Published 17:19 IST, August 11th 2018
5 young players to watch out for in the English Premier League
Here's a a look at 5 young players who could make their mark at their respective clubs this season.
The much awaited English Premier League is back! The start of every new season brings fresh hope and optimism for the campaign ahead, but it also marks the return of fierce club-rivalries, the trash talk from managers at press conferences and an opportunity for many players to impress.
The Premier league has proven to be a conveyer belt for promising young talent in England. With the likes of Delle Alli, Leroy Sane, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordon Pickford going on the enjoy breakthrough campaigns last year.
Come this season, numerous youngsters would be keen to showcase their skills and become a force to reckon with for the future. On that note let's take a look at five young guns who could give the big names of English football a run for their money this season.
Phil Foden - Man City
The Man City youngster is rated as one of the highly rated prospects of English football. The 18 year-old was instrumental in the Three Lions run in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in October. He grabbed the headlines by steering his country to the title and was awarded the player of the tournament for his impressive showing throughout the tournament.
His break-out performances earned him a spot in Pep Guardiola's side, having featured in a Champions League clash against Celtic, and was also part of Manchester City's Premier League title winning squad last season.
He claimed the spotlight again after his stunning display in Manchester City's Community Shield victory over Chelsea, where he provided an assist for Sergio Aguero's landmark 200th goal. His blistering pace and quick feet have left fans craving to see more from the youngster.
Callum Hudson-Odoi - Chelsea
Raved as the next wonder-kid to come out of the Chelsea youth-ranks, Callum Hudson-Odoi has the searing pace and trickery in his attacking arsenal to live up to his tag. The youngster featured in all of Chelsea's pre-season games and seem to have emerged as a favorite of the new Blues manager Maurizio Sarri.
Having featured in Chelsea's Community Shield clash - where he showed moments of brilliance - he will look to thrust to into the first team and improve his record from last season, where he made four substitute appearances.
However, the young winger is set to face competition from the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro for a spot in the squad. But, even at the tender age of 17, he could still make an impact this season.
Emile Smith Rowe - Arsenal
New manager Unai Emery seems to be a keen admirer of Emile Smith Rowe, after the youngster scored a stunning goal against Atletico Madrid in a pre-season encounter. Having impressed during the pre-season games, his performances saw the youngster break into the senior team by landing a new long-term contract with the Gunners.
It is believed the attacking midfielder possess immense close control and has the ability to unlock defences and assist team-mates as well as scoring dazzling individual goals. The youngster is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects at the club, with clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur linked to the midfielder.
However, the 17 year-old, who chose to stay at the club since the age of nine has steadily made his way up the ranks. And at the rate that he's going, Emile Smith Rowe is destined for success.
Ryan Sessegnon - Fulham
Ryan Sessegnon was voted the best player of the Sky Bet Championship last season, after he scored 15 goals to help Fulham clinch promotion into the Premier League. After his remarkable campaign, the 18-year-old was a reported interest of a host of European giants including Paris Saint Germain, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Traditionally a left-back, but coach Slavisa Jokanovic realised his ability and moved him up the pitch. The winger turned heads with his exemplary skill and composure, as he went on pick up five individual awards last season alone and was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, the first Championship footballer to be nominated in the award's history.
While the youngster has all the tools to become one of the Premier League stars, he must stay grounded with a big task at his hands of making the same impact he made in the Championship.
Rhian Brewster - Liverpool
The youngster who is held in high regard by Jurgen Klopp is a natural goalscorer, but the traits that set him apart from other players of his age group is his work ethic and versatility. The youngster can lead the attack from the front or play in wide areas, making him an ideal modern-day attacker.
Rhian Brewster, another star from the Three Lions U-17 squad, scored a remarkable eight goals to power England to the title. His stirring run at the World Cup put the youngster under the radar of German club Borussia Monchengladbach.
However, Brewster decided to stay with the Reds after Jurgen Klopp showed faith in his abilities. It won’t be long before we see the youngster share the pitch with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane.
Updated 12:34 IST, August 12th 2018