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With the financial ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning to ease off, many clubs bolstered their rosters this summer. While free transfers remained the preferred mode of business, clubs also splurged to land their top transfer targets.
The summer saw a lot of big-name players change clubs. To name a few, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United, while Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos joined PSG. Meanwhile, David Alaba moved to Real Madrid, while Antoine Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid.
While the likes of Griezmann have taken their time to get going, other new arrivals have hit the ground running. On that note, here's a look at the best performing XI of new arrivals this season. A 4-3-3 formation has been considered for this hypothetical XI. Without further ado, let's get started:
NOTE: All stats as per transfermarkt.
# Goalkeeper - Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
Mike Maignan has been one of the in-form goalkeepers this season. After keeping 21 clean sheets in Lille's unexpected Ligue 1 triumph last campaign, the 26-year-old Frenchman moved south to join AC Milan.
It's early days, but Maignan has already impressed his new employers. He has kept three clean sheets in five Serie A games to help the Rossoneri stay within two points of early league leaders Napoli.
Although his first Champions League outing saw Milan return from Anfield with a 3-2 defeat, Maignan was one of the club's star performers. He thwarted the hosts on multiple occasions before a second-half surge saw Liverpool take all three points.
Maignan will hope to continue his impressive form as Milan seek a return to their heyday and a first Serie A title since 2011.
# Left-back - David Alaba (Real Madrid)
David Alaba is one of the best full-backs in the game at the moment. After an illustrious decade-long stint at Bayern Munich, where he won two continental trebles, Alaba arrived at Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Inheriting the #4 jersey from the club's departing captain Sergio Ramos, Alaba has impressed in the six games across competitions he has played this season. Back at his favoured left-back role, the versatile 29-year-old has already provided two assists to endear himself to the club faithful.
Post the departure of the central-defensive pair of Ramos and Raphael Varane, Alaba is one of Madrid's most experienced defenders. He will look to play a key role as the club strives to return to winning big titles this season.
# Centre-back - Odilon Kossounou (Bayer Leverkusen)
Odilon Koussounou is one of the most exciting young centre-backs in the game at the moment.
The 20-year-old Cote d'Ivoire international enjoyed a standout campaign for Club Brugge last season, impressing with his ability on the ball at all ends. That prompted Bayer 04 Leverkusen to snap up Koussounou, who hit the ground running at the BayArena. Koussounou bagged an assist on his Leverkusen debut.
Although he is yet to open his account in the Bundesliga, Leverkusen will expect Koussounou to continue his good form as they seek to compete for the league title. After five games, Leverkusen are three points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.
# Centre-back - Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
Raphael Varane is one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the game. After an illustrious decade-long stint at Real Madrid, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner arrived at Manchester United this summer.
It is still early days into his Old Trafford stint, but Varane has already struck a promising partnership with his club captain Harry Maguire at the centre of defence. The Frenchman has impressed at both ends, making key clearances and providing an assist on his Premier League debut.
Varane will look to continue his stellar start to life at Old Trafford as United seek their first Premier League title in almost a decade.
# Right-back - Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Achraf Hakimi has hit the ground running at PSG, scoring on his club debut after a prolific season-long stint at Serie A winners Inter Milan.
One of the best goalscoring full-backs in the game, Hakimi has become one of the first names on the team list in a star-studded PSG squad. He has already scored three times, including a last-minute winner, and bagged two assists. That has helped PSG go seven points clear at the top after only seven games.
With PSG already odds-on favourites for the Ligue 1 title, Hakimi will now look to help his new team win their first Champions League title.
# Left Midfielder - Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
Jack Grealish became the most expensive English player in history when Manchester City forked out €117.5 million to get him.
The midfielder scored on his home debut for City and also netted in his first match in the Champions League. In seven games across all competitions, the Euro 2020 finalist has bagged four goal contributions (two goals, two assists).
City will hope Grealish keeps up his early-season form as they compete on multiple fronts this season.
# Central Attacking Midfielder - Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Martin Odegaard is one of the most exciting young midfielders in the game at the moment.
A prodigy, the Norwegian made his Real Madrid bow several years ago. But a lack of enough first-team opportunities meant Odegaard had to look for pastures new. After impressing at Arsenal during a loan spell last season, the 22-year-old has been acquired by the Gunners on a permanent deal this summer.
Odegaard has been one of the few bright sparks in Arsenal's inconsistent campaign. He scored from a sumptuous free-kick against Burnley as the Gunners racked up their second win after starting the season with three straight losses.
The Norwegian oozes class and has displayed maturity beyond his young years. The embattled Mikel Arteta will hope Odegaard can deliver the goods consistently and help Arsenal return to the league's elite.
Right Winger - Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan)
Hakan Calhangolu has hit the ground running at Inter Milan. The midfielder scored and provided an assist on his Serie A debut with his new club, who let go of a few stars before the start of the season to ease their financial woes.
A set-piece specialist, Calhanoglu has arrived at Inter after a decent campaign for Milan. The Turkish international scored four times and provided ten assists to help the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years last season.
Thanks to Calhanoglu's bright start to life at Inter - one goal and two assists - holders Inter Milan are only two points adrift of early pacesetters Napoli.
# Left Winger - Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo made a goalscoring return at Manchester United after nine seasons at Real Madrid and three at Juventus.
The 36-year-old hit the ground running on his second debut, scoring in his first Premier League game in 12 years. After finding the back of the net in United's defeat to Young Boys in their Champions League opener, Ronaldo scored in a third-straight game last weekend.
The all-time Real Madrid and Champions League top scorer is already up to four goals in three games across competitions at his old stomping ground. Thanks to Ronaldo's blistering start to the season, United will fancy their chances of a first Premier League title in almost a decade.
# Centre-Forward - Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
Romelu Lukaku is one of the hottest strikers on the planet. He has arrived at Stamford Bridge on a €115 million transfer from Inter.
Lukaku, like Ronaldo, scored on his return to his old club when he found the net in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Arsenal. The 28-year-old has now scored three times in four Premier League games. Lukaku also netted in Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Zenit St. Petersburg in their Champions League opener.
The Belgium international has arrived at Chelsea after a prolific campaign with Serie A winners Inter Milan. Lukaku scored 24 league goals as Inter Milan won their first league title in 11 years last season.
Considering his blistering start to life at Chelsea, the Blues will fancy their chances of winning their first league title in five years and of making another deep run in the Champions League.
# Right Winger - Memphis Depay (Barcelona)
Memphis Depay has made a sparkling start to life at Barcelona. The former Manchester United striker has hit the ground running at Camp Nou after a prolific stint at Olympique Lyon.
Depay has bagged two goals and an assist in five games even though Barcelona have made an indifferent start to the league campaign in the post-Lionel Messi era.
The Dutchman, though, failed to get going in his first Champions League game for Barcelona. Depay drew a blank as the Blaugrana were beaten 3-0 by Bayern Munich at home.
With what looks like a difficult campaign ahead of them, Barcelona will look to Depay for goals as they start a new era at the club.
