In the recent Premier League game between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion it was a debut to remember for three players. Joe Ledley and Thomas Ince scored for Palace in the first half before Thievy Bifouma, off the bench, scored within a minute of his first West Brom appearance.
Another summer signing, Fulham's Konstantinos Mitroglou, scored on his first appearance for the Under-21s against Aston Villa, the second of which was a fine strike from range. With a nod to the Greek's strike, Sports Mole have picked out their favourite five debut goals.
1. Mario Stanic - Chelsea vs. West Ham United, August 2000
Mario Stanic's Chelsea career may not have panned out quite the way he had hoped, but the start of it could not have gone any better if he was dreaming. It was memorable not only for the two goals he scored, but mainly for his first. Keeping the ball up a couple of times, Stanic rifled in a 35-yard screamer that is still one of the best goals seen at Stamford Bridge.
2. Sergio Aguero - Manchester City vs. Swansea City, August 2011
Sergio Aguero has proved to be one of the best strikers the Premier League has seen in his time at Manchester City and is probably best remembered for the late winner against Queens Park Rangers that won his side the Premier League title. However, he was not bad on his debut either. He came off the bench to score once, before firing in an absolute wonder strike from 30 yards to seal it with aplomb.
3. Papiss Cisse - Newcastle vs. Aston Villa, February 2012
January signing for Newcastle United Papiss Cisse came with a hefty price tag and as such a big amount of expectation. With Senegal strike partner Demba Ba already at the club and impressing, Cisse had much to live up to. No such worries for their new number nine on his debut, though. He made his mark with a fine left-footed strike from the edge of the box to help his side to a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
4. Fabrizio Ravanelli - Middlesbrough vs. Liverpool, August 1996
Middlesbrough's big summer signing Fabrizio Ravanelli makes the list not because of a spectacular goal, but for the spectacular number he scored on his debut. There were question marks whether the silver-haired Italian would be able to adapt to the English top flight. Of course he could, as he equalised three times to earn Boro an opening-day draw.
5. Jurgen Klinsmann - Sheffield Wednesday vs. Tottenham Hotspur, August 2004
Jurgen Klinsmann arrived at Tottenham Hotspur with a reputation for going to ground too easily. He took plenty of stick from opposing fans even before taking to the field for the first time against Sheffield Wednesday. After having a big part in two goals Klinsmann headed in the winner, before hurling himself to ground in celebration - one that Spurs fans would see many times over the coming seasons.
Matt Domm
