Premier League Youngsters to Watch Out For in the Upcoming Season
As the Premier League season draws near, fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of both established stars and up-and-coming young players. BBC Sport’s football writers have highlighted some of the youngsters they believe will make a name for themselves this season. Let’s take a closer look at these promising talents and their potential impact on their respective teams.
Liverpool’s Trey Nyoni, a 17-year-old midfielder, has caught the eye of new manager Arne Slot during pre-season. Nyoni’s standout performance against Real Betis earned him praise from Slot, who is known for being reluctant to single out players for commendation. Having joined Liverpool from Leicester last summer, Nyoni’s development under Slot will be worth monitoring.
Chelsea’s 18-year-old defender Josh Acheampong made his debut last season against Tottenham and was one of two academy players on the team’s US tour. Acheampong’s versatility as a centre-back or right-back, combined with his exceptional athleticism, makes him an exciting prospect for Chelsea.
Tottenham’s 16-year-old forward Mikey Moore has been impressing under manager Ange Postecoglou during pre-season. Moore showcased his skills last season in the under-21 team that won PL2, and his performances have earned him a mixed role in the first team and youth setup this season.
Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, at just 17 years old, became the youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut last season. Although he only made one appearance in the league, Nwaneri’s potential is highly regarded by the club. His involvement in pre-season friendlies, including an assist against Manchester United, indicates that manager Mikel Arteta sees a bright future for him and other young players in the squad.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton made his Premier League debut earlier this year, and his impressive performances led to an England call-up. At just 20 years old, Wharton’s rapid rise has caught the attention of the footballing world. With high praise from Crystal Palace sources and England manager Gareth Southgate, Wharton’s continued development could see him move to a top Premier League club in the near future.
Another promising Crystal Palace player is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, a young winger who excelled on loan at Charlton last season. Despite suffering from injuries, Rak-Sakyi’s performances in pre-season show his potential to thrive under manager Oliver Glasner’s tactical setup.
Chido Obi-Martin, a 16-year-old forward, recently made the switch from Arsenal to Manchester United. Known for his lethal goal-scoring ability, Obi-Martin’s decision to join United has sparked debate. With a remarkable record of scoring 10 goals in a single game against Liverpool Under-16s, Obi-Martin’s progression in the youth ranks will be closely monitored, and there is a possibility of him featuring on the first-team bench.
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, a 19-year-old midfielder, impressed during a match against Barcelona in Florida. While competition for a regular first-team spot is fierce, O’Reilly’s performances have caught the attention of manager Pep Guardiola. With opportunities likely to arise from the bench, O’Reilly has the potential to make a significant impact this season.
Leicester City’s signing of Michael Golding from Chelsea indicates a belief in the 18-year-old midfielder’s potential. Although he did not make a lasting impression during his time at Chelsea, Golding’s experience with England’s youth teams and versatility in midfield positions make him an exciting prospect for Leicester.
Nottingham Forest’s Eric da Silva Moreira, an 18-year-old winger, joins the club with winning experience at both club and international level. Moreira played a crucial role in St Pauli’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season and has already won the Under-17 European Championship and World Cup with Germany. With his versatility to play as a right-back as well, Moreira adds depth to Nottingham Forest’s squad.
Wolves’ Pedro Lima, an 18-year-old right-back, has already made an impression since his arrival from Sport Recife. Lima’s performances in pre-season have been noteworthy, and with Nelson Semedo suspended for the opening three games, Lima has an opportunity to showcase his abilities. While Semedo is expected to reclaim his place, Lima’s impact this season could be significant.
Finally, Everton’s Harrison Armstrong, an 18-year-old midfielder, has earned a professional contract after impressing in the club’s academy. Armstrong’s inclusion in the first-team squad during pre-season indicates a belief in his potential. As he continues to develop, Armstrong could become a key player for Everton in the future.
As the season unfolds, these young players will have the chance to prove themselves and make a significant impact on their respective teams. Whether it’s breaking into the first team, providing depth from the bench, or making a name for themselves on loan, these youngsters will be worth keeping an eye on throughout the season.