Premier League's Best Signings of 2011-12

The January transfer window has just passed without the fuss we have become accustomed to, but those signed earlier in the season have had plenty of time to bed in. 

Which of these people has caught the imagination more though, and are contenders for signing of the season.

Coming up are nine such people, and one which provides a twist.

Scott Parker

Since moving to Tottenham Hotspur from West Ham United, Scott Parker has gone from strength to strength, establishing himself as the fulcrum of the side.

Parker is now an established member of the national set up and has even been mentioned as a potential replacement for ex-Captain John Terry.

Although he has contributed a goal and an assist, it is without doubt his break up play makes him such a vital part of Harry Redknapp's plans.

Parker has been a vital part of the White Hart Lane clubs march up the table.

Anthony Pilkington

Since arrival in the Premier League, last year Paul Lambert has continued to stick to a policy that sees top talent from the lower leagues given a chance.

Anthony Pilkington was no exception to that rule, putting in stellar performances that has seen links to bigger clubs arise since he was brought in from Huddersfield Town.

So far, six goals have been complimented by a solitary assists, a surprise statistic consider he has put in over 50 crosses for a side containing the aerial power of Grant Holt.

Royston Drenthe

Ex-Feyenoord and Real Madrid owned, Royston Drenthe, is on a season long loan at Goodison Park, after finding chances limited at Santiago Bernabeu.

Before suffering injury, his lightning displays lit up Everton, something the fans will no doubt be wishing to see a return to.

The Dutchman hit the ground running and so far has two goals, one a 30-yard screamer, whilst unselfishly laying on eight assists for his teammates.

Juan Mata

Juan Mata was linked with many European clubs leading up to and during last summer's transfer window, before arriving at Stamford Bridge for around £23.5m in August.

Mata is living up to the hefty price Andre Villas-Boas paid Valencia, so far contributing nine goals and 10 assists.  While battling with Manchester City's David Silva for most chances created.

His side is currently fighting to keep their top-four place, and with it, a Champions League berth next term; Mata could be key for them in the run in.

James McClean

Despite arriving from Derry City last summer for a snip at £350,000, it took James McClean a number of months and a change of manager to be given first team chances.

However, Martin O'Neill has not been disappointed and has now tipped the 22-year-old to break into the Republic of Ireland squad for this years European Championships.

His thunderous left foot causes all sorts of problems, and if he continues to progress, Sunderland could have a fight on their hands to keep hold of their young prodigy.

Craig Bellamy

After fighting off competition from Spurs on deadline day, Liverpool welcomed back Craig Bellamy, on a free transfer, who returned feeling he had a point to prove.

And prove it he has, being the main man of Kenny Dalglish's side over the last few weeks.

Mainly deployed on the wing where he has space to run and terrorise defences, it is not surprising that assists (5) have been as much a part of his game as goals (9).

Demba Ba

Another free transfer to feature, Demba Ba has been a revelation on Tyneside since arriving from West Ham United.

His 16-goal tally sees him second only to free scoring Robin Van Persie, despite missing part of January because of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Now back, he is expected to perform a fearsome partnership with fellow countryman Papiss Demba Cisse, who scored the winner on his debut against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Wayne Routledge

Swansea have captured the imagination with their free flowing football referred to as the Premier League's very own Barcelona, and Wayne Routledge has more than played his part.

One goal and six assists have been the bright point of his season, with the Swans currently sitting tenth — direclty behind fellow new boys Norwich City.

Journeyman winger Routledge's displays have seen him linked with moves further up the Premiership, whilst an England call has also been muted.

Sergio Aguero

With a fee near the £40m mark, Sergio Aguero certainly had to put in some impressive goalscoring displays to start to justify that.

And he certainly has after endearing himself to the Manchester City faithful straight away with two goals and an assist on a stunning debut.

The striker is currently on 15 goals for the season, tied third, and will be crucial if his side is to topple neighbours Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill is the exception to the rule, and undoubtedly Sunderland's best signing of the 2011/12 Premier League campaign.

Languishing in the lower epitomes under Steve Bruce's previous regime, the Northern Irishman has seen an unbelievable turn around.

After being appointed in early December, his troops lost against Wolves, with O'Neill in the stands. They have since won nice, lost two and drew two.

The Stadium of Light side currently sits eighth in the table and are through to the FA Cup fifth round.

Premier League Best Signings 2011/12

So, there's your starter for ten — nine outstanding performers who only arrived at their respective clubs last summer, plus one manager — who have undergone an outstanding change of fortunes.

There's still a long way to go in this year's campaign, with the 'business end' so often sorting the men from the boys — so it could look very different by the end of the season.

It will certainly be very entertaining finding out.