Ten exciting Premier League debuts we’re watching out for this weekend!
A look at ten players set to make their Premier League bows this weekend as the new season begins, with imports at Manchester United, Liverpool, Southampton, Newcastle and West Ham…
1) Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United)
One of the biggest names to move to the Premier League this summer, former Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger is sure to line up for new club Manchester United in their opening day game with Tottenham. Having won the treble with the Bavarian giants in 2013 and the World Cup with Germany in 2014, the 31-year-old is no stranger to success, and could be the calibre of player to lift Louis van Gaal’s side to a new level in 2015/16, as they look to re-establish themselves as a force in the English game after a difficult period since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
2) Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
With 32 goals in the last two seasons, Roberto Firmino made a real impression with former club Hoffenheim and is now poised to make his debut for Liverpool in their meeting with Stoke City. The 23-year-old Brazilian looks the real deal after some fine displays in Germany, and it will be interesting to see if he can bring that form with him to England, though he looks for the moment to have all the attributes to be a success and replicate his fellow countryman Philippe Coutinho in this rather new-look Reds side.
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3) Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle)
With 40 goals from midield in the last four seasons in the Eredivisie, Newcastle look to have got themselves a real talent here in Georginio Wijnaldum, who is likely to be involved for the Magpies in their opening day fixture against Southampton. A powerful box-to-box player, the 24-year-old Dutchman looks ready-made for Premier League football and is one to watch this season, for sure.
4) Jordy Clasie (Southampton)
Another exciting import from the Dutch Eredivisie, Jordy Clasie could line up against Wijnaldum for Southampton this weekend after being brought in to replace departing star Morgan Schneiderlin. The 24-year-old may be young, but already has five seasons of first-team experience under his belt, impressing greatly at previous club Feyenoord to look like potentially one of the best young midfielders in Europe. After losing big names last summer, the Saints’ incoming signings worked wonders, and this looks like another great coup by manager Ronald Koeman.
5) Memphis Depay (Manchester United)
With 39 Eredivisie goals in the last two seasons, Memphis Depay really caught the eye at previous club PSV and is a player many Manchester United fans will be itching to see in action now. Still only 21 years old, the Netherlands international has also shone at the World Cup already in his impressive career so far, and his pace, skill and eye for goal should make him an ideal addition to this Red Devils side as they look to challenge more strongly for the Premier League title this season.
6) Ibrahim Afellay (Stoke City)
Once regarded as a world class talent, Ibrahim Afellay has had an unfortunate time with injuries in recent years and a difficult time breaking into the team at Barcelona, which is little surprise given the competition. Still, the Dutch winger was excellent during his time at PSV and could be a surprise star of the Premier League this season if given the chance for new club Stoke City. Mark Hughes has got the Potters playing a good brand of attacking football, fitting in flair players like Bojan last season, and Afellay could be another useful buy to aid the club’s cause.
7) Divock Origi (Liverpool)
Not necessarily guaranteed a start for Liverpool, Divock Origi remains an exciting young striker who could be a great fit at Anfield this season. The 20-year-old Belgian has already shone at a World Cup for his country, and has 16 goals in 89 appearances under his belt for Ligue 1 side Lille, showing he could be one for the future, but also one for the present if he can break into Brendan Rodgers’ starting lineup this season.
8) Aleksandar Mitrovic (Newcastle)
A phenomenal young talent, Newcastle have landed themselves another hugely promising signing in the form of Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer. The 20-year-old already has 69 career goals to his name, including 44 in all competitions in the last two seasons with Anderlecht, plus one for his national team. Of course, the Premier League will be a big step up from the Belgian league, but Mitrovic looks like a player who could fit in well in England, with a strong build and great natural technique, which saw him linked with Chelsea prior to his move to St James’ Park, according to the Daily Star.
9) Dmitri Payet (West Ham)
With an excellent record of 15 goals and 29 assists in the last two seasons, French international midfielder Dmitri Payet looks a superb signing for West Ham United. The 28-year-old is a superbly skillful and creative player who could really provide some spark in this Hammers side that looked a little blunt in attack last season, scoring 44 goals – less than the sides who finished narrowly above them in the table. With West Ham facing Arsenal on the opening day, it could be a tough debut for Payet, but fans should be excited to get their first glimpse of him in action.
10) Matteo Darmian (Manchester United)
A player who really impressed with Torino in Serie A, Matteo Darmian is an experienced defender with 13 caps for Italy who should prove a big addition to the first-team squad at Old Trafford. United didn’t have convincing options at right-back last season, with midfielder Antonio Valencia usually playing there, so this new arrival could give Louis van Gaal’s side the balance and quality they need. If the club are to challenge for the title, this kind of specialist quality in each position on the pitch is vital, and it will be interesting to see how Darmian does in England.
