Surprise Package: Top 5 young talents to watch out for in EPL this season
Aug 13, 2016 at 4:46 PM
The Premier League is here at last! It’s time to soak up some proper football after a dull summer break and an even more dull Euro 2016, which was full of disappointment for England.
Last season proved to be the rise of the young stars with Dele Alli and Harry Kane almost carrying Spurs to the title, only to fall at the last hurdle. Then the surge of so many youngsters across the country – from John Stones and his upsurge in form (and now value) to the imminent impact of Anthony Martial at Manchester United – it was the youth that shone once again.
So let’s take a look at who might be the Dele Alli of next season and top 5 unknown promising youngsters to watch out for in the Premier this season.
5. Sheyi Ojo – Liverpool
Liverpool’s squad is already full of talented midfielders, especially with the summer’s new additions, but one of those pushing his way into first team plans is Sheyi Ojo. He’s admitted he’s hoping to replicate the form of Dele Alli.
At only 19, he enjoyed a successful time at Wolves, scoring four times in seven starts before being called back early from his loan in January.
He then went onto feature eleven times for Jurgen Klopp, which – added with a fantastic pre-season scoring against Roma – will surely see him play a part for the Reds next season.
4. Demarai Gray – Leicester
Leicester’s speedy winger lit up the Championship to earn himself a move to the Premier League champions in January, following big interest from other clubs.
Gray looked at home, taking on Manchester United’s defence in the Community Shield with his lightening pace. The 20-year-old has also impressed on the international stage with the England Under-21’s, paving the way to have a great first full top flight season.
3. Jonathan Leko – West Brom
It’s rare that big talent comes from clubs lower down the top flight at such a young age before being snapped up by a bigger team. However, Jonathan Leko is only 17 and already has six first team appearances to his name.
The tricky winger has bags of pace along with plenty of tricks and flicks (mainly step-overs).
With some improvement on his finishing and more experience, the young winger could really make a name for himself this season, providing he can add goals to his game.
2. Nathaniel Chalobah – Chelsea
Like many Chelsea youngsters, Nathaniel Chalobah has spent plenty of time on-loan, however this midfielder is different. Despite being only 21, Chalobah has played European football for a top Italian side while on loan with Napoli, and in an FA Cup semi-final while with Reading.
Having now returned to Stamford Bridge, it will be his first real season with the Blues. He’ll be looking to establish himself as one of the better academy products from recent times, forcing his way into Antonio Conte’s squad.
1. Josh Onomah – Tottenham
Having already established himself as a successful part of the Tottenham squad, it will a big season for the Spurs midfielder. Having risen through the academy ranks, Onomah made 19 appearances in total last season, though mostly as a substitute.
With Spurs now in the Champions League, that rotation will see the 19-year-old midfielder appear more in the Premier League to showcase his exceptional talent in what will be one of the most important seasons of his career.
He’ll be attempting to break into the first team, and is one of England’s most promising talents.