“Not even in my best dreams” – Manchester City signing delighted after instant impact

Manchester City supporters got their first proper look at Allan on Thursday, and the Brazilian certainly gave them something to talk about.

The 22-year-old scored and provided an assist in the 5-0 League Cup win over Norwich City. His overall display received some criticism, but the end product was certainly there.

Speaking to Globo Esporte after the match, Allan made no attempt to hide how much the occasion meant to him.

“I’m very happy. I was quite anxious about making my debut. Not even in my best dreams did I imagine a debut like this,” he said.

“So I’m very, very happy. I need to keep working to improve and be able to help City more and more.”

Allan first created the opener after taking advantage of goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw’s mistake. He then scored himself shortly after half-time.

For a player making his first appearance in English football, that’s a decent way to leave the pitch.

Manchester City may need some patience

There were parts of Allan’s performance which showed he still has plenty of adapting to do. But that’s hardly surprising at this stage.

His development at Palmeiras provides some useful context here. Allan didn’t immediately look like one of the Brazilian club’s biggest attacking threats when he broke into their senior side. But that changed pretty quickly.

Within a matter of months, he became one of Palmeiras’ main attacking references. His performances eventually convinced Manchester City to spend €40m (£34.7m) on him.

The deal included €37.5m (£32.5m) guaranteed and another €2.5m (£2.2m) in bonuses. Allan then signed a five-year contract with Enzo Maresca’s side.

So nobody at Manchester City needs to pretend everything was perfect against Norwich. Allan himself is already talking about improving.

Yet a goal and an assist gives him something concrete to build on. More importantly for the Brazilian, he walked off the Etihad pitch delighted with how his new adventure had started.