Premier League fans were treated to the first glimpses of several stars in new club colours this weekend, in the first round of fixtures since the transfer window’s closure.
We take a look at five January additions who shone on debut this weekend.
Tete
Brendan Rodgers expressed his delight at Leicester’s winter business during his pre-match address of the media last week, as the faltering Foxes brought in badly-needed reinforcements in the January window.
Harry Souttar and Victor Kristiansen have arrived to bolster the backline, while the most exciting arrival was the capture of Tete on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk. The 22-year-old has become the first Brazilian to represent Leicester and marked his first appearance for the Foxes with a goal in their enthralling win at Aston Villa.
Leicester twice fought back to level in an end-to-end first half at Villa Park, before Tete burst into the box and rounded Emiliano Martinez to put Rodgers’ side ahead on the stroke of half-time. It was the highlight of an encouraging performance from the right-winger, who completed a game-leading five take-ons – more than any Leicester player has managed in a Premier League fixture this season – and troubled Villa with incisive runs infield.
The first Brazilian #lcfc goal ⚽ ???????? pic.twitter.com/mZSzBEK5SV
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 4, 2023
Tete scored six goals on loan at Lyon across the first half of the season and has now injected a sense of freshness into Leicester’s forward line. Rodgers was delighted with the immediate impact of his new recruit.
“Tete was what I’ve been talking about for about 18 months, a right winger who can take the ball, pass the ball, look after the ball, make runs, and work,” Rodgers said.
“What a debut for him. It was really good. You just see he knows football. He knows the type of game we’re looking to play. He stretches the game. He’s a winger on the outside. He can beat players, his touch is immaculate. He’s got a good weight of pass. But he can also run in behind so his timing and view of the game is so good. His finish was absolutely brilliant.”
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez had the watching world on him as the midfielder made his Chelsea debut on Friday evening, with English football treated to a first viewing of the Premier League’s most expensive footballer.
Fernandez was thrust immediately into the action against Fulham and despite a goalless draw he demonstrated flashes of the talent which made him so sought after. The 22-year-old added silk to Graham Potter’s midfield and looked at ease in possession, while he showed his appetite for the less glamorous side of the game with a number of interventions to regain possession.
First ???? outing! pic.twitter.com/AhtEGsuENP
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 4, 2023
The Argentina international won six duels and five tackles, while he took on added responsbility as Chelsea chased a goal to break the deadlock at Stamford Bridge. It almost came from their debutant, as Fernandez flashed a fine effort just wide of the post from distance.
There will be better to come from the World Cup winner as he gets up to speed with the Premier League, but this was an encouraging first performance from the record arrival. The addition of a more specialised anchor alongside him could free Fernandez from his shackles.
Craig Dawson
Wolves capitalised on Craig Dawson’s desire for a move closer to his family to secure a cut-price deal for the centre-back last month.
The 32-year-old had wanted to move north after two-and-a-half seasons at West Ham and Wolves agreed a £3.3m deal that already looks like shrewd business. Dawson was a standout as Wolves produced their best performance of the season to thrash Liverpool this weekend and enjoyed a dream debut after lashing in the host’s second goal.
The central defender thundered in to double Wolves’ advantage early in the first half, as Julen Lopetugi’s side ran riot across the opening exchanges. After an unexpected debut goal, Dawson demonstrated a willingness to put his body on the line for a clean sheet as Liverpool looked to get back into the game.
A debut goal for @CraigDawson__15 ???? pic.twitter.com/b1g19eDRj0
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 4, 2023
In addition to his own individual outing, Dawson was on hand to lead the Wolves backline through the contest and his experience could prove invaluable to developing duo Max Kilman and Nathan Collins. He looks to be a brilliant piece of business.
Keylor Navas
Nottingham Forest’s capture of Keylor Navas created headlines late in the window, as the club pulled off a coup in bringing the goalkeeper to the City Ground.
Navas has had an exceptional career at the top table of European football, where he has won three league titles and three Champions Leagues across decorated stints at Real Madrid and PSG.
A crunch meeting with relegation rivals Leeds proved no issue for the 36-year-old, who used all of his experience and class to lead Forest to a huge win. Steve Cooper was full of praise for Navas’ composure, game-management and decision-making, as the Costa Rican made a string of first-half saves to ensure Forest held onto the lead given to them by Brennan Johnson’s fine strike.
How did you rate Keylor's first appearance for The Reds? ???? pic.twitter.com/Ncy3dzeiXe
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 6, 2023
Navas twice denied Luke Ayling with vital interventions and was named man-of-the-match following his first performance for Forest. The veteran has now kept clean sheets on his LaLiga, Ligue 1 and Premier League debuts.
Victor Kristiansen
One of three debutants in the Leicester side this weekend, Kristiansen was an impressive performer as a refreshed Foxes’ team returning to winning ways at Aston Villa.
Kristiansen became the most expensive Danish Superliga player ever when signing for Leicester from FC Copenhagen for a fee of £17m last month, but appears to have huge potential after building on an impressive showing in the FA Cup last week with a fine full debut in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old made more tackles (6) than any other player across Saturday’s Premier League games and won 8/8 ground duels in a performance of defensive quality and threat when venturing forward.
Pure emotion ???? Celebrating with the family after your @premierleague debut! pic.twitter.com/4qy34YwsN9
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 4, 2023
Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the left-back still needs to get up to speed in terms of fitness, but there are plenty of positives from the defender who should get better and better as he becomes accustomed to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
After appearing a side suffering with stagnation, there’s a new look to Leicester with Kristiansen, Tete and centre-back Harry Souttar brought in during the winter window. Each appear to have attributes that will improve the Foxes and get Rodgers’ side looking upwards once more.
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