Jadon Sancho marked his Chelsea debut with a player of the match performance against Bournemouth – despite only coming on at half-time.
The England winger made a surprise transfer to Chelsea on loan from Manchester United on deadline day after three nightmare years at Old Trafford.
Aside from his brief loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last season, fans have scarcely seen the best of Sancho who was once considered one of the best young players in the world which lead to his £73million move to United.
Enzo Maresca opted not to start him at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday night but after an uninspiring first-half, where they were fortunate not to be behind, he was subbed on at the break for Pedro Neto.
The impact was instantaneous with Sancho creating all sorts of problems for the Cherries down the left-flank before setting up Christopher Nkunku to score the winner in the 86th minute.
He was named Player of the Match for his efforts and afterward he spoke of how ‘happy’ he was to play and to instantly feel ‘comfortable’ at the club – perhaps a dig at United and former manager Erik ten Hag.
‘It’s amazing to make my debut for Chelsea, just being back playing, I’m very grateful,’ the 24-year-old told Sky Sports.
‘The team played very well, we dug into the end and got the three points. I’ve been working hard for this moment and I’m happy I got my chance.
‘I had a great end to last season, being in the Champions League season. Going into this season, I wanted to have a good start and I’m happy.
‘I have to say thank you to the staff and team-mates. The first day I came in, they made me feel welcome and I’m so happy to feel this comfortable.’
Sancho scored just 12 goals and make six assists in 83 appearances for United and was banished from the first-team by Ten Hag after a public falling out with the manager a year ago.
‘I don’t see problems around Jadon Sancho. I don’t see anything,’ Maresca added.
‘Jadon is a very good player. I knew that he is a good player and he can help us.
‘All the noise around, I don’t care. He’s very polite, training well on and off the ball. And he’s a good player.’
