The Top Five Debuts Of The First English Premier League Weekend

As the Premier League 2008/09 season kicked off last weekend, several players made their league debuts for their new clubs. Consequently, I picked out my top five new signings who impressively performed.

5. Johan Elmander, Bolton Wanderers

Being the club's record signing, a lot is expected of Johan Elmander. The new £8.2million signing lived up to the expectations, as he scored on his debut, capping off a fantastic first half for Bolton Wanderers.

He deservedly won the Man of the Match award. If he keeps performing the way he does, it won't be long before he is a firm fans favourite and everyone is saying: "Anelka who?"

4. Geovanni, Hull City

He sparked himself and Hull City off to a great start in top-flight football, scoring the equaliser on his debut and Hull City's first ever goal in the Premier League.

Performing fantastically throughout, combined with his goal, his performance on the pitch was no doubt a catalyst in Hull City's surge towards a first ever Premier League victory.

He deservedly won the man of the match award.

3. Samir Nasri, Arsenal

Another player who had a great debut in Premier League football, scoring the only goal of the game after six minutes following Denilson's cutback.

Played fantastically throughout, showing great signs for the future. Could well be a great player for Arsenal and definitely one day achieve the feats of Zinedine Zidane. 

No doubt, he has now reserved a place in the French National team.

2. Deco, Chelsea

A superb debut in English football that was capped off by a fantastic 25-yard swerving shot that smashed the back of the net to give Chelsea their fourth and final goal.

Deco had a fantastic game, being equally as impressive in both the first half and second half, and showed great midfield qualities—passing, crossing (crossed the ball in for Anelka's goal), dribbling, and superb forward runs.

1. Jonas Gutierrez, Newcastle United. 

Made a very impressive debut to Premier League football, always looking very lively and causing the Manchester United defence a lot of problems.

Not easy to do when making your debut at Old Trafford.

On a day when the whole Newcastle team were impressive, he was the stand out performer, deservedly winning man of the match.