Manchester United midfielder proves there is more to come in debutant roundup

The first round of Premier League fixture since the close of the transfer window took place this weekend and a host of new arrivals made their bow for their new team. Manchester United's big money signing Bruno Fernandes flattered to deceive against Wolves, while Tottenham new boy Steven Bergwijn was thrown in at the deep end in the welcome of Manchester City. 

Here, we run through the debutants and how they fared over Saturday and Sunday... 

Nabil Bentaleb - Newcastle (vs Norwich - 7.31) 

After making his Newcastle bow in the FA Cup, Nabil Bentaleb made his Premier League debut as the Magpies welcomed Norwich to St. James' Park. The Algerian played his part in a clean-sheet attaining performance for Steve Bruce's side as he made five interceptions, two clearances and one tackle. When on the ball, Bentaleb was tidy in possession, mustering a 86.4% pass success rate, to return a WhoScored rating of 7.31. 

Danny Rose - Newcastle (vs Norwich - 6.25) 

Brought on with 10 minutes to play against the Canaries, Danny Rose didn't have time to really impact the match in the 0-0 draw. Will likely play a more prominent role in the coming weeks as Steve Bruce eases him into action. 

Valentino Lazaro - Newcastle (vs Norwich - 6.27) 

The third and final Newcastle debutant in the Premier League this weekend, Valentino Lazaro replaced DeAndre Yedlin 10 minutes after the break, but the Austrian has failed to register many minutes this season and it shows. Hardly stood out during his 35 minutes of action, yet more is to be expected to the wing-back. 

Tomas Soucek - West Ham (vs Brighton - 7.17) 

Tomas Soucek lasted 85 minutes on his Premier League debut, but showed enough to ensure he'll quickly become a fan favourite among West Ham fans. The all-action Czech midfielder was his tenacious best to hassle the Brighton players as he made five tackles, three interceptions and three clearances. Prepared to get forward to help the attack, too, Soucek created one goalscoring chance and went for goal himself on two occasions. It was a debut that'll have gone down well with the home fans. 

Mbwana Samatta - Aston Villa (vs Bournemouth - 7.43) 

Before Saturday's trip to Bournemouth, Aston Villa had failed to score a headed goal in the Premier League this season. It took Mbwana Samatta 70 minutes to rectify that on his Premier League debut, becoming the first Tanzanian player to score a goal in English top-flight history. The January arrival mustered three shots in all and while it wasn't a winning league debut for the striker, Samatta has made an immediate impression among Villa fans. 

Sander Berge - Sheffield United (vs Crystal Palace - 7.23) 

Sheffield United earned an impressive win at Crystal Palace on Saturday and while it wasn't a match to entertain the neutrals, victory at Selhurst Park marked Sander Berge's debut with all the spoils. The towering Norwegian was his imperious self in the middle of the park, making five tackles and two interceptions, which helped restrict Palace to just three shots on target over the 90 minutes. The Blades faithful will quickly come to love Berge, who did his reputation no harm on his first Premier League appearance of his career. 

Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United (vs Wolves - 6.80) 

At long last Manchester United got this deal over the line, and in time for Bruno Fernandes to make his debut in the 0-0 draw with Wolves. The Portugal international mustered more shots (5) than any other player in the stalemate, but while he managed two tackles, the big money arrival failed to complete a dribble or create a goalscoring chance. Dispossessed four times in total, United fans will be coming to expect more from the 25-year-old going forward. 

Daniel Podence - Wolves (vs Manchester United - 6.48) 

Daniel Podence only played the final 15 minutes in Wolves' 0-0 draw at Wolves, but he showed glimpses of his quality that will be crucial in the second half of the season. The 24-year-old had one effort on goal and played one key pass, and made one tackle, to suggest he'll be an effective weapon for Wolves over the coming months. 

Steven Bergwijn - Tottenham (vs Manchester City - 7.63) 

Handed a baptism of fire as Jose Mourinho elected to start the January arrival against Manchester City on Sunday, but Steven Bergwijn handled the occasion with aplomb. Scored on his debut to set Tottenham on their way to all three points as the secured the win over 10-man City. Completed one dribble and made one tackle in a solid Premier League debut.