We’re just one week into the new 2015-16 Premier League campaign and there have been some standout performances from a range of debutants, here’s just a few of the many that have stood out so far.
Premier League Standout Debut Performers
Andre Ayew
The man of the match performance from Swansea’s free transfer signing, Andre Ayew, away to champions Chelsea proved why the Ghanaian will be one of the best pieces of business from any side this summer after he scored to help his side come away from Stamford Bridge with a point following a 2-2 draw. The 25 year-old was involved heavily in everything that was good about the Welsh side throughout the game, linking up with Bafetimbi Gomis well and also tracking back to help the defence and midfield whenever Chelsea were on the attack.
Rudy Gestede
There has been a huge turnover during the summer transfer window so far for Aston Villa, that has saw the club lose both captain Fabian Delph and prolific talisman Christian Benteke, whilst also securing up to nine players and counting. However it would be the latest recruitment, Rudy Gestede, that would be the stand out performer for Tim Sherwood’s side on Saturday when they took on newly promoted Bournemouth. The 6ft 4in frame of the Benin international was well documented upon his £6 million pounds move after Sherwood highlighted his desire to replace the goals that Benteke had previously provided to the side, along with the dominance in the air, which came into play during the game when Gestede scored his sides winning goal following a well delivered corner. In just his 30 minute cameo off the bench, it has shown a glimpse of how dominant the player can be, something Sherwood will be hoping he can continue to show throughout the campaign as his side aims to steer well clear from another relegation battle.
Matteo Darmian
The 2015-16 Premier League early kick-off was between Manchester United and Tottenham, in a tight game that saw both sides show off a number of new signings. But, the standout performer on the day was Italian right-back Matteo Darmian for Manchester United, with the Italian international settling down immediately in the back four as he rarely put a foot wrong when challenged against the likes of Dembele, Kane and Chadli. Instead, he helped the home side keep a clean sheet in the process as he looks to be one of the best pieces of business Van Gaal has done in the window thus far.
Dimitri Payet
West Ham’s new star Dimitri Payet came with a reputation of being an assist machine and skilful talent and more than lived up to that on his full league debut for the Hammers following his clubs exceptional 2-0 shock victory away to Arsenal, a game that also saw old fan favourite Slaven Bilic take charge of his first league match with the East London club. The French winger proved why the club were right to pay over £10 million pounds to Marseille for his signature, providing a classy assist after a pinpoint set-piece found midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate to nod the side ahead. Payet played the full 90 minutes and wasn’t scared to get stuck in helping his full backs and midfield when required as well as providing exciting flair when on the ball shrugging off a number of tackles that came his way.
Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum was yet another one of the debutant boys in the league to get his name on the score sheet over the weekend with a bullet header that found the net with ease. There has been a lot of hype around the Dutch international for a number of years, with the player finally making the move to England following a title winning season with PSV which in turn saw him pip fellow international team mate Memphis Depay to the player of the year award in Holland. Toon fans expect a lot from the player with many hoping he will soon become a fan favourite and a goal on his debut against Southampton will have more than helped him become an instant favourite at the Gallowgate End. The strength of the player was immediately noticeable as Wijnaldum was able to hold off opposing players with ease and help bring others into play, as well as linking up with Papiss Cisse in attacking areas, especially when on the break.
Joe Gomez
Finally, Liverpool youngster Joe Gomez who signed from Charlton Athletic for £3.5 million pounds in the summer more than held his own in one of the most physically challenging battles that any player would have to face on their debut. Travelling to Stoke and facing the likes of Jon Walters and co has shuck a number of highly respected defenders over the years, however Gomez more than held his own and rarely put a foot wrong in an unfamiliar position at left back, helping the Reds keep a clean sheet and secure three points. Gomez’s preferred position is at the heart of defence, with a loan deal to a Championship club originally being touted, however following an impressive pre-season with the side and brilliant debut performance, manager Brendan Rodgers would be a fool to both drop the England under-18 or consider the loan move, should he continue playing the way he did on Sunday at the Britannia.
Reece Oxford
Special mention goes out to 16 year-old Reece Oxford, an unknown prospect that was shoved onto the big stage by West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on Sunday against Arsenal. The defensive midfielder looked like a seasoned-pro easing his way into the game, it looked as if the youngster had been playing for years already, more than protecting the back four with any attacks that was posed. It was credit to the impressive debut of the youngster that he was given the 80 minutes by the manager, as he helped his side not only secure a rare win against their local rivals but also claim a clean sheet in the process, minimising the threats that Ozil, Sanchez, Ramsey and Cazorla had on the game. He looks like an exciting player for the future.
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