The Premier League has witnessed a host of incredible talents grace its fields over the years, and some of the most memorable moments in English football have come on a player’s debut. From dazzling performances to game-changing goals, debutants have the unique ability to set the tone for their careers and capture the imagination of fans. Some debuts have been so spectacular that they remain etched in footballing folklore. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the Premier League’s most iconic debuts, performances that were as unforgettable as the careers that followed.

1. Sergio Agüero – Manchester City vs. Southampton (2011)

When Manchester City signed Sergio Agüero from Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2011, few could have predicted just how much of an impact the Argentine striker would have on the Premier League. His debut against Southampton on the opening day of the 2011/12 season was nothing short of spectacular. Agüero came on as a substitute in the 59th minute with the score tied at 0-0, and by the 60th minute, he had scored a stunning hat-trick.

Agüero’s movement, finishing ability, and composure in front of goal were on full display. His quick-fire hat-trick immediately endeared him to City fans and served as a glimpse of the future. Over the next decade, Agüero would go on to become Manchester City’s all-time leading goal scorer, solidifying his place as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever strikers. That debut hat-trick was just the beginning of a career that would see him play an instrumental role in City’s Premier League dominance.

2. Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sunderland (2014)

Harry Kane’s rise to prominence is a story of perseverance, and his debut Premier League season in 2014/15 helped solidify his place among the elite. The English striker had spent time out on loan before making his breakthrough at Tottenham Hotspur. In his first Premier League start against Sunderland, Kane announced himself to the world by scoring twice. His first goal came in the 59th minute, a composed finish after a well-timed run. His second was a beautiful long-range strike, demonstrating his technical prowess and maturity.

Kane’s debut was the beginning of a sensational Premier League career that would see him become one of the Premier League’s most lethal strikers. Kane’s consistency, leadership, and commitment to Spurs have made him one of the most beloved figures in English football.

3. Frank Lampard – West Ham United vs. Coventry City (1996)

Before becoming a Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard began his Premier League career with West Ham United in the 1995/96 season. In his debut match for the Hammers against Coventry City, Lampard showed glimpses of the talent that would go on to make him one of the best midfielders in Premier League history. Though he didn’t score, his all-around display in the middle of the park – where he demonstrated both composure and vision – impressed fans and pundits alike.

Over the next decade, Lampard would establish himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players. His ability to score goals from midfield, combined with his leadership qualities, would propel him to Chelsea’s all-time top scorer, as well as make him a mainstay for the England national team.

4. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool vs. Watford (2017)

When Mohamed Salah made his Premier League debut for Liverpool in August 2017, not many could have predicted how quickly he would establish himself as one of the league’s best. Playing against Watford at Vicarage Road, Salah took just 19 minutes to score his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, rounding off a stunning counter-attack with a clinical finish.

Salah’s debut was the first of many performances that would solidify his place in Premier League history. His blistering pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess would lead him to become one of the most exciting players in the world. By the end of the 2017/18 season, Salah had scored 32 goals in the league, breaking the record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season.

5. Wayne Rooney – Everton vs. Arsenal (2002)

Wayne Rooney’s debut for Everton in 2002 was one of the most memorable in Premier League history. At just 16 years old, Rooney faced Arsenal – the defending league champions – and produced a stunning moment of brilliance. In the 90th minute of the match, Rooney picked up the ball just outside the box, composed himself, and launched a powerful shot that flew past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, giving Everton a 2-1 victory.

Rooney’s goal immediately announced him as a future star of English football. His mix of power, precision, and maturity on the ball made him one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players. Rooney would go on to break numerous records, including becoming Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer and England’s all-time top scorer.

6. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City vs. Swansea City (2015)

Kevin De Bruyne’s move to Manchester City in 2015 was met with high expectations, and his debut for the club did not disappoint. Playing against Swansea City, De Bruyne was instrumental in City’s 3-0 victory, providing an assist and showing off his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His quality in the final third was immediately evident, and it wasn’t long before he became one of the Premier League’s most influential players.

De Bruyne’s influence on City’s success in the coming years has been immeasurable, with his creative brilliance at the heart of one of the best midfield performances the Premier League has ever seen. His intelligence on the ball, combined with his pinpoint passing, makes him one of the most complete players in the league.

7. N’Golo Kanté – Chelsea vs. West Ham United (2016)

N’Golo Kanté’s move to Chelsea from Leicester City in 2016 was one of the most significant transfers of the season. After winning the Premier League with Leicester, Kanté made an immediate impact in his debut for Chelsea against West Ham United. His tireless work ethic, ability to break up opposition attacks, and composure in possession were all on display as Chelsea won 2-1.

Kanté quickly became a key player for Chelsea, and his contributions in midfield were integral to the team’s 2016/17 title-winning campaign. His ability to control the pace of the game and recover the ball quickly made him one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Conclusion

The Premier League’s best debuts are not just about dazzling performances or goals – they’re about players announcing themselves on football’s biggest stage. Whether it’s Sergio Agüero’s unforgettable hat-trick or Frank Lampard’s understated start, each of these debuts represents a turning point in a player’s career, one that would go on to define them as legends of the English game. The impact these players had from the very beginning is a testament to their talent and potential, and their performances continue to inspire future generations of footballers.