The Premier League season is underway, and it’s an ideal time to spotlight some of the young stars poised for a breakout season. Before we delve into the players, it’s important to clarify that this list features footballers who are either underrated or have yet to gain mainstream recognition. In either case, they haven’t received the acknowledgement they deserve for their talents.
1. Rio Ngumoha (16)
Rio Ngumoha has already made a significant impression on the main stage. His goal against Newcastle showcased the talent and composure of a 16-year-old, scoring with such grace in a noisy stadium during a game where he only played for 6 minutes.
Ngumoha is a product of Michael Edwards’ supercomputer and was signed last season from Chelsea’s youth academy. Liverpool believes in his potential, and there were rumours that they chose not to sign M. Fofana (LW) to avoid hindering Rio’s development.
2. Max Dowman (15)
Arsenal are producing so many talented RW at the moment, first they have Saka, then Nwaeri & now Dowman. Dowman, in his U-19 games, is making a mockery of defenders & is continuously climbing up the ladder. At some point, Arteta will start him, whether it’s the Cup matches or the FA Cup, but he has one hell of a future.
3. Chris Rigg
At just 16 years old, Chris Rigg has already made his mark as Sunderland’s youngest goal scorer, making waves in the football world. This talented left-footed midfielder excels in both the number 8 and number 10 roles, showcasing a technical prowess that makes him invaluable in ball progression.
Rigg’s relentless work rate off the ball sets him apart, playing a crucial role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League. A hallmark of elite midfielders, he possesses an exceptional ability to scan the pitch, maintaining a sharp awareness of the game around him. With such remarkable talent in their hands, Sunderland fans can expect Rigg to be a headline-maker this season!
4. Acheampong (20)
Acheampong is 20 years old but appears much more mature. I don’t understand why Maresca doesn’t give him enough opportunities. Whenever he starts, he impresses everyone with his game reading, movement, and ball-carrying skills. Coming from the Cobham academy, Acheampong is definitely poised to be a guaranteed starter for Chelsea in the coming years.
5. Adam Aznou (19)
Signed from Bayern Munich this summer, Aznou was highly regarded as a very complete fullback. A good speedy RB from Morocco, & you can definitely see glimmers of Hakimi in him.
He moved to Everton to get regular game time, & it’s a matter of time till he adapts to the English game & starts taking the PL by storm. With Moyes, there isn’t a flicker of doubt that he would have good guidance.
6. Tzimas (19)
There were a lot of eyebrows raised when Brighton paid €25M for him, as he had very few games under his belt. But nobody can question Tony Bloom( Brighton owner) & co when it comes to buying a wonderkid. The Greece international has already shown signs of potential & he’s on his way to be a regular starter for Brighton & take the league by storm.
He plays as a striker but is quite comfortable in the AM role or the Secondary Striker role. There is some tough competition, but for sure, Tzimas would thrive in it.
7. Tom Watson (19)
Another Brighton player on this list & a very popular one among the Championship fans. Tom Watson was a Sunderland academy product but decided to join Brighton for his development & you couldn’t blame him. Brighton almost guarantees you to become a star if you have the right potential & is the best stepping stone club right now. A tall, lanky winger, watching him play would almost take you to the 90’s era of PL, where footballers with long legs would show immaculate dribbling skills. Watson’s preferred position is LW & has recently dominated in Brighton’s cup match with a hat-trick of assists to his name.
8. Joshua King (18)
Only 18 but a regular starter for Fulham, King has made his name as Marco Silva’s first-choice midfielder this season. And it was coming, he has earned his reputation in England U19 games as well as for the Fulham academy. The most interesting thing about King’s game is his awareness & the way he anticipates passes in both the boxes. He is a natural AM, but he isn’t solely known for that; he is good at intercepting the play & creates attack by his natural movement. Still, there is a lot of time to develop. King can be an obvious starter for England in the time to come.
9. Diouf (20)
Signed this summer from Prague, Diouf has been the most impressive LB in the league. The Senegal international has got it all, whether it’s crossing in the opponents’ box or the raw pace he excels in most departments. He used to play as a LWB, so his attacking quotient is very high, but also his defensive game is top-notch, providing strong physical challenges, as his aerial ability is good. Now under Nuno, he can elevate his game to the top-most level & in the time to come, he can become the most wanted LB in the league.
10. Fer Lopez (21)
Recently signed from Celta for a hefty fee, but Fer Lopez is worth the hype. A proper David Silva regen, once he adapts to the PL, he can take it by storm.
He feels comfortable playing in the AM role but can also slot in the RW in a 3-4-2-1. Creativity & excellent ball retention are two of his fortes. Standing at 6’2 & excellent with his feet at such a young age shows Lopez has all the tools to become a superstar in the English Premier League.
