Torreira, Shaqiri and Wilshere: Best and worst Premier League transfers of the 2018/19 season so far

We pick out five who have proven decent value and five who have been a waste of money

David Brooks, Bournemouth: There aren't many players that come from the lower divisions and take to the Premier League like a duck to water - especially aged just 21. The Welsh international wideman cost £11.5m from Sheffield United and has fitted straight into Bournemouth's fluent style, adding five goals including both against Brighton at the weekend. A bright future lies ahead and a sharp increase in his transfer value. Getty Images

Richarlison, Everton: Eyebrows were raised when £40m was forked out for the Brazilian after a single reasonable season at Watford. But he sprung into action with two goals on his debut and another in his second match for Everton. He now has eight, plus three more for Brazil this season and has become the focal point of his club's attack. Again, not bad for a 21-year-old whose best years are ahead of him. Action Images via Reuters

Riyad Mahrez, Manchester City: The critics questioned whether he would be swallowed up at City and find himself warming the bench for long periods behind Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane. While he hasn't started every game, he has however made a significant impact, scoring seven times since his £60m move. He's shown there was life beyond Leicester City and his double act with Jamie Vardy. He's at the right club and has fitted in wonderfully. Reuters

Xherdan Shaqiri, Liverpool: You wonder how many clubs were put off by the Swiss' apparent sulkiness during Stoke's relegation campaign last season. Liverpool took the plunge and their £13m looks a snip. Like Mahrez, it was tricky to see where he would fit in with the form of Salah, Mane and Firmino, but he's taken his chances when they've come with five goals and is versatile enough to play in midfield or attack. Could end up being the bargain of the season. Reuters

Lucas Torreira, Arsenal: Hands up who had never heard of Torreira before his £26.4m move from Sampdoria. Everyone has heard of him now. Small in stature but bites hard, passes, scores and has added an extra vibe at times which has been missing from Arsenal's midfield for some time. Reuters

The halfway point in the season is upon us, and that means it's a fair time to pass judgement on the summer signings in the English Premier League.

A huge amount was once again splashed out before the transfer window shut in August – and not all clubs spent wisely.

Of course, many have been a success, including some at the upper end of the price list, such as Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, whose save at the end of the recent Uefa Champions League victory over Napoli was likened to him scoring the winning goal and had manager Jurgen Klopp purring.

However, he did follow it up with a glaring error against Manchester United which led to a goal for Jesse Lingard.

Still, Liverpool are now four points clear at the top of the table and finally look like the complete package with the Brazilian installed in goal.

Mention should also go to another goalkeeper, Joe Hart at Burnley, who cost just £3.5 million (Dh16.2m) from Manchester City but has shown signs of regaining the consistent form which made him England No 1 for many years. Unfortunately for him, Burnley are just two points off the foot of the table.

One more who hasn't made the top five best buys but came close is West Ham United's Felipe Anderson, who cost around £40m from Lazio.

It took him until his eighth appearance to get off the mark, but he's now scored six times, many of them impressive strikes, to propel the Hammers up the table.

You can see the five best signings at the top of the screen, while below are the five worst.

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