The ten best young strikers set to make big impacts this term.
Whether bought or grown, every season sees a new wave of young talent hit the Premier League, and this summer has been no different. Some of these names broke into their respective sides last term, but will be expected to push on again this time around, while others will be looking to make an impact right off the bat. Below are the ten best you can expect to see this season.
10. Chris Wood – Leicester City
Age: 22
The New Zealand international has been floating around for years and having made a few fleeting appearances for for West Brom back in 2008 he has since wracked up a number of loan moves that could easily rival that of Andros Townsend and Ryan Bertrand. He has since found a home at Leicester and will be looking to use his power and vision to cause headaches amongst opposition defenders this term. He has a good eye for goal, which he highlights on a regular basis for his national side, and will surely be worth a handful of strikes in the Foxes quest for survival.
9. Callum Robinson – Aston Villa
Age: 19
The young striker has been brought into the first team steadily by Paul Lambert, having made a few tentative appearances toward the tail end of the previous campaign. With Lambert seemingly intent on playing Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann in wide positions, Robinson could be in line for a few more appearances until Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak make their long awaited comebacks. Lithe, quick and able to squeeze the ball into positions that he has no right of getting to, the England U-19 international will be hoping the prove a revelation in the West Midlands this term.
8. Connor Wickham – Sunderland
Age: 21
Wickham has served his time out on loan and will now be looking to make a full on assault on the Sunderland first team, which could come sooner rather than later if Jozy Altidore fails to find the net again. Having chipped in with his share of important goals last term he will be hoping to build on that by making a more consistent contribution in hoisting the Black Cats away from the drop zone.
7. Danny Ings – Burnley
Age: 22
Having not made much of himself during the earliest stages of his career, the England under-21 international exploded last season by bagging 26 goals and helping fill the void left by Charlie Austin. Having been targeted by Liverpool at one point, all eyes will be on him to fire the Clarets to safety.
6. Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
Age: 21
Kane has spent much of his burgeoning Spurs career out on loan so far, but last season saw him step into the breach a little more under Tim Sherwood. He is undoubtedly still raw, but given a chance and he will likely flourish this term under a manager that is renowned for developing and utilising young players so effectively.
5. Saido Berahino – West Bromwich Albion
Age: 21
Berahino was a revelation for the Baggies last term, and his nine goals across all competitions brought him to the verge of the England national side ahead of the World Cup. Sadly, he didm’t make it, but he will have a whole new chance again this term as both he and Albion will look to move on from where they ended last season.
4. Will Keane – Manchester United
Age: 21
Yet to score across 14 first team appearances, the 21-year-old will be looking to stage his breakthrough into United’s starting XI. However, when he has played he has looked sharp and eager. He will likely get his chance in cup competitions first, but they will provide him with a good platform to make himself known for league games.
3. Bojan – Stoke City
Age: 23
Bojan has already had a long old career, having made a name for himself at Barcelona before trailing around Europe and struggling to recapture that exciting early form. Perhaps now at a club with a looser style and less pressure he will be able to flourish. He has already hit the goal trail in pre-season and will hope to carry that on from next weekend.
2. Yaya Sanogo – Arsenal
Age: 21
Sanogo was forced to wait to make his Gunners debut last season due to injury, but since returning he has blown hot and cold. There is no doubt that he is tremendously talented, highlighted by the four goals he slipped past Benfica, and with Wenger still yet to buy a new striker in the transfer window the young Frenchman may get his chance sooner rather than later.
1. Romelu Lukaku – Everton
Age: 21
Lukaku’s abilities will come as a shock to nobody, as the Premier League is already well aware of what he is capable of. However, now that he has found a home in Everton he will be able to settle into a team that will build around him and make him the focal point of everything they do.