judgment have instantly been rewarded, with the Nigerian scoring at a rate of one every two games. He has bought boundless energy, most notable in the shock victory over Arsenal, as well as a keen eye for goal.
Most importantly, Odemwingie has proved himself to be the top class forward the Baggies have lacked in previous Premier League campaigns. He may finally be the player to keep them at English football's top table.
Really, you shouldn't have bothered.
Joe Cole (free)
In theory it was a no brainer. Cole on a free transfer was a no-lose situation for Roy Hodgson who would have been looking to provide a fresh impetus going forward for the club.
But Cole has been far from his best, getting sent off less than 45 minutes into his league bow - and the subsequent three-game suspension - was a terrible start. He has barely recovered.
Lacking any of the creative spark with which he made his name, his confidence seems to be at an all time low, with games often passing him by. With Liverpool struggling, the Reds badly need the England international to return to form.
Raul Meireles (£11.5m)
After selling Javier Mascherano with barely any time to find a replacement, Hodgson could be forgiven for panicking when he shelled out on the World Cup star.
During his time in Portugal, Meireles was famed for being able to pick out a brilliant pass from his position in centre midfield, but his start at Liverpool has been low key.
He's struggled to deal with the pace of the game in England and the shortage of time he has on the ball. As a result his passing game has been much more conservative and void of any threat.
Nikola Zigic (£6m)
Up until his stint at Valencia, Zigic has scored goals wherever he has gone. However his nightmare spell at the Spanish club has dented confidence and he is now at Birmingham. And so far his only claim to fame in the Premier League is being taller than Peter Crouch
Even with his height he has failed to establish himself as an aerial threat in attack and has seemingly lost his shooting boots with one just one goal scored.
To put that in perspective, loan signing Matt Derbyshire, having played less games and costing £6million less has matched that feat. The Serbian must improve.
Jelle van Damme (£2.5m)
After Wolves survival last season, Mick McCarthy decided loosen the purse strings in the summer to avoid stagnation and in Van Damme looked to have got a reliable full-back.
The Belgian international has been in and out the side, and even scored against Fulham, but just weeks in to his Wolves career has already become homesick and is seeking his way out the club.
McCarthy wants to hang on to him but he must surely be thinking if the defender has been worth the hassle.
Mauro Boselli (£6m)
After a healthy goal scoring record in South America, Roberto Martinez convinced Dave Whelan to splash the cash on the striker, but both have been let down.
Boselli is still waiting to score his first goal after starting six games, and has looked out of sorts, missing several guilt edged opportunities.
As the wait for his maiden strike drags on, his confidence seems to be falling with it. At times he does not look good enough for the Premier League but only time will tell if this is due to confidence or actual ability.
