5 worst debuts this season in football

First impressions in football are so crucial for players. A player's debut carries a lot of weight on his shoulder. Should a newcomer play well, he will be instantly loved by the fans. But should he play poorly, he could easily be frozen out of the squad and taunted by his own club's supporters.

Since the start of the season, we have seen some fabulous club debuts. Be it the player's second club debut, similar to Cristiano Ronaldo's or Romelu Lukaku's, or the newest player in the club's history books similar to Tammy Abraham or Camavinga.

On that note, let's look at 5 players, who have had a debut to forget for their new clubs this season.

#5. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Antoine Griezmann was touted to be back to the Wanda Metropolitano for much of the summer, and Barcelona finally got him off their wage bill on the deadline day. The World Cup winner returned to Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy for £34 million.

The 30-year-old was excellent in his first spell at the club, scoring 133 times and assisting in 50 of 257 appearances. But after two years away from the Spanish capital, Griezmann's fairytale return was marred by a poor performance in his first game back.

Simeone's side faced Espanyol, who were yet to win a game this season. But the Catalan club were far superior in the first half and took the lead in the 40th minute. Griezmann struggled to get into the game and looked uncomfortable with the ball. He completed just 71 percent of his passes while his two shots failed to hit the target.

He was replaced by Joao Felix on the hour mark, and Madrid instantly looked better. The youngster provided more energy and even took more touches in the opposition box than the Frenchman, despite playing fewer minutes.

Goals from Carrasco and Lemar completed the comeback, but the returning Griezmann had a second debut to forget.

#4. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

Manchester United v Leeds United - Premier League

After a protracted 18-month pursuit, Manchester United finally got their man this summer. They splashed £73 million on Jadon Sancho. The 21-year old made his name in Germany, racking up 114 goal involvements in 137 games for Borussia Dortmund.

With such strong numbers, expectations are high for him in Manchester, but the United faithful may have to be patient with the youngster. He has had a slow start to life back in England.

At the time of writing, he's yet to contribute a goal in five appearances, and his full debut against Wolves was largely underwhelming. The south Londoner was out of much of the action as the West Midlands side looked more threatening in the attack.

Throughout the game, Sancho managed zero shots, key passes, or dribbles. He was also punished for a misplaced header in his box, which Moutinho was unable to capitalize on.

The former Borussia Dortmund forward was subbed off in the 72nd minute, and the Red Devils scored the winner soon after he left the pitch. He'll need to start performing soon to justify his heavy price tag.

#3. Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa)

Aston Villa v Brentford - Premier League

Following his £35 million move to Aston Villa, a record signing for the club, Emi Buendia struggled to get going in his debut. The Argentine was unplayable for Norwich last season, netting 15 and assisting 17, as the Canaries gained promotion back to the Premier League.

The 24-year old was named Championship Player of the Season, which earned him his move to Villa Park this summer. Having lost Jack Grealish, the former Getafe man was brought in to perform his attacking output.

However, Buendia looked a shadow of himself in his first start for Villa in their opening game against Watford. Dean Smith's side lost the game 3-2, with the South American taking off after 72 minutes.

Their new number 10 managed just one shot which was blocked and created no chances, despite averaging 3.1 per game last term.

The winger has put his painful debut behind him though. He played a key role in Villa's 2-0 victory over Newcastle and then scoring a stunner against Brentford the following week.

#2. Ben White (Arsenal)

Despite having just one Premier League season at Brighton, Arsenal splashed £50 million this summer for Ben White. A huge price tag, which brings added pressure to perform. It was something that the 23-year old struggled to do in his first Gunners game.

The Englishman had an impressive 2021 season in the South Coast as the Seagulls conceded the fewest goals in the bottom half of the table.

There's no doubt about White's potential, but a shaky debut has not helped his cause. Arsenal lost 2-0 in their opening game against Brentford, with their new signing struggling at the back.

The former Leeds man was bullied throughout by Ivan Toney, with White winning just 38 percent of his aerial duels. He allowed the forwards to win seven headers to their name. The debutant was also caught out for the second goal, as he was deceived by the bounce of the ball from a long throw.

White has since recovered with a clean sheet in his second outing against Norwich City.

#1. Saul Niguez (Chelsea)

Saul Niguez joined Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid this summer, with the option of making the deal permanent for £30 million. The Spaniard made 340 appearances in nine years for Atletico, registering 63 goal involvements and winning six trophies in that time.

However, things did not go to plan in his first start for the Blues against Aston Villa. The midfielder struggled to keep up with the frantic pace of the game and was sloppy in possession. He gave two huge chances to the visitors, which, lucky for Saul, they failed to capitalize on.

Furthermore, the 2021 la Liga winner was dispossessed three times and gave away three fouls as well. Tuchel's side went into half-time with a 1-0 lead, but the German took no chances as he replaced Saul with Jorginho.

Chelsea then went on to win 3-0, but Saul's debut will go down as one of the worst in Premier League history.

Edited by Aditya Singh