Ranking the ten biggest debuts in the Premier League this weekend.
This weekend saw an inordinate number of debut appearances in the Premier League thanks to the international break last week. The enforced time off delayed fans from seeing their new stars in action and when Saturday rolled around the entire country was positively frothing at the mouth at the prospect of seeing some new faces. Transfer deadline day saw a flurry of activity and the ten most notable debuts are ranked below.
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10. Sandro – Queens Park Rangers
Rating: 4/10
Not a great start for the Brazilian as Man United passed around him as though he didn’t exist on Sunday. He looked decidedly out of shape and was forced off in the 74th minute. He will likely see better days but as far as debuts go it can be considered a stinker.
9. Nico Kranjcar – Queens Park Rangers
Rating: 5/10
The Croatian international suffered just as much as Sandro did in the London side’s midfield, however, he gets a further point for forcing David de Gea into a good save with a low drive. Could do little to stop the side from being overrun, but will be a huge influence on the team as he gets back into the swing of things in the top flight.
8. Benjamin Stambouli – Tottenham Hotspur
Rating: 6/10
The deadline day buy from former Ligue 1 champions Montpellier got himself off the bench to replace Nacer Chadli with just 20 minutes remaining and though he had few chances to make an impact he did stand himself in good stead for future appearances by looking confident and unhurried.
7. George Boyd – Burnley
Rating: 7/10
Boyd has strangely had very few opportunities to impress in the top flight, but made a good account of himself this weekend for a plucky Burnley. Flamboyant, brave and quick as a hare, he added a spark of creativity to the Clarets midfield and should do so as he grows into his new side.
6. Tom Cleverley – Aston Villa
Rating: 7/10
Never one to grab headlines, the England international performed solidly in helping Villa flood Liverpool’s midfield to hang on for a 1-0 victory. He closed down Gerrard well to stifle the skipper’s influence, though he was lucky not to be hurt in a wild challenge from Reds counterpart Adam Lallana.
5. Danny Welbeck – Arsenal
Rating: 7/10
Unspectacular, but very promising indeed. The England ace linked up well with his new teammates, but he will be most remembered for his one-on-one miss with Joe Hart. His tireless energy and intelligent utilisation of the channels earned him some plaudits, and though he may have fluffed his lines on the day he will come good eventually.
4. Radamel Falcao – Manchester United
Rating: 7/10
A surprise inclusion on the bench, many believed Van Gaal would hand the Colombian an immediate start. However, that was not the case and he had to make do with coming on in the second half for the final 23 minutes. Still clearly not fully fit, he did come close only to be thwarted by Robert Green from close range.
3. Toby Alderweireld – Southampton
Rating: 8/10
Having been linked with some of England’s larger sides this summer, he shocked everyone by linking up with the Saints instead. And he clearly isn’t overawed with life in the Premier League as he looked solid next to Jose Fonte and helped keep a clean sheet against a hapless, but talented, Newcastle.
2. Loic Remy – Chelsea
Rating: 8/10
Introduced late in the day at Stamford Bridge, he made an immediate impact by bagging his first goal for the club in a 4-2 win over Swansea. Not likely to start many games, the Frenchman did what was expected of him and could engineer himself the role of ‘super sub’ if this continues.
1. Daley Blind – Manchester United
Rating: 9/10
The Premier League’s most handsome man strolled around the midfield area of Old Trafford like he had played there all his life. He provided some much needed protection for United’s back line and used the ball intelligently when he had it. The most impressive of United’s debutants, he has laid down a solid foundation for himself to build from.
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