Jump directly to the content
Analysis
Renato Sanches watch

Renato Sanches watch: Bayern Munich kid had an afternoon to forget on his Premier League debut for Swansea

Sanches struggled as Swansea lost at home to Newcastle and was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Wilfried Bony

SWANSEA'S capture of Renato Sanches on loan from Bayern Munich was one of the surprises of the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old played a pivotal role in Portugal winning Euro 2016 in France and was named young player of the tournament.

 Renato Sanches had a debut to forget on loan at Swansea today
6
Renato Sanches had a debut to forget on loan at Swansea todayCredit: Rex Features
 Bayern Munich kid was clattered early on by Newcastle's Isaac Hayden
6
Bayern Munich kid was clattered early on by Newcastle's Isaac HaydenCredit: Reuters

But it has all gone wrong since his big money move to Bavaria from Benfica.

With Sanches linked with moves to AC Milan and Chelsea - Swans boss Paul Clement looked to have pulled off  a coup luring the youngster to South Wales, so how would the exciting midfielder get on making his debut against Newcastle?

Clement opted to start Sanches in a young three-man midfield alongside new boy Sam Clucas and Tom Carroll.

He lasted 68 minutes and get generous applause from the Liberty Stadium faithful - but unfortunately that was a good as it got for Sanches in a disappointing start to life in the Premier League.

His all-action style looks tailor-made for the frenetic pace of the English top flight, but you got the feeling he had taken in the media reports about his much heralded arrival and maybe thought he had to lay down a marker in his first game.

Sanches was trying too hard to make an impression and constantly gave the ball away.

 Renato Sanches showed some nice touches in his debut against Newcastle
6
Renato Sanches showed some nice touches in his debut against NewcastleCredit: Rex Features
 Despite a few nice touches Sanches constantly gave the ball away
6
Despite a few nice touches Sanches constantly gave the ball awayCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Renato Sanches was replaced in the second half by Wilfried Bony
6
Renato Sanches was replaced in the second half by Wilfried BonyCredit: AFP or licensors AFP or licensors
 Swansea boss Paul Clement will expect more from Renato Sanches as season goes on
6
Swansea boss Paul Clement will expect more from Renato Sanches as season goes onCredit: Getty - Contributor

He showed a few glimpses of his skill and strength getting out of tight spots with Newcastle players closing him down, but never got his game going all afternoon.

He gave the ball away 15 times in the first 30 minutes of the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle and his second half free kick that sailed over the bar summed up his first taste of English football.

The youngster was officially welcomed to the Premier League when Isaac Hayden clattered into him after casually flicking the ball over the Magpies midfielder.

There were points when it became clear why he was allowed to leave the German giants on loan - he is hugely lacking in confidence and the lack of experience on the pitch in a Swans shirt was no help when a quiet word of wisdom was in need.

Paul Clement knows he has a massive talent at his disposal for a year, but what could go against him is the expectation to produce something special in a team looking to move on from last season's huge flirt with relegation.

One thing Sanches must do is stay away from Social Media for a while judging by Twitter's reaction to showing this afternoon.

Topics