'A lot of emotion' - Jean-Mattéo Bahoya reflects on Leeds United cameo in Crystal Palace draw
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya has reflected on his first appearance in the colours of Leeds United
Leeds United winger Jean-Mattéo Bahoya revealed there was “a lot of emotion” as he made his debut for the Whites against Crystal Palace.
The 21-year-old arrived at Elland Road on deadline day, penning a season-long loan deal containing a conditional buy obligation after starring in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt.
A tricky wideman, Bahoya stepped off the bench for the final minutes of Leeds’ goalless draw with Palace yesterday (September 20).
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya on Leeds United debut
He told Leeds’ media team: “There was a lot of emotion. I was proud because when I was young, it was one of my dreams to play in the Premier League. So now I'm happy to play in this stadium at home, with this atmosphere - a really good start.
“Not the best for the team because we had only one point, but it was a good point to keep going.”
A France Under-21s international, Bahoya was linked with the likes of Hull City and Sunderland in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Leeds’ victory in the race for his signature generated plenty of excitement, although the Elland Road faithful have had to be patient. Prior to his debut against the Eagles, Bahoya was an unused substitute in three consecutive games.
He will now link up with France Under-21s for international duty before returning and making a push for more minutes under Daniel Farke.
Settling in at Leeds United
Reflecting on his settling-in period, Bahoya credited his former Frankfurt teammate and fellow new Leeds recruit Michael Zetterer with helping him make the transition.
He said: “It was easy because I know Zetterer, he's a new player also, but he helped me a lot, and the team was really good with me.
“A lot of guys helped me outside the pitch and on the training pitch. It was easy for me to join this club.”