Although unreliable (think of the debuts of teenage sensations Federico Macheda and James Vaughan, for example), first impressions are crucial. It's human nature to make a judgement on someone at a first encounter.
Therefore, a footballer's maiden appearance is a highly important, and stressful, occasion.
While, for some, debuts go swimmingly and are they're instantly adored by supporters, for others they turn into a living hell and turn the next days, weeks, or even months into an uphill battle win the fans' trust.
But, for fans, they are fun to reminisce about. So, let's have a look at some of the worst debuts the Premier League has ever seen.
1. Alex Jankewitz vs. Manchester United
? Teenager Alex Jankewitz is sent off on his full Premier League debut for Southampton in 79 seconds
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) February 2, 2021
? A woeful, thigh-high challenge on Scott McTominay
⏱️ 7' | 0-0 #MUNSOU pic.twitter.com/HWCZKG564I
Not many debuts get worse than 19-year old Alex Jankewitz's maiden start for Southampton against Manchester United on Tuesday night.
The Swiss youth international lasted just 79 seconds after kick off as a ridiculous challenge on Scott McTominay earned him a straight red.
Horror challenge to bring a premature end to a horror debut.
2. Teddy Sheringham vs. Tottenham Hotspur
One of the famous treble winners, Sheringham would go on to be adored by United fans. But things didn't start particularly well for Teddy at Old Trafford.
The striker was signed as a replacement for Eric Cantona after the Frenchman's retirement and was handed his first appearance against former side Spurs.
Despite ending up on the winning side, Sheringham missed a penalty and blazed the rebound over the bar in front of the Tottenham fans - much to their delight.
3. Laurent Koscielny vs. Liverpool
Yes, it is over a decade since Koscielny made his debut for the Gunners. And it was, well, pretty rubbish.
The Frenchman was stretchered off before half time (more on that shortly) but managed to reappear for the second period.
He would've been better off staying on the side lines, though, as he received two yellow cards in injury time to cap off an eventful, but disappointing debut.
4. Joe Cole vs. Arsenal
The man responsible for Koscielny's injury was Joe Cole, making his first start for Liverpool on the same day.
The Englishman was brought in as an answer to the Reds' creativity problems, but ended up causing havoc as he was sent off just before half time.
Oops.
5. Patrice Evra vs. Manchester City
The Frenchman did manage to become a club legend, making 379 appearances for United. But the first of those, in the Manchester derby, was dreadful, as Evra recounts:
"At half-time, we were 2-0 down. Ferguson was raging. 'And YOU, Patrice,' he shouted. 'That's enough for you! You sit down and watch now.'"
6. Fernando Torres vs. Liverpool
Fernando Torres arrived at Chelsea from Liverpool for £50m, breaking the English transfer record in doing so.
It seemed poetic that he should make his Blues bow against his former employers, but it turned into a nightmare that forewarned what his Chelsea career would turn into.
El Nino missed a sitter just minutes into the game and, after wards, remained in Daniel Agger's pocket until being brought off just after the hour mark.
7. Gervinho vs. Newcastle
Common sense would dictate that you probably shouldn't be drawn into a scrap with Joey Barton, especially on your Arsenal debut.
But obviously Gervinho saw fit to rise to Barton's characteristically childish behaviour and, as a result, received a red card - spelling the start of an inconsistent Gunners career.
8. Emmanuel Frimpong vs. Liverpool
Arsenal have their fair share of disastrous debutants, and Emmanuel Frimpong was certainly one of them.
The midfielder received two yellows, one of which for squaring up to Jordan Henderson, just days after Gervinho got sent off for the same thing.
Oh, dear.
9. Tomas Repka vs. Middlesbrough
It wasn't long before Tomas Repka showed everyone why he came to England with a 'reputation'.
On his first game for West Ham after his move from Fiorentina, the Czech received two yellow cards and showed the Premier League that he was, in fact, hard as nails.
10. Rio Ferdinand vs. Leicester
One of the most accomplished central defenders England has ever seen. But, on his Leeds debut, Leicester ran out 3-1 winners, scoring all three within half an hour.
The Foxes fans jeered him off at half time, chanting "what a waste of money", having broken the transfer record for a British player with his £18m move to Elland Road.
11. Wayne Bridge vs. Arsenal
Was brought in mid-season by West Ham to help the survival charge.
What happened on his debut? Yep, you guessed it.
He was at fault for all three of Arsenal's goals in a 3-0 loss. Avram Grant's Hammers were later relegated.
12. Dimitri Foulquier vs. Manchester City
It's never easy going to the reigning champions but, boy, did Watford make it look difficult at Manchester City in 2019 when they lost 8-0.
The Hornets found themselves 5-0 down in the opening 18 minutes and debutant Dimitri Foulquier was so bad that he was taken off on 33 minutes.
That's harsh.
13. Garry Flitcroft vs. Everton
Garry Flitcroft would go on to become an established professional and senior member of the dressing room at Blackburn until 2006.
But it all started horrifically in 1996 when he was sent off within three minutes for elbowing Duncan Ferguson - Duncan Ferguson? Is he mental?!
14. Ali Dia vs. Leeds
? 24 Years Ago Today:
— SPORF (@Sporf) November 23, 2020
? Ali Dia made his @SouthamptonFC debut...
? ...coming on as a substitute for @MattLeTiss7.
? Phoning up Graeme Souness pretending to be George Weah.
? Said he was George Weah's cousin.
? You NEED to watch the story of Ali Dia! pic.twitter.com/S9UIoOG7Cy
You'd be forgiven for thinking Paul Pogba is the worst player Graeme Souness has ever seen play. But, no, that accolade definitely goes to Ali Dia.
When he was Southampton manager, the Scotsman was fooled into signing the Senegalese by someone claiming to be George Weah on the phone in 1996.
He made his debut for the Saints immediately, being brought on for the injured Matt Le Tissier - who later compared Dia's performance to being like Bambi on ice - and came back off in the second half after what was a horrific showing.
Unsurprisingly, he never featured for Southampton again and had his contract cancelled after just two weeks at the club - some first impression.
Source: 90min
