5 BEST Premier League Debutants This Season

Recently, Tottenham Hostpur’s Antonín Kinský made headlines after he put forth one of the worst debuts in Champions League history. However, we’re not here for a pile-on – let’s take a look at the other side of the coin.

Who have been the best Premier League debutants this season? We looked at players from clubs such as West Ham United, Manchester City and Arsenal in this list – let’s see who made the final cut.

El Hadji Malick Diouf

No one expected El Hadji Malick Diouf to hit the ground running so seamlessly – he has been a ray of light amid a dark campaign for West Ham this season.

With electric pace and a burning desire to move the ball down the flanks, Diouf has been an effective presence at both ends of the pitch.

At times, it is hard to believe that he’s just 20 years of age. Diouf plays with a mature confidence that is generally only seen in the most seasoned of professionals – his future is very bright indeed.

Robin Roefs

Like Diouf, Robin Roefs is another young player who stunned everyone in his debut campaign in the Premier League. Sunderland were expected to finish rock-bottom of the table, but their stellar summer transfer window allowed the Black Cats to enjoy a brilliant first season back in England’s top flight.

Out of all their summer signings, Roefs might be the best of the bunch. He is a phenomenal goalkeeper – not only can he pull off some spell-binding reflex stops, he’s also very well-rounded for a 23 year old.

Until his injury, Roefs had played in every Premier League game for Sunderland this season. With displays such as these, he could be a shoe-in for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.

Rayan Cherki

On the face of it, Rayan Cherki did not look like a player who was cut out for the Premier League. Despite being clearly technically proficient, he appeared to lack the physicality and work rate needed to be a success in England’s top flight.

Nonetheless, his naysayers couldn’t have been more wrong. Cherki is establishing himself as the Premier League’s current ‘assist king’ – he has notched up eight assists over the course of 24 games in the league.

Cherki’s wicked dribbling ability and pinpoint passing has bamboozled defenders so far this season – in a team bursting with attacking talent, he has done very well to stand out as much as he has.

Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi has made a world of difference to Arsenal’s play – his fantastic range of passing and faultless positioning made him the ideal player to slot straight into Mikel Arteta’s team.

Not only has he added some much-needed stability to Arsenal’s midfield, he has also made a number of goal contributions. Zubimendi has found the back of the net on five occasions this season, alongside a solitary assist.

Arsenal look primed to win their first Premier League title since 2004 – Zubimendi’s arrival has played a pivotal role in their historic campaign.

Hugo Ekitike

Who else could take the top spot? Liverpool’s 2025/26 season has been largely disappointing, but Hugo Ekitike has proven to be a fantastic summer signing.

Let’s be honest – when Ekitike arrived at Anfield, most audiences believed that he would be a mere deputy to £125m star signing Alexander Isak. However, Isak’s poor form and unfortunate injuries have allowed the former Eintracht Frankfurt man to show everyone what he is capable of.

With 11 goals and five assists to his name in the Premier League this season, few strikers can claim to have led such an impressive debut campaign at Liverpool.