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Late summer purchases are settling into life at their new clubs, adapting to differing styles of play and hoping they can be the difference between success and failure. But will they manage it? Here, the Life’s a Pitch team looks at Premier League veteran Michael Owen’s new deal at Stoke, Tottenham’s capture of Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and new Manchester City right-back Maicon before deciding whether they’ll end up warming fans’ hearts or just warming the bench.

The Sunday Mirror’s David Walker doubts Lloris will take long to cement the first-choice goalkeeping spot at Spurs, despite the unrest the realisation he’ll have to fight for his place with incumbent Brad Friedel has apparently caused the Frenchman. “He’s a brilliant signing for them, he’s one of Europe’s top goalkeepers. Lloris is the long-term future for Tottenham, he will be a great signing. He’s a hit.”

Maicon’s move to Man City draws less enthusiasm from the Mail on Sunday’s Ian Ridley, as he reminisces over Gareth Bale running rings around the former Inter Milan defender a couple of years ago. “Maicon’s got pedigree, of course he has, he’s a top right-back. Inter Milan were keen to get him off the wage bill and City have got him at a reasonable price. [However] I’m not so sure whether his best days are behind him, so I think this could be a miss.”

The Daily Mirror’s Martin Lipton believes Owen will do well at Stoke – so long as he shows the desire. “I am delighted that Michael Owen has got a football club. I hope he’s fit enough to do himself justice because he still has it. He’ll play more than he did at Manchester United, hopefully, which will be good for him. He’s got the talent still. If he really wants to play, he’ll be a hit. If he’s just doing it for the money, it’ll be a disaster.”

Watch the full video discussion by clicking on the play button in the image above. 

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