The 2023/24 English Premier League season began on Friday and its opening weekend witnessed some exciting performances from new signings.
Some of these new acquisitions produced a solid start to life at their new clubs with debuts to remember. From goals and assists to overall eye-catching performances, here are the most brilliant debutants from the EPL match week one.
1. James Maddison
Maddison had a debut to remember as he supplied a brace of assists in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw away at Brentford.
The midfielder was Spursā most high-profile signing after he dumped relegated Leicester, joining Ante Postecoglou’s side for a reported Ā£40m.
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Last term, the 26-year-old created nothing less than 69 chances, eight more than Son Heung-Min. Twenty-five of those came from set pieces.
Being a creative midfielder with so much delight, Maddison reaffirmed his status as one of the best in England. Only Mohamed Salah (25), Kevin De Bruyne (24) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (21) have more Premier League assists than Maddison (19) since the 2021/22 season.
Interestingly, Maddison was the only player across Europe’s top five leagues to assist as many as two goals over the weekend.
2. Anthony Elanga
Nottingham Forest signed Elanga from Manchester United in July on a five-year deal and what a debut he’s had.
The 21-year-old came off the bench in the 80th minute, replacing Brennan Johnson and made an immediate impact.
In the 82nd minute, he assisted another substitute, the lanky Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi who scored after Arsenal had taken a 2-0 lead since the first half. The game ended 2-1 in favour of the Gunners with Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka the goal getters for Arsenal.
3. Joao Pedro & Simon Adingra
Brazilian forward Pedro scored Brighton’s second goal in the Seagulls’ 4-1 trouncing of newcomers Luton Town.
Pedro brilliantly dispatched his penalty in the second half after Solly March had put Brighton ahead in the first period.
He was later replaced late in the second half by Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso.
Ivorian player Adingra had joined Brighton in 2022 but was loaned out to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise last season.
The 21-year-old returned with a bang, netting Brighton’s third goal after Luton had pulled one back to make it 2-1.
Adingra, who scored five minutes before the end of ninety, had come on for Solly March in the 74th minute.
4. Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes & Moussa Diaby
Summer acquisition from AC Milan, Tonali wasted no time to announce himself with a brilliant strike at Old Trafford.
Being the second quickest Premier League goal over the weekend, Tonali scored in the sixth minute. It was only the first of five goals for Newcastle against Aston Villa at the St. James’ Park.
The central midfielder was amazing in his role, dominating and proving really hard to take on. It looks like the beginning of great things to come for the Italian.
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Harvey Barnes was already a constant threat against any opponent as a Leicester player. He’s brought his sharpness and footballing abilities to Newcastle and that’s testament to his goal and an assist, off the bench.
However, it was mixed feelings for former Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby. Being on the losing side with Aston Villa was a disappointing one.
It was the new signing who grabbed Villa’s only goal as Unai Emery’s men went on to lose 5-1.
5. Axel Disasi & Nicolas Jackson
Disasi may have been the most vulnerable of Chelsea’s three-man backline, but his goal against Liverpool more than made up for any lapses.
Frankly, the Frenchman put up an all-round applaudable performance and his scrambled goal for the equaliser in the first half was what Chelsea needed to snatch a point at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Chilwell headed back into the box after a clearance with Disasi latching unto the ball, placing it past Allison.
Indeed, the Blues could have gotten more but for a lack of cutting edge in attack.
Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile has been touted the ‘new Didier Drogba.’ Man was class with his excellent performance only deserving of a goal which failed to come.
Jackson had a couple chances and was busy addressing all evening the troubles of Virgin van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. He produced a strong and relentless performance.
Chelsea’s new number 15 will definitely light up the Premier League with enough creative players around him.
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