Dream debuts

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United v Fenerbahce, 2004

With the amount of column inches he generates every week, it's easy to forget what a precocious talent Wayne Rooney was just a few years ago. On his debut for Manchester United – aged just 18 – Rooney scored a brilliant hat-trick against Fenerbahce in the Champions League; a feat which effectively announced him as a once-in-a-generation talent.

Geovanni, Hull v Fulham, 2008

Phil Brown's decision to sign Geovanni looked risky at first – the midfielder had previously endured a difficult spell at Manchester City – but with the benefit of hindsight it looks inspired. The Brazilian scored on his debut against Fulham and his goals have put Hull on the brink of survival.

Robinho, Manchester City v Chelsea, 2008

Judging by his current form, Chelsea may be thankful that they weren't the club who shelled out £30+ million for Robinho. Things didn't start out too badly for the Brazilian. On his first start for Manchester City – appropriately against Chelsea – Robinho opened his account for the club. However, Chelsea had the last laugh, running out 3-1 winners.

Craig Bellamy, Manchester City v Newcastle, 2009

Bellamy entered the record books when he became only the fifth player in Premier League history to score for six different top-flight clubs when he bagged a goal against Newcastle on his City debut.

Jo, Everton v Bolton, 2009

As he has done with countless other players David Moyes has managed to get the best out of Jo. The Brazilian's time at Manchester City was difficult to say the least. In his brief spell at Eastland the striker only featured in nine games, scoring once, before he was farmed out to Everton. On his debut against Bolton he scored twice, helping the Toffees to a 3-0 win.