Five Premier League summer signings who have hit the ground running

After one of the most dramatic transfer windows ever, plenty of signings need to prove their worth in the coming months.

Some, however, have already got off to flying starts in the opening four rounds of the Premier League season.

We take a look at the summer recruits who are already justifying the hype.

James Maddison (Tottenham)

The most immediate impact of any summer signing has surely been made by James Maddison.

The England international midfielder looks a perfect fit for Tottenham's new style under Ange Postecoglou, playing with a swagger so far this season that has not been a feature of the club's football for years.

Saturday's stunning goal at Burnley was the latest in a showreel of eye-catching contributions that is easing the pain of losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City)

Losing Ilkay Gundogan was considered a major blow in Manchester City's hopes of winning a record fourth consecutive Premier League title but, so far, it has made little difference.

That is largely down to the signing of Mateo Kovacic, who cost much less than other midfielders of a similar ability and has settled into Pep Guardiola's side like he has been there forever.

His partnership with Rodri has underpinned City's perfect start to the season and could be the reason why they make this their easiest title defence yet.

Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Declan Rice has already proved the value in turning down City, however, after being welcomed as a hero before he had even kicked a ball for Arsenal.

Whereas Guardiola may have made him just another cog in the machine, signing Rice represents the Gunners' status back among the big boys and his performances have not let them down.

He was already controlling Mikel Arteta's midfield with familiar authority before his first decisive contribution, the stoppage-time goal that put his side ahead against Manchester United last Sunday.

James Ward-Prowse (West Ham)

West Ham were tipped to struggle without Rice but their points tally matches Arsenal's after four games of the season.

That is in considerable part thanks to James Ward-Prowse, who has already chalked up four goal contributions in three matches, including a couple of assists from his famed set-piece deliveries.

Combining with new midfield partner Edson Alvarez, who is excellent defensively, Ward-Prowse has ensured that the Hammers' engine room is in good working order.

Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace have arguably secured the value signing of the summer, snapping up Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer from Bournemouth and immediately improving their midfield.

Lerma is an all-action player but his defensive attributes are particularly crucial as they allow Eberechi Eze the freedom to wreak havoc in the final third.

That balance gives Palace the platform to go well again under Roy Hodgson and a season of at least mid-table comfort should await.