As debuts go, they don't go much better than Ricardo Rees' first outing for Forest Green Rovers of the National League.
The prolific striker officially joined Robbie Savage's side for an undisclosed fee from Merthyr Town on the opening day of the January transfer window and was handed his debut against Halifax Town two days later.
He fully rewarded the faith shown in him by the club as he struck twice in the space of 12 second half minutes as the Green Army came from behind to earn their first win of the New Year.
It led to former Wales international Savage - Rovers’ manager - describing Rees as the 'Non-league Haaland' on the BBC's 606 Football Phone In.
It may seem like a wild comparison, but the forward's numbers - regardless of the level - are simply mesmerising.
He netted 25 goals in 23 National League North appearances for Merthyr this season prior to his switch to The New Lawn.
That jaw-dropping return came after Rees scored 33 goals in the 2024-25 season and an even more impressive tally of 38 the year earlier.
It saw him leave the Martyrs - who he joined from Yate Town in the summer of 2022 - with a total of 120 goals in 168 appearances, including his debut season figures.
So, it's understandable that clubs from higher up the food chain were circling.
Merthyr state that there was "a large amount of interest from across the English pyramid" in Rees, while Rovers themselves say that they "fended off interest from several English Football League clubs to secure the striker’s signature."
Now in a full-time environment, Rees has wasted no time in showcasing his talents.
Speaking after Rees' glorious debut, Savage told the Stroud Times: “He looked such a threat, so I’m delighted for him.
"And I’m even more delighted because he could have gone to the EFL – there were four or five offers from clubs. But he came to us with his heart.
"Our offer was really competitive. It wasn’t the biggest, but it was competitive."
The encouraging factor for Savage - who won 39 caps for his country - is that Rees already has a glint in his eye following his rip-roaring debut.
"I thought I'd have to settle in for a few games but with the team I've got behind me, you can see the quality," Rees told the club's official website after his new side's win against Halifax.
"The balls coming in to me, it just felt natural being in this team.
"With the chances that we create, I'm going to score a lot more goals."
The club's seven-year stay in the EFL was brought to a gut-wrenching end in 2023-24 as Rovers finished rock bottom of League Two.
They were among the favourites to gain promotion from the National League last term but suffered a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss in the semi-finals against Southend United - who were ultimately beaten by Oldham Athletic in the play-off final.
Following victory in Rees' first match at the club, Forest Green Rovers - owned by green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince - sit third in the National League table, just two points adrift of leaders Carlisle United with 20 league matches still to be played this term.
With Rees now in their ranks, few would bet against Savage's side, at the very least, earning themselves a favourable play-off route this season as they look to secure a return to the Football League.
And having fought off fierce interest from elsewhere, Rovers may well have pulled off one of the signings of the winter window already as their very own 'Haaland' looks to continue to emulate the astonishing goal scoring achievements of the Manchester City and Norway marksman in the lower leagues.
