Sancho SHINES, Ugarte IMPRESSES: How each Premier League debutant performed this weekend

Updated: 16 Sep 2024 01:45 CDT
5 min read

Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Manuel Ugarte — © IMAGO

The Premier League saw a number of high-profile players make their debuts last weekend, with Jadon Sancho turning out for Chelsea for the first time and Manuel Ugarte featuring for Manchester United.

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But who were the standout players as they introduced themselves to their new clubs?

Here’s how 10 of the most important debutants fared.

Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)

Minutes: 45

FootballCritic Rating: n/a

An instantly positive impact from the player signed on loan from Man Utd. Sancho played a key role as a replacement as the Blues pinched a tight victory over Bournemouth thanks to a Christopher Nkunku goal. It was set up by the former Dortmund star.

He attacked defenders with confidence and played in such a manner that suggests he could be a major asset for the Blues. A very exciting introduction to the Stamford Bridge crowd.

Manuel Ugarte (Man Utd)

Minutes: 17

FootballCritic Rating: 6.6

Man Utd had to wait until the final hours of the transfer window to secure the signature of Ugarte, and the Uruguayan had to be patient in Southampton before coming into the game in a 3-0 win.

He settled quickly into the team and gave Man Utd fans a taste of what he is capable of by making two tackles and winning three of four duels in less than a quarter of the game.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€31.2M - €52M

Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)

Minutes: 90

FootballCritic Rating: 7.1

The ex-Wolfsburg centre-back had moments of genuine worry against Leicester as he was pulled out of position and made a couple of errors, yet overall, the left-sided centre-back made an accomplished debut.

His tackle count, aerial ability and combativity all stood out, with the Swiss comprehensively outperforming highly rated teammate Marc Guehi.

Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace)

Minutes: 90

FootballCritic Rating: 6.6

An incredible 15 touches inside the box from Nketiah, who hooked up with Palace from Arsenal late in the transfer window.

He was often best for the Gunners off the bench, and the frustrating inefficiency he showed at the Emirates when starting games was evident here. He had six shots but only one was on target.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€20.3M - €33.8M

Raheem Sterling (Arsenal)

Minutes: 10

FootballCritic Rating: n/a

Sterling struggled to make an impact in a 10-minute cameo for Arsenal at the end of the North London Derby. He had just three touches.

STATS

31

Games
8

Goals
4

Assists

Orel Mangala (Everton)

Minutes: 26

FootballCritic Rating: 5.8

Mangala was brought on to try to shore things up for the Toffees in the midfield as they lost ground to Aston Villa, but he was unable to stop them sliding to a 3-2 loss against Aston Villa.

He failed to win the only tackle he attempted and also lost both duels he attempted. It was an inauspicious beginning for the loan signings.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€8.9M - €14.8M

Reiss Nelson (Fulham)

Minutes: 24

FootballCritic Rating: 6.3

The former Arsenal man managed to pick up a booking on debut for Fulham, despite playing only around quarter of the game.

Despite his short time on the field, he certainly put himself around, competing in seven duels, winning four. He also managed two shots, one of target, as well as five touches in the box. This was a bright display.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€4.8M - €8M

Andre (Wolves)

Minutes: 77

FootballCritic Rating: n/a

Was thrown right into the fray against Newcastle, leaving the park shortly after the visitors had scored their equalising goal.

Made an accomplished first impression at Molineux, notably completing all 40 of his passes. This is the highest perfect number of passes on Premier League debut since records began.

Sam Johnstone (Wolves)

Minutes: 90

FootballCritic Rating: 6.4

A losing debut for Wolves’ new goalkeeper, with both of the Newcastle goals arriving in the closing 15 minutes of the game.

Could do little about Harvey Barnes’ brilliant winner.

James Ward-Prowse (Nottingham Forest)

Minutes: 90

FootballCritic Rating: 6.8

The midfielder was given the whole match as Nottingham Forest recorded a famous win against Liverpool at Anfield and was one of their outstanding performers in the process.

Led his team in terms of touches and completed a very respectable 82% of his passes, which was a strong figure given the pressure Forest were coming under. Put up some very solid defensive figures, too.