Young talents who could be hitting the headlines next season.
With just a month to go until the new Premier League we take a look at ten enormously talented youngsters who will looking to breakthrough for their clubs this season…
Jordan Ibe (Liverpool)
After first hitting the headlines when scoring on his senior debut at just 15-years-old for Wycombe Wanderers in League One Ibe was harshly booked after celebrating with his family. Signing for Liverpool for an undisclosed bid in January 2012 the youngster, now 17, made his Premier League bow during the Reds final game of last season against QPR. He made a strong impression with a robust all-round display capping his fine performance with an assist for Coutinho’s goal. He has since featured during their pre-season preparations and he may now get his chance to sparkle on the wing at Anfield during the new season.
Ross Barkley (Everton)
The very promising Everton youngster seems to have been around for a while with the obvious comparisons with former Toffees youth product Wayne Rooney made when he first arrived on the scene. But it hasn’t really been plain sailing for the midfielder despite impressing on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United. New Everton manager Roberto Martinez is renowned for giving youth a chance and he could be prepared to hand Barkley a first-team position for the new campaign. After seven league appearances for David Moyes team towards the end of last season the 19-year-old could finally have his breakthrough season at Goodison Park, possibly good news for England ahead of the World Cup in Brazil given his quality.
Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
Anyone who watched Manchester United take on Singha All-Star XI at the weekend might not have been too pleased with the result but the very impressive performance of the young attacking midfielder Januzaj stood out despite the result. The ex-Anderlecht man was earning rave reviews for his display and if he continues this form throughout pre-season the 18-year-old playmaker from Belgian may get his chance this season.
Tom Carroll (Tottenham)
Ask any Tottenham supporter and they’ll tell how much excitement the highly-rated Carroll is instigating at White Hart Lane. The 21-year-old creative midfield player is set to be the next star at the North London and that opportunity to shine may come during the upcoming season. With a superb range of passing in the mould of former Spurs man Michael Carrick, Carroll has performed excellently when asked to don the Spurs jersey. He caught the eye towards the end of the season and has admitted that he wants to build on that success with a breakthrough into the Spurs first-team in the near future.
Yaya Sanogo (Arsenal)
Brought into the Emirates Stadium by Arsene Wenger on a free transfer this summer he French striker has a lot to prove in North London next season. The 20-year-old has had a problematic time of late with repeated injuries at second division side Auxerre and this has stalled his progress. However Wenger obviously sees something special in the talented youngster and if he can stay off the treatment table Arsenal supporters may get a taster of things to come. The next gem at the Emirates Stadium?
Alex Kacaniklic (Fulham)
Fulham’s Swedish winger could now be all set to make his full Premier League breakthrough during the new season. Highly-rated by all at Craven Cottage, the 21-year-old has already made 24 league starts for the club while his eight appearances for his national team demonstrate the impact he is making at both club and country level. No wonder Tottenham Hotspur are desperate to sign the 6ft left winger.
Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea)
While a host of established England players wilted under the pressure during the recent Under-21 European Championships, Chelsea’s 18-year-old midfielder was one of the few player who did himself proud. After spending all of last season out on-loan at Watford with his reputation enhanced Chalobah will be back at Stamford Bridge ready to follow up his impressive season with the Hornets in the Premier League. Watford were reportedly desperate to keep hold of the youngster for another season but after new Blues manager Jose Mourinho watched the teenager in person during their play-off final defeat to Crystal Palace we could be seeing a lot more of the versatile midfielder this season and in many years to come.
Wilfried Zaha (Manchester United)
He may already have a senior cap for England but the dazzling winger is yet to make his breakthrough in the Premier League. After United beat competition to land the 20-year-old in January all the talk in Manchester has been around Zaha replacing Nani on the wing at Old Trafford. With mature performances beyond his years at Crystal Palace which helped propel the Eagles into the top-flight, Zaha may be set for a huge season as he tries to establish himself as a first-team regular with the Red Devils.
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Former Southampton manager Nigel Adkins gave the midfielder his Premier League bow at the start of last season against then champions Manchester City at the age of just 17. Named the Saints Scholar of the Year in 2012-13, the youngster went on to make 15 appearances for the St Mary’s club last season. The next off the fantastic productive line on the south coast Ward-Prowse certainly has a bright future in the game and current Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino may just give him a further run in the side.
Isaiah Brown (Chelsea)
When Chelsea beat a host of Premier League rivals to the West Bromwich Albion teen at the start of the current transfer window a few shoulders will have been shrugged. But it won’t be long before you’ll hear all about this supremely talented 16-year-old striker. Brown made his debut for the Baggies in the 3-2 home defeat to Wigan at the end of last season but decided to leave the club to improve his overall development. The England youth international star had his pick of clubs on his departure from the Hawthorns but he chose the swithc to Stamford Bridge after their fine recent record on youth improvement. Brown has already been given the chance to feature with the Chelsea squad during pre-season and a debut may be in order at Stamford Bridge in the near future.