The Premier League can be a formidable place for any player, but for young players trying to make their way in the game it can be truly intimidating environment.
Whilst England’s top flight is a global product, featuring exotic foreign players and managers from across the planet, remnants of the “English style” of highly physical, industrial football remain. This all makes for an extremely challenging atmosphere for any young player. Take into account a 24- hour sports media cycle, and often unforgiving and hostile fans, it’s no surprise that many players once touted as the next big thing quietly slip into obscurity.
However, we are of course also fortunate to witness talented youngsters blossom into true football superstars. From pacey forwards to budding centre backs, here’s hoping that the crop of highly touted prospects listed below can fulfil their potential.
Mason Greenwood
The Manchester United man has been with the Red Devils since the age of six, and during the course of a stunning debut season, he broke Wayne Rooney’s teenage goal-scoring record for United with 19 goals in all competitions, 10 of those coming in the league.
This incredible campaign brought him a deserved England call up, although he reminded us all of his still-developing maturity, as he and Man City rival Phil Foden were unceremoniously sent home after some late-night antics in Iceland.
Still, it shouldn’t detract from what has been an amazing career start for Greenwood. Whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men have endured a mixed start to the campaign, they can still be backed with bookmakers free bets at around 6/4 to finish in the top four and Greenwood looks set to play a vital role if they are to achieve that ambition.
Aaron Ramsdale
Goalkeepers tend to come into their prime later than most, so this makes the achievements of Aaron Ramsdale even more special. Having only turned 22 in May, Ramsdale enjoyed a terrific season at Bournemouth in 2019-20, being named their Player of the Year, although his efforts could not keep the Cherries up.
Still, Ramsdale is back in the Premier League following a move to Sheffield United, and looks set to endure a suitably challenging season, with a Blades side hoping to avoid the dreaded second season syndrome.
Reece James
Another English youngster whose talents have earned him a place in the Three Lions squad. Chelsea right back James was a beneficiary of Frank Lampard’s arrival as manager, with the Blues legend forced to rely upon academy prospects and young players due to a transfer ban.
For Frank, this surprisingly paid off, with youngsters like Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour and Tammy Abraham all performing above expectations, helping Chelsea to a 4th place finish.
For 20-year-old James things continue to look bright, as even now that transfers are once again coming through at Stamford Bridge, James looks set to keep his place in Lampard’s squad.
Bukayo Saka
19-year-old Saka is perhaps the most adaptable player on our list. Capable of playing at left-back or further up as a winger, the Arsenal man’s ability makes him a key asset for club and country.
Saka hit double figures for assists last campaign, but showed himself capable of putting chances away as well. All this caught Gareth Southgate’s attention, and Saka was handed a debut cap for the friendly against Wales in October.
