Hermansen and Diouf Make Exciting Premier League Debuts at Sunderland
West Ham United kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign on Saturday at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland, and it was a day full of fresh faces and familiar returns. Head Coach Graham Potter handed Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf their full debuts for the club, making it a momentous occasion for both players and the fans.
Hermansen, starting in goal, has officially become the 26th goalkeeper to feature in the Premier League for West Ham, and the 24th to start in a top-flight game since the Hammers’ promotion in 1993. He also made history as the first Danish goalkeeper to play for West Ham at the senior level, joining the ranks of other notable Danes like Marc Rieper and Lars Jacobson. On the other side, Diouf slotted in as left wing-back, becoming the sixth Senegalese player to feature for the club in Premier League action after the likes of Henri Camara and Cheikhou Kouyaté. With these debuts, Hermansen and Diouf became the 1,110th and 1,111th men’s first-team players in the club’s 130-year history.
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The defense saw a familiar face returning as Nayef Aguerd made his first appearance since April 2024, having spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad. He was joined by Jean-Clair Todibo and Maximilian Kilman in a solid back three, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka took the right wing-back role opposite Diouf. In midfield, Argentina international Guido Rodríguez anchored the team, playing his 17th Premier League game since joining from Real Betis. James Ward-Prowse added experience with his 405th Premier League appearance, sitting just behind former Hammer Stewart Downing on the all-time list. Lucas Paquetá was deployed as the most advanced midfielder, linking up with the attack.
Up front, captain Jarrod Bowen aimed to continue his scoring streak, having netted in the final four matches of last season. He partnered Niclas Füllkrug, who had impressed in pre-season with goals against Everton, Bournemouth, and Lille. The bench also offered excitement, with potential debuts for new signings Kyle Walker-Peters and Callum Wilson, alongside established names like Alphonse Areola and Tomáš Souček.
Sunderland’s starting lineup included Roefs in goal and a mix of experienced and emerging talents, while West Ham’s squad reflected a blend of youth, international experience, and leadership. The game promised an energetic start to the season, and with two debuts, a returning defender, and established leaders in key positions, West Ham showed that Potter’s side is ready to make an impact from the very first match.
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