A bunch of new faces took to the fields across La Liga last weekend when the 2018/19 season kicked off.
Great anticipation surrounded how the likes of Atletico Madrid’s France winger Thomas Lemar would get on after his capture from Monaco, plus Brazilian midfielder Arthur’s bow for champions Barcelona.
But this pair weren’t the only debutants to prosper in the opening round.
Here, we pick out the top-five footballers who quickly ingratiated themselves in Spain’s top flight.
ANDRE SILVA (SEVILLA)
There is only one place to start this list.
Andre Silva wasted no time impressing in Sevilla’s 4-1 dismantling of promoted Rayo Vallecano. The Portugal forward exorcised memories from his miserable debut campaign at AC Milan, rocketing in a fine hat-trick for this term’s temporary employers.
This meant he’s scored more goals in one La Liga game than he did in the entirety of 2017/18’s Serie A.
PERU NOLASKOAIN (ATHLETIC BILBAO)
Bilbao’s fabled academy appears to have churned out another premium talent to watch.
Nolaskoain, 19, experienced a dream first run-out in Spain’s elite competition.
The centre-back reacted quickest to loop in a header from Susaeta’s first-half corner. He was then able to stand tall and ensure a 2-1 victory was earned against Leganes.
It looks like Bilbao have a successor to Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte on their hands.
ARTHUR (BARCELONA)
The midfielder was given little more than 15 minutes on the fabled Camp Nou turf.
But this was time enough to show he can be a useful addition to head coach Ernesto Valverde’s armoury this season.
The 22-year-old had only been on the pitch for five minutes when some astute link-up play with compatriot Philippe Coutinho led to his side’s final goal in the 3-0 defeat of Alaves.
THEO HERNANDEZ (REAL SOCIEDAD)
It is all about game time for the Real Madrid loanee this season.
The 20-year-old left-back only made 10 starts last term after his defection across the capital from Atletico. With the significant roadblock of Brazil superstar Marcelo removed, Hernandez looks set to blossom at Real Sociedad.
The France youth international played all 90 minutes as La Real impressively won 2-1 at Villarreal.
THOMAS LEMAR (ATLETICO MADRID)
Head coach Diego Simeone handed another show of confidence to his standout attacking addition.
It’s not easy being a forward player for the demanding Argentine. But Lemar has now started in both the UEFA Super Cup and the daunting La Liga opener at resurgent Valencia, from which a 1-1 draw was gained.
Lemar pulled off one dribble and one key pass. But his easy assimilation is shown by a tally of four tackles.