Analysis: How did the PL’s latest recruits make their debut?

Bad Debuts

Liam Bridcutt (-6)

Ok, so this one is harsh. Thrust into the intensity of a Tyne-Weir derby, and in a central midfield position to boot, Bridcutt was solid in his opening match for Sunderland. Typically for a derby, the match was not one for football purists, and left Bridcutt’s pass completion rate at a lowly 74%. Elsewhere in the Sunderland midfield, Ki secured a pass accuracy of 97%.

Playing in front of the back four Bridcutt attempted four tackles, but won the ball with just one of them. An okay debut, but definitely room for improvement.

Lewis Holtby (-16)

The exciting midfielder will undoubtedly prove a shrewd addition for Fulham, but his debut was nothing to write home about. The on-loan winger registered a performance score of -16, largely due to a sloppy second half performance. Given the score, Fulham’s problem was in defence rather than attack, and Holtby was largely starved of service.

However, he will be looking to improve upon this performance during the coming weeks. Holtby registered a pass accuracy of just 58% – the lowest of any outfield Fulham player – and completed just one of the four take ons that he attempted.

Fabio (-32)

Despite his side winning, Cardiff defender Fabio has room for improvement upon his debut. He scored the lowest performance score of any Cardiff player before being substituted. The former Manchester United defender attempted four tackles, but failed to make a single one of them, whilst he made the fewest defensive actions of any of the Cardiff defence.