Best Player Debuts in Premier League History
The English Premier League is renowned for its high intensity and competitive nature, attracting some of the best talents in football from around the globe.
A player’s debut in the EPL can be a defining moment, setting the tone for their tenure in one of the world’s most watched leagues. In this article, a part of our series on historic Premier League moments, we explore ten of the most memorable and impactful player debuts in the history of the Premier League.
You can read more editorial in this series on our website, with topics like the best comebacks, most efficient tactical changes from managers or drama-filled moments of last matchdays.
Sergio Agüero – Manchester City (August 15, 2011)
Sergio Agüero’s debut for Manchester City was nothing short of spectacular. Coming off the bench against Swansea City, Agüero scored twice and assisted another in a commanding 4-0 victory.
His performance gave Manchester City fans (as well as the entire league) a taste of the Argentine’s scoring prowess, as well as his readiness to shine in the demanding atmosphere of the Premier League.
He has been forced to retire in 2021 due to heart issues, as a Barcelona player.
Jürgen Klinsmann – Tottenham Hotspur (August 20, 1994)
Jürgen Klinsmann arrived at Tottenham amid much scepticism due to his reputation for diving. However, he quickly won over fans by scoring a brilliant header and celebrating with a self-deprecating dive in a 4-3 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Klinsmann’s debut was a blend of skill and charm, marking the start of a successful stint in England. He also went on to win the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award that season.
After his playing days were over in 2004, he ventured into management, coaching 3 national teams (Germany, USA, South Korea) and 2 clubs (Bayern Munich, Hertha BSC) so far. His stint as coach of South Korea was the most recent, ending in February this year.
Alan Shearer – Blackburn Rovers (August 15, 1992)
In the very first season of the Premier League, Alan Shearer made an immediate impact by scoring twice in Blackburn Rovers’ 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace.
Alan Shearer | Premier League Hall of Fame
These goals were the first of many, as Shearer would go on to become the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer with 260 strikes, a record that still stands today.
After the conclusion of his playing career, he set about a career in punditry that is still ongoing.
Fabrizio Ravanelli – Middlesbrough (August 17, 1996)
Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli had a dream start to his Premier League career, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
https://twitter.com/goal/status/1162637436511375360
His performance was a sign of his lethal finishing skills, which he consistently displayed throughout his time at Middlesbrough.
After retiring from playing in 2005, he has had a short managerial career (Ajaccio – 5 months; Arsenal Kiev – 3 months), in addition to his pundit work for Sky Italia, Fox Sports and Mediaset.
Wayne Rooney – Manchester United (September 28, 2004)
Wayne Rooney’s debut for Manchester United was marked by a stunning hat-trick against Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League.
Wayne Rooney’s debut hat-trick v Fenerbahçe
Though not a Premier League match, this debut was significant as it showcased Rooney’s potential and set him up for an illustrious Premier League career.
He is still remembered as one of the best footballers to ever grace England’s top league, with 208 goals and 103 assists.
After retirement, Rooney focused on a coaching career that has seen him take charge of Derby County, D.C. United and, most recently, Birmingham City. Unfortunately for him, it seems like his managerial skills are not on the same level as his playing qualities, at least for the moment.
Danny Rose – Tottenham Hotspur (April 14, 2010)
Danny Rose made his Premier League debut in unforgettable style, scoring a sensational volley from 30 yards out against Arsenal in a North London derby.
This goal helped Spurs secure a 2-1 victory and instantly etched Rose’s name into Tottenham folklore.
After being under contract with the North London Club until 2021, he had a short spell with Watford, but has not had a professional contract since 2022.
Paulo Wanchope – Derby County (April 5, 1997)
Costa Rican forward Paulo Wanchope announced his arrival in the Premier League with a stunning solo goal, dribbling past multiple Manchester United players to score in a 3-2 win.
1997 – Manchester Utd 2 Derby 3 – Paulo Wanchope’s wonder goal – BBC Radio Derby commentary
This goal is still celebrated as one of the most audacious in Premier League history.
After a globetrotting playing career, with stints in Spain, Japan and USA among other leagues, he embarked on a managerial path that saw him spend most of his time in his native Costa Rica.
Ruud van Nistelrooy (August 19, 2001)
The Dutch striker made his Premier League bow for Manchester United in a home game against Fulham.
The visitors were 2-1 up thanks to a Louis Saha brace when van Nistelrooy decided to respond with a brace of his own. A great dinked finish and a poacher’s goal helped his team to a 3-2 win against the Cottagers.
Man Utd v Fulham, 2001/02 | Premier League
This game marked the Premier League start of a great player and a proper EPL legend. After his playing days were over, he began a career in management, and was most recently in charge of former club PSV Eindhoven until 2023.
Marcus Rashford – Manchester United (February 28, 2016)
Marcus Rashford had a fairytale start to his Premier League career, scoring twice and providing the assist for the other goal on his debut against Arsenal in a crucial 3-2 win. This made him United’s third youngest goalscorer in the EPL (after Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck).
This is even more impressive when we consider that he made his first team debut 3 days earlier, in the UEFA Europa League, due to an injury crisis among the first team squad.
Starting the second leg of the Round of 32 against Danish team Midtjylland (after Anthony Martial suffered a warm-up injury), he scored a brace in that game as well.
His unexpected rise from the youth ranks to first-team star was one of the most heartwarming stories of the 2015-2016 season. He continues to be a prominent part of the Manchester United squad to this day.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (August 12, 2017)
Mohamed Salah hit the ground running on his Liverpool debut, scoring and assisting in a 3-3 draw with Watford on the first matchday of the season.
His speed, dribbling, and precision were on full display, whetting the appetite of the Liverpool supporters, as well as neutral fans of English football.
It would set the tone for an outstanding season for the Egyptian, in which he scored 32 goals. At the time it was a record for a 38-game season in the Premier League.
He is still with Liverpool as they compete in the upper echelons of the division, as well as in Europe.
Conclusion
These debuts not only provide memorable moments for fans, but also highlight the quality and excitement that new players can bring to the Premier League.
Whether it’s a stunning goal, a hat-trick, or a game-changing performance, a player’s first game can be a telling sign of their future impact in the league. As the Premier League continues to evolve, new stars will emerge, ready to make their mark from their very first match.
And we’re here for the ride, keeping our eyes open for the next big thing.