The 10 up and coming players that could well be the future of the English top tier.
Football is a young man’s game – or so the cliche goes – and therefore Premier League sides have always got to be looking towards the next big talent and snap them up whilst they are still fresh.
So here are the 10 hottest prospects from the English top tier who could well be the future of the league.
10. Saido Berahino, West Bromwich Albion
This 20-year-old is a product of the Baggies youth system and was given a run in the first team by Steve Clarke this term, with the young striker having scored eight goals in 22 matches since then including a fine strike against Manchester United.
9. Jack Butland, Stoke City
Was one of the most highly rated young goalkeepers in the country when Butland joined the Potteries from Birmingham City in January 2013 for £3.5m and with Thomas Sorensen on the brink of retirement and Asmir Begovic likely to move on soon, the Englishman could be given more of a chance next year.
8. James Ward-Prowse, Southampton
Whoever is in charge of the Saints youth system must be very pleased with themselves, with Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott having passed through their doors in recent times and this 19-year-old midfielder is the latest exciting product.
7. Nathan Redmond, Norwich City
Another who made the switch from St Andrew’s Stadium to the top tier in 2013 and Redmond is a winger possessing plenty of raw talent, pace and skill and could mould those into a match-winning formula.
6. Wilfried Zaha, Manchester United
Arrived at Old Trafford in January 2013 as Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever signing in a £15m move from Crystal Palace, although since the David Moyes has underutilised the winger – however, Zaha has an opportunity to now prove himself on-loan at Cardiff City.
5. Serge Gnabry, Arsenal
Has broken into the Gunners first team this term as a bustling 18-year-old that has coped will with the pressure of top-class football and has even caught the attention of Germany national team coach Joachim Loew.
4. Raheem Sterling, Liverpool
Burst onto the scene at Anfield two years ago, but was left out for much of last term before manager Brendan Rodgers decided to blood the winger again in 2013/14 – to great success.
3. Luke Shaw, Southampton
Another who has come through the ranks at St Mary’s and the 18-year-old has been touted with big money moves to both Chelsea and Manchester United in recent times.
2. Kurt Zouma, Chelsea
Hasn’t actually arrived in west London as yet as after completing a £12.5m transfer from Saint-Etienne in January, immediately went back to the Ligue 1 club on-loan. Jose Mourinho has named the 19-year-old as a future star for the Blues though.
1. Adnan Januzaj, Manchester United
The winger has been such a huge influence on a struggling Red Devils side this season that it’s easy to forget Januzaj is still just 18-years-old and at this rate is going to be a top-class star.
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