Some familiar, some not so familiar, but all with talent to burn.
We’re just two weeks (two weeks!) away from the start of the season, so we decided to look at 11 players – all under the age of 20 – who could make a massive impact as the Premier League returns.
Jadon Sancho (Manchester City, 17)
Jadon Sancho, the jewel in Manchester City’s academy, is an exciting winger who’s impressed with both club and country. The youngster recently won the Golden Ball at the U17 European Championships – an award previously taken by Cesc Fabregas, Toni Kroos and Wayne Rooney. At the same competition, he scored the winner against Ireland in the quarter finals.
Angel Gomes (Manchester United, 16)
Angel Gomes made his debut last season for Manchester United when he came on for Wayne Rooney against Crystal Palace. And in doing so he became the first player born after the millennium to play in the Premier League. That very same week he was named as the Manchester United youth player of the year. An attacking midfielder with heaps of potential who Mourinho clearly rates. Oh and he’s former United star Nani’s cousin.
Tom Davies (Everton, 19)
A revelation last season. Davies featured in every first team game after his debut in January. A fearless, all-action midfielder, Davies has established himself as a fan favourite at Goodison Park, and at just 19 years of age has already trained with the England senior team.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United, 19)
What’s there to say, really? An astonishing player with the world at his feet. It looks like he will partner Romelu Lukaku up front next season, which could prove to be devastating.
Tammy Abraham (Swansea, on loan from Chelsea, 19)
The towering Chelsea forward scored 26 goals last season for Bristol in the Championship and has just been loaned out again, this time to Swansea. It will be interesting to see if this immensely talented player can transfer his goal scoring abilities to the Premier League.
He’s not a bad singer either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4x1cm38n0M
Trevor Chalobah (Chelsea, 18)
Yes we know, yet another Chelsea Academy graduate. Trevor Chalobah, Nathaniel Chalobah’s younger brother, has captained England at U17 and U19 level already. Chalobah is a technically astute defender, a real menace in the air and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah (Manchester United, 19)
The (somehow still only) 19-year-old is a versatile talent who can play in anywhere in the midfield or defence. The Dutchman made his debut under Louis van Gaal in a 3-2 home win over Arsenal in February 2016. He could prove to be a useful asset for Mourinho next season if United’s injury woes in defence continue.
Dominic Solanke (Liverpool, 19)
A dangerous attacking player who was recently snapped up by Liverpool from the Chelsea Academy production line. Klopp has said that he will give plenty of opportunities to young players next season, so expect to see a lot more of Solanke. He gave Liverpool fans a taste of what’s to come with a well taken goal from range against Crystal Palace in a recent pre-season friendly.
Ben Woodburn (Liverpool, 17)
The young Welsh forward became Liverpool’s third youngest player ever in November last year, and on his second appearance he became the club’s youngest ever goal scorer with a strike against Leeds United in the EFL Cup. Not bad at all.
Jonathan Leko (West Brom, 18)
The 18-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo born player made seven appearances for West Brom last season and showcased his potential brilliantly in all of those games. Leko is a fast, powerful, athletic winger who may be presented with plenty of opportunities next season, given that Tony Pulis has been relatively quiet in the transfer window.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (Tottenham, 19)
The Englishman is regarded as the best unsung young talent at Tottenham, and Mauricio Pochettino has already hinted that the young defender could get a lot more first team opportunities as the season progresses. The USA U20 international has been highly rated for some time and, with Tottenham reluctant to loan out their best young players, could be set for big things alongside Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
