Premier League debut watch: Kevin De Bruyne, Son Heung-Min and more
Monday 14 September 2015 14:10, UK
We pick out six noteworthy Premier League debuts in the first games since the window shut.
There were goals for Manchester United's Anthony Martial, Norwich's Matt Jarvis and Leicester's Nathan Dyer, while Kevin De Bruyne and Virgil van Dijk impressed for Manchester City and Southampton, respectively.
Son Heung-Min endured a more low-key start for Tottenham but still finished on the winning side.
Here we pick out some of the key stats and quotes that summed up those Premier League debuts…
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Named among the substitutes, De Bruyne might not have expected his City debut to begin as early as it did but an injury to Sergio Aguero pressed him into action against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. With David Silva and Raheem Sterling also injured, De Bruyne soon took creative responsibility, fashioning five chances, more than anyone else on the pitch.
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He showed his speed too - clocked as City's fastest player, according to the Premier League tracking data - and that was never more apparent in the fast break that should've seen him register a first assist had Jesus Navas not missed with the goal gaping. At least there was a late winner for his side and plenty for the Belgian to build on from this encouraging debut.
Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
After all the hype, Martial showed what makes him so special with a fine goal on his debut as he completed the scoring in front of the Stretford End in United's 3-1 win over Liverpool. Ashley Young called it a "fantastic individual bit of skill" and Louis van Gaal described it as a "marvellous goal" as Martial's doubters were given something to think about.
"Even if he misses one next week, he'll still have that feeling that he's scored a massive goal," said Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville on The Gary Neville Podcast. "He's taken his opportunity, and it buys him some time which I think for a young player is so important. It's a huge moment for him, make no mistake about that."
Matt Jarvis (Norwich City)
He was far from the most high profile of players making his debut at the weekend but Jarvis was the only man other than Martial and Nathan Dyer to mark his first game with a goal. It was a beauty too, cutting inside from the right onto his weaker left foot to put Norwich three up in their 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at Carrow Road.
Jarvis, who joined on loan from West Ham on deadline day, had not netted since April 2014 and will be hoping to feature more after struggling to get a regular start in recent times at the Boleyn Ground. "It's always nice to start with a win and a goal so I'm absolutely delighted," he told Sky Sports.
Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham's signing from Leverkusen arrives with a lot of expectation and supporters will be hoping he can take some of the goalscoring responsibility away from young striker Harry Kane. The Korean was busy on his debut but could not find the breakthrough before being withdrawn just after the hour mark against Sunderland.
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Son's delivery from set-pieces was mixed and he completed only nine passes in the opposition half, none of them leading to a shot. At least he kicked off with three points thanks to substitute Erik Lamela setting up Ryan Mason for a late winner as Sunderland were beaten 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.
Virgil van Dijk (Southampton)
Van Dijk was named as the Sky Sports man of the match in his first appearance for Southampton following his move from Celtic. The 24-year-old Dutchman handled former Saints star Rickie Lambert well in the goalless draw at the Hawthorns with no player on either side winning possession of the ball more often (nine times).
Forming an encouraging partnership with Jose Fonte, his performance was even described as "perfect" by his manager Ronald Koeman. "I'm very pleased," he told Sky Sports. "Virgil was impressive today. He was very strong in defence and very comfortable on the ball. It's a great signing and it makes the team stronger."
Nathan Dyer (Leicester)
After seemingly falling down the pecking order at Swansea, Dyer was looking to impress after joining in-form Leicester on a season-long loan on deadline day. But the wide man would have to wait for his chance as Claudio Ranieri named him among the substitutes for the clash with Aston Villa.
Introduced at the break, Dyer eventually helped Leicester orchestrate a stunning comeback from 2-0 down, showing real bravery to beat Brad Guzan to Riyad Mahrez's cross and score the winner. He felt the full force of the Villa goalkeeper and spent several moments on the floor before realising he'd put his side 3-2 in front.
