Manchester City’s latest midfield acquisition, Tijjani Reijnders, wasted no time adapting to Pep Guardiola’s setup, delivering a commanding performance at Molineux that immediately showcased his class and confidence in English football.

After being named Serie A’s best midfielder last season, Reijnders has carried his fine form into the Premier League. His dazzling debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers hinted that he could well be a future contender for the PFA Player of the Season award if he continues at this pace.

The Dutchman, who became City’s most expensive summer signing at £46.3 million ($62 million), quickly justified the club’s investment. His composure in midfield settled nerves and guided the Cityzens to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Vitor Pereira’s side, confirming that the money was indeed well spent.

But where does Reijnders’ performance rank among the greatest Premier League debuts of all time? Here’s a look at the top 10 standout debut displays:

10. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United vs Bolton, 2003)

When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP, his pre-season showing had already impressed Sir Alex Ferguson and the squad. Players reportedly urged Ferguson to sign him after he repeatedly outpaced John O’Shea during a friendly.

On August 16, 2003, United fans witnessed Ronaldo’s flair firsthand as he came off the bench to electrify Old Trafford in a 4-0 win against Bolton Wanderers. He won a penalty soon after replacing David Beckham in the 61st minute and continuously tormented the Bolton defence. Ronaldo played a part in Ryan Giggs’ second goal and left fans awestruck with his pace and trickery, prompting George Best to later comment, “It was undoubtedly the most exciting debut performance I’ve ever seen.”

9. Jurgen Klinsmann (Tottenham Hotspur vs Sheffield Wednesday, 1994)

Jurgen Klinsmann’s £2 million move from Monaco to Tottenham in 1994 brought both excitement and scepticism. Known as a prolific striker but criticised for theatrics, Klinsmann jokingly quipped in his first press conference, “Are there any diving schools in London?”

He silenced critics in his first match at Hillsborough, heading in Darren Anderton’s cross to secure a thrilling 4-3 win. His iconic diving celebration mocked his detractors and instantly endeared him to Spurs fans.

8. Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers vs Crystal Palace, 1992)

Alan Shearer’s legendary Premier League career began in spectacular fashion after a record £3.3 million transfer from Southampton. On the opening day of the inaugural Premier League season, he netted two stunning long-range goals in a 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace. His famous post-match words, “If you don’t shoot, you don’t score,” summed up his fearless finishing instinct.

7. Anthony Martial (Manchester United vs Liverpool, 2015)

Anthony Martial arrived at Old Trafford for £35 million from Monaco, with the fee potentially rising to £58 million ($71 million). Despite his youth and inexperience, Martial made an instant impact in his debut against Liverpool.

Entering in the 65th minute, he watched goals from Daley Blind and Ander Herrera put United ahead before Christian Benteke struck a brilliant overhead kick for Liverpool. Martial then sealed the game with a composed solo effort, weaving past Martin Skrtel and finishing calmly past Simon Mignolet to complete a 3-1 win.

6. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United vs Fulham, 2001)

After a year-long delay due to injury, Ruud van Nistelrooy finally joined Manchester United from PSV for £19 million ($23 million). His debut against Fulham at Old Trafford saw him strike twice in quick succession after Louis Saha’s brace had given the visitors a surprise lead. Van Nistelrooy’s clinical finishing turned the game on its head and marked the beginning of his prolific United career.

5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City vs West Ham, 2022)

When Erling Haaland made his Premier League debut, the anticipation was immense. After a quiet Community Shield outing, some doubted whether he could dominate English football as he had in Germany and Austria. Haaland answered those doubts emphatically at the London Stadium.

He won and converted a penalty in the first half, celebrating with his trademark lotus pose. Later, he latched onto Kevin De Bruyne’s through-ball to slot home his second, completing a brace in a 2-0 win. Haaland’s debut signalled the start of a record-breaking 36-goal season, rewriting Premier League history in the process.

4. Federico Macheda (Manchester United vs Aston Villa, 2009)

Federico Macheda’s name is forever etched in Manchester United folklore thanks to his unforgettable debut. Brought on with United trailing 2-1 in a crucial title run-in, the 17-year-old turned the game around with a moment of brilliance. After Ronaldo’s equaliser, Macheda produced a deft Cruyff turn and curled the ball into the top corner in stoppage time, sealing a 3-2 victory and sparking wild celebrations at Old Trafford.

3. Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City vs Wolves, 2025)

Having already impressed for City in the Club World Cup and pre-season, Tijjani Reijnders saved his best for his Premier League debut. Displaying remarkable poise, he executed Andres Iniesta’s signature ‘croqueta’ move to evade two Wolves players before setting up Erling Haaland’s opener. Reijnders then scored himself with a precise first-time strike and later initiated the move for Haaland’s third goal through a powerful midfield run and clever exchange with Oscar Bobb.

Reijnders has expressed his desire to emulate Ilkay Gundogan’s influence, and on this evidence, he looks capable of filling Kevin De Bruyne’s void at the Etihad with both creativity and composure.

2. Fabrizio Ravanelli (Middlesbrough vs Liverpool, 1996)

Fabrizio Ravanelli made an explosive start at Middlesbrough after his £7 million move from Juventus. The Italian striker scored a hat-trick on debut against Liverpool, netting three equalisers in a thrilling 3-3 draw. His final goal — a clinical finish into the bottom corner — remains one of the most memorable debut strikes in Premier League history.

1. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City vs Swansea City, 2011)

Manchester City’s £35 million ($43 million) signing from Atletico Madrid turned out to be one of the club’s greatest ever deals. On his debut, Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score twice and assist once in a 4-0 win over Swansea. His first was a poacher’s finish, his assist set up David Silva, and his second — a thunderous long-range strike — announced a new superstar at the Etihad. Aguero would go on to become City’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals, cementing his legacy as one of the Premier League’s finest forwards.

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