Top-5 Young Players To Watch Out For This Season In The Premier League
Every season, we see a bunch of new youngsters burst on to the scenes in the Premier League and take the footballing fraternity by storm.
The likes of Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford in recent years took the English footballing world by storm and have gone on to establish themselves as key members of their respective teams. It is one of the reasons why the Premier League makes for such an exciting spectacle.
With the new season well underway, here we take a look at 5 youngsters who could leave a mark in the 2017/18 campaign:
Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the 20-year old City striker is already a superstar in the Premier League. Having joined the Mancunian club in January this year, Jesus gave an inkling of his quality as soon as he joined and this season he has taken his game up a notch.
The Brazilian international has already netted 5 times this season in 7 games, 4 of which have come in the Premier League. There were plenty of doubts as to how Pep Guardiola would use him with Sergio Aguero, but the partnership that the two of them have struck has been brilliant. The way Jesus has started the new season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him claim the PFA Young Player of the Year award come the end of the season.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea, on loan at Crystal Palace)
The Eagles are rock-bottom in the Premier League and are sure shot candidates for relegation this season. Six games without a goal or a point, a managerial change already means that they are a team in distress.
However, the only shining light for them has to be the performances of the young Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has arrived on a temporary deal from Chelsea. The England youth international has been the Eagles’ best player so far, and has displayed his wide array of abilities. An attack-minded central midfielder, the 21-year old has the pace, the drive and the panache to develop into a fine player for the future. Palace might be struggling, but keep an eye out for Loftus-Cheek this season.
Mikel Merino (Newcastle United)
The Spanish youth international endured a difficult season in Germany last time out when he made just 8 appearances for Borussia Dortmund. So, coming into the new season, having joined Newcastle on loan, many expected his confidence to be low.
However, the 21-year old has dispelled all such line of thoughts, with some stellar displays in the middle of the park for the Tynesiders. Given his opportunity, thanks to a red card and a three-game ban for Jonjo Shelvey, Merino has established himself as the first-choice midfielder for Rafa Benitez’s side now. Technically gifted, offering drive and creativity from the middle of the park along with exemplary work-rate, the Spaniard has won the Toon Army over and has turned out to be a brilliant piece of business for Newcastle.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
The 20-year old English forward is another player who is doing plenty of eye-catching this season with his performances at the top of the line for the Toffees, when the team hasn’t been performing as expected.
For all their summer spending, it has been Calvert-Lewin who has stood out for Ronald Koeman’s side this term with some pacey and intent-filled displays in the attack. The England U-21 international has already netted 3 times and has registered 2 assists in 12 games already in all competitions and has looked the part. He is definitely someone to keep an eye out for!
Tammy Abraham (Swansea City, on loan from Chelsea)
Another Chelsea youngster on the list, on loan at Swansea City, Tammy Abraham is another enticing young prospect with exciting potential, who can go on to capture the imagination of the fans with his performances.
Having taken the Championship by storm last season while on loan with Bristol City, where he managed 20-plus goals, Abraham has started off the season fairly well. Three goals in eight games in all competitions isn’t the best of the records, but the 19-year old offers so much more to Paul Clement’s side than just goals. His efforts and work-rate were all at full display when Swansea eked out a 0-0 draw away at Tottenham. Abraham may not be off to flying start, but he will make a mark soon.