There were four players that arrived from Premier League clubs with big reputations and expectation at the beginning of the Serie A season. Despite their potential Ashley Cole, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Ferando Torres have been underwhelming for their new clubs.

Here’s an in-depth look at how each player has stacked up thus far.

1. FERNANDO TORRES (AC Milan)

It’s fair to say that Torres has been the worst performer of the quartet. The ex-Liverpool star and Chelsea reject was supposed to solve Milan’s problems in front of goal and bring back Champions League soccer. However, the Spaniard has delivered poor performances and has just one goal in 10 appearances.

Manager Filippo Inzaghi took him off against Inter Milan and he was subsequently booed by some fans. It looks like just a matter of time before Giampaolo Pazzini becomes his full-time replacement up front for the side.

There are rumors linking the 30-year-old with a January move to Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 where he would reunited with former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Rating: 4/10

2. NEMANJA VIDIC (Inter Milan)

The ex-Manchester United center-back was regarded as the perfect defender to engineer a resurgence for the club.

Boasting both international and Champions League experience at the high level it seemed like a shrewd piece of business.

But again, like Torres, the Serbian has endured a torrid start to his career in Italy. Having played a total of 13 matches Vidic’s performances have been erratic to say the very least.

Although there’s a case of defending his displays due to a new country and style of play, the 33-year-old has suffered some embarrassing moments. Against Torino he conceded a penalty and later in the game he was sent off. His shaky performances against Cagliari and away to St. Etienne are two other matches that he received criticism for.

Manager Roberto Mancini has reverted back to a four man defense, which could help increase the player’s confidence, but being left on the bench against AC won’t do his self-esteem any favors.

Rating: 4/10

3. ASHLEY COLE (AS Roma) 

The Englishman left-back was pursued by many clubs in Europe during the summer but Roma were delighted to secure the ex-Chelsea man.

However, that joy that fans felt in the summer surrounding Cole’s signature is long gone. His experience was suppose to help the team with their European commitments, but he’s been more of a hinderance in the Champions League. Against Bayern Munich he was merely a passenger as the German champions destroyed a hapless Roma outfit.

Manager Rudi Garcia has left him on the bench four times, which included showcase matches against Juventus and Napoli.

His poor displays have already seen him replaced by Greek left-back Jose Holebas, who has delivered more consistently when started ahead of Cole.

Rating: 4.5/10

4. PATRICE EVRA (Juventus) 

Like former Manchester United teammate Nemanja Vidic the Frenchman suffered in a new system and style of play in Italy.

The club’s new manager Massimiliano Allegri initially altered between Evra and Kwadwo Asamoah on the left due to the 3-5-2 system that the new recruit isn’t accustomed to.

Evra looked too sterile when attacking down his flank and not strong enough defensively, which has seen him come in for harsh criticism with the Italian media.

Before the injury that ruled him out of last month the defender played just a total of six matches, which probably isn’t enough time to make a definitive say on his Juventus future.

Swapping back to a 4-3-3 system will suit Evra and may give him a much better opportunity to showcase his true worth.

Rating: 6/10