The Premier League is one of the most competitive football leagues in the world, where new players face immense pressure to perform from day one. Over the years, some players have not only met expectations in their debut seasons but have exceeded them, leaving an indelible mark on the league. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of these remarkable first-season performances and the statistics that defined them.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, 2017/18)
When Mohamed Salah returned to the Premier League with Liverpool in 2017, few could have predicted the impact he would have. Salah’s first season was nothing short of extraordinary. He broke the record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season, scoring 32 goals in just 36 appearances. Salah also provided 10 assists, showcasing his ability to create as well as score. His incredible form earned him the Premier League Golden Boot and the PFA Player of the Year award. Salah’s dazzling debut season set the tone for a golden era at Liverpool.
Kevin Phillips (Sunderland, 1999/00)
Kevin Phillips’ debut Premier League season with Sunderland remains one of the most impressive in the league’s history. Phillips scored 30 goals, a feat that earned him the European Golden Shoe, making him the only Englishman to win the award. His goals helped Sunderland achieve a 7th place finish, a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted side. Phillips’ clinical finishing and positioning made him a constant threat to opposition defenses, and his name remains synonymous with goal-scoring excellence.
Diego Costa (Chelsea, 2014/15)
Diego Costa’s arrival at Chelsea in 2014 brought a new level of aggression and intensity to the Premier League. Costa’s physical style of play, combined with his sharp finishing, made him a nightmare for defenders. In his debut season, Costa scored 20 goals in 26 appearances, helping Chelsea to clinch the Premier League title. His presence on the field was a game-changer, and his goals were instrumental in Jose Mourinho’s team winning the league with ease.
Sergio Agüero (Manchester City, 2011/12)
Sergio Agüero’s debut season at Manchester City will forever be remembered for one iconic moment: his last-minute goal against QPR that secured City’s first Premier League title in 44 years. Agüero’s goal-scoring prowess was evident throughout the season as he netted 23 goals and provided 8 assists. His ability to score crucial goals made him an instant fan favorite, and his debut season laid the foundation for a legendary career in the Premier League.
Fernando Torres (Liverpool, 2007/08)
Fernando Torres made an explosive start to his Premier League career with Liverpool, scoring 24 goals in his debut season – the highest tally by a foreign player in their first season at the time. Torres’ speed, movement, and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared strikers in the league. His partnership with Steven Gerrard was particularly lethal, and together, they formed one of the most potent attacking duos in Europe. Torres quickly became a cult hero at Anfield.
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United, 2001/02)
Ruud van Nistelrooy arrived at Manchester United with a reputation as one of Europe’s top strikers, and he lived up to the hype in his debut season. Van Nistelrooy scored 23 goals in the Premier League, earning the PFA Player of the Year award. His incredible composure in front of goal and his ability to score from almost any position made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Van Nistelrooy’s debut season was the beginning of a prolific goal-scoring career in England.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, 2022/23)
Erling Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City in 2022 was met with massive expectations, and the Norwegian striker did not disappoint. Haaland broke the Premier League record for the most goals in a single season, scoring an incredible 36 goals in 35 appearances. His blend of power, pace, and clinical finishing left defenders helpless. Haaland’s goalscoring feats helped City to another Premier League title, and his debut season established him as one of the most exciting talents in world football.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, 2003/04)
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal tally in his debut season at Manchester United wasn’t extraordinary, his impact was undeniable. Ronaldo scored 4 goals in his first Premier League season, but it was his skill, flair, and confidence on the ball that captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. Ronaldo’s dribbling and creativity made him a constant threat, and his performances laid the foundation for the incredible career that followed. Ronaldo’s debut season was the start of a journey that would see him become one of the greatest players in football history.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea, 2012/13)
Eden Hazard’s arrival at Chelsea brought a new level of excitement to the Premier League. In his debut season, Hazard contributed 9 goals and 11 assists, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most creative and influential players. Hazard’s dribbling ability and vision made him a nightmare for defenders, and his ability to change the course of a game with a moment of brilliance made him one of the most valuable players in the league. Hazard’s debut season was a sign of the greatness to come.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, 2019/20)
Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United in January 2020 and made an immediate impact. Despite only playing 14 games in his debut season, Fernandes scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists, helping to transform United’s season. His creativity, vision, and leadership quickly made him a key player for the Red Devils. Fernandes’ debut season was a glimpse of his immense potential, and he has since become one of the most important players in the Premier League.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea, 2023/24)
Cole Palmer’s transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 was met with anticipation, and the young midfielder has not disappointed. In his debut Premier League season with Chelsea, Palmer has already showcased his versatility and technical skill. Palmer has made a significant impact with his ability to score crucial goals and provide key assists in important matches. His composure on the ball and creativity have been vital for Chelsea’s attacking play, making him a rising star to watch. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Palmer to see just how far he can go in his debut campaign. He scored 22 goals and assisted 11 in 34 games.
These players not only had remarkable debut seasons but also went on to become legends in the Premier League. Their performances in their first season set the tone for their careers and left an indelible mark on English football. Whether it was through sheer goal-scoring prowess, creativity, or leadership, these players proved that first impressions can indeed last a lifetime.
With Cole Palmer emerging as a potential new star, the tradition of impressive debut seasons in the Premier League continues. Who do you think had the best debut season in Premier League history? Let us know in the comments!
