Liverpool and Everton summer signings among best debutants in Premier League
The Premier League returned this past weekend and supporters up and down the country got to see some of their new signings in action. Some flourished, while others flattered to deceive. Here, we run through the six highest WhoScored rated summer signings, before moving into the six lowest rated in part two.
Naby Keita (Liverpool) – 7.35 rating
Jamie Redknapp went overboard in his praise of Naby Keita eight minutes into his Liverpool debut, but his display was full of promise. The all-action No.8 slipped in a perfectly-weighted through ball to help carve out Liverpool’s opener, while also completing two dribbles in a routine 4-0 win over West Ham. It was far from spectacular, but the early signs are that Keita will live up to the billing for Liverpool, perhaps even exceeding expectations.
Raul Jimenez (Wolves) – 7.37
Raul Jimenez was one of only three summer signings that opened their account on the opening-weekend of Premier League fixtures, helping newly-promoted Wolves salvage a share of the points against Everton with an 80th-minute equaliser. The Mexican striker quite one-dimensonal in his approach and often made poor runs, but certainly gives defenders something else to think about. He will also need to improve retaining possession going forward.
Jean Michael Seri (Fulham) – 7.43
Fulham were served with a dose of reality in their first game back in the Premier League in four years, losing 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace. Despite the loss, there were at least positives to be taken from Jean Michael Seri’s debut. The 27-year-old arrived with a reputation of being a passmaster and he lived up to that on Saturday, attempting 93 passes during his 82-minute display. He also completed 10 tackles and interceptions, more than any other player in the Premier League.
Jorginho (Chelsea) – 7.47
Chelsea supporter got an impressive glimpse of what is to come under Jorginho after the 26-year-old delivered a masterclass in midfield in a 3-0 win away to Huddersfield on Saturday. Jorginho only managed two league goals in 133 league appearances for Napoli, but is half way to matching that total already for Chelsea after coolly converting a penalty against the Terriers. He also completed 93.9% of his passes.
Jannik Vestergaard (Southampton) – 7.59
Signed from German side Gladbach, Jannik Vestergaard made a stellar debut at the heart of Southampton’s defence, helping Mark Hughes’ side to an opening-weekend 0-0 draw against Burnley. Only James Tarkowski (15) made more clearances than the towering Dane (12) of all players in the Premier League over the weekend.
Richarlison (Everton) – 8.46
Many, myself included, scoffed at Everton’s decision to outlay more than £40m to sign Richarlison from Watford, and while it's still early days, the Brazilian forward endured a dream debut for the Toffees. The 21-year-old endured a 26-game goalless run in the league at the end of last season but netted twice in a 2-2 draw with Wolves on Saturday, suggesting good times are ahead at Everton after reuniting with manager Marco Silva.
