"Melchiot for Chelsea ... Dennis Wise - here's Stanić with a little room to work in ..... Woooooooah! What a strike - what a way to make your introduction to the Premiership!"
The best in Chelsea debuts? You'll be hard pressed to find one better than that of Mario Stanić.
19 August 2001. Stamford Bridge. West Ham was the opponent.
Super Mario, fresh off a move west from Parma, announced his arrival in England with one of the finest goals in club history. The Croatian received the ball from Wise a few yards inside the visitors' half, then took a look toward goal in the midst of a flick-up. Two more of the juggling variety followed before the arrival of the decisive fourth touch - a touch of gold. From between 35-40 yards came a supreme volley that sailed past a helpless Shaka Hislop at his near post. Stunning.
Enough with the words. On with the visual. Salivate over this one.