5 worst debuts this season in football

#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)

Arsenal v Norwich City - Premier League

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)

Chelsea v Aston Villa - Premier League

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.