For sports fans who watch the big games, it’s exciting to see the new breed emerge. Over in the Premier League, there have been some impressive youngsters who are shining on a weekly basis, showing they have no fear playing in the biggest league around and wowing viewing audiences with their natural all-round ability. From Manchester United to Crystal Palace, so many teams have young talents in their squads.
Alongside the world-class, established names in the competition, these promising prodigies have taken to the most competitive league around like ducks to water. Some of these players have come through the academy systems at their clubs, while others have been snapped up from smaller sides as Premier League teams continue to develop their own players as they strive to unearth the next big stars.
This season, there have been some top emerging stars who have already managed to stand out on plenty of occasions. Fans have consistently picked them in their Fantasy Premier League squads, they’re popular picks for being the first goalscorer when it comes to sports betting, and they’re heavily featured on podcasts and raved about online by adoring fans. For supporters, there’s nothing quite like seeing a young professional establish themselves in the first team fold.
So, with a number of fantastic young footballers currently plying their trade in the Premier League right now, below we highlight some of the very best of them for fans to keep tabs on now and in the future.
Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal
With Arsenal suffering from a string of injuries during their Premier League title tilt, youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri were thrown in at the deep end and have gone on to have a breakthrough season. The 17-year-old attacker hasn’t looked fazed by it either, building on his debut in 2022, where he became the Gunners’ youngest-ever debutant by coming on as a raw 15-year-old against Brentford. Since then, Nwaneri has kicked on even further by showing even more promise up against some of the Premier League’s most formidable sides. Nwaneri is far from the finished article, and he has a lot to learn under Mikel Arteta, but fans and experts alike have certainly been impressed with what they’ve witnessed so far.
KobbieMainoo, Manchester United
There might be some doubts over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United, but there is no denying just how special he is. Aged 19, United’s academy star is one of the most exciting young players in world football right now. The issue he has, though, is that it’s unclear to many, including manager Ruben Amorim, where his best position on the pitch is. He has plenty of time to find his rightful place, but his calmness and composure in possession make him a viable option both in attacking areas and also sitting in front of the defense and keeping things tidy. Mainoo’s best displays have certainly come when he’s been sitting in the heart of Manchester United’s midfield, but he could easily be moved around, given his ability to adapt to new positions. One thing’s for sure: Kobbie Mainoo has a bright future in the game, be it at Manchester United or elsewhere.
Rico Lewis, Manchester City
By their high standards, Manchester City hasn’t had the best season, but there have been a few positives. One of them is certainly Rico Lewis, a versatile defender who has shown he can step into the midfield area of the pitch and dictate the play at times. Lewis has already broken into the England setup, with the guidance he’s receiving from one of the game’s greatest-ever managers in Pep Guardiola clearly aiding his development. Lewis has strong competition to break into Manchester City’s starting lineup on a consistent basis, but he’s already shown that he’s more than capable. In fact, it’s only a matter of time until he’s a regular.
Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United
Manchester United fans might’ve had to endure their worst campaign of the Premier League era, but there are some encouraging signs. Alongside the aforementioned Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho is another bright spark with huge potential. Like the England international, the Argentinean wizard’s future is also up in the air a bit, although United will surely be keen to keep hold of the dangerous attacker. Aged just 20, Garnacho has struggled to add consistency to his game at times, but that’s common for most youngsters. His natural ability is clear to see, though, with his desire to get at his man and take players on making him a joy to watch when he’s in the mood. If Manchester United are to turn things around and compete with European football’s elite once again, then keeping hold of top young players like Alejandro Garnachohas to be a priority.
Dean Huijsen, Bournemouth
Bournemouth have had a remarkable season, mixing it with the best in the league and enjoying periods high up in the table. They have an excellent manager in Andoni Iraola, and they’ve recruited extremely well, with players like Dean Huijsen stepping up to the plate despite his inexperience in senior men’s football. He arrived from Juventus as somewhat of an unknown quantity, but he has evolved with every game to become one of the brightest young center-backs in world football right now. Bournemouth will certainly do well to keep hold of him in the summer, with a number of top clubs reportedly watching the 19-year-old Dutchman at the moment. One thing’s for sure, Dean Huijsen will be playing for a European behemoth in the near future. He’s that good.
Other young stars to follow in the Premier League includeCarlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion), Archie Gray (TottenhamHotspur), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Savinho (Manchester City), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), YankubaMinteh (Brighton & Hove Albion), and Leny Yoro (Manchester United).
