The top ten youngsters from the first week of the Premier League.
SEE ALSO: Best young football players in the world!
The Premier League kicked off in exciting fashion at the weekend, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all picking up opening day victories – but Manchester United frustratingly losing at home to Swansea City.
As ever, there were plenty of young players at the heart of the action – this is our top ten from the early Premier League action:
10) Javier Manquillo (Liverpool)
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hailed the performance of 20 year-old debutant Javier Manquillo during the Reds’ 2-1 opening day victory over Southampton – and the Spaniard did, indeed, put in a solid display against the Saints. He looked a defensive improvement on Glen Johnson and should continue to improve as the season develops.
9) Ayoze Perez (Newcastle United)
Another young debutant who impressed, albeit as a substitute, was Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez, with the Spaniard being incredibly unlucky not to have snatched a point late on for the Magpies with a fine effort. Perez looked lively, worked hard and indicated why Alan Pardew was so keen to bring him to the club from Tenerife.
8) Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
Another substitute who impressed was Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, who caused Swansea City as many problems as any other United player after a frustrating opening match for Louis van Gaal. The Belgian was one small crumb of comfort, with his pace and ability to skip past players certainly in evidence from Januzaj.
7) Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham Hotspur)
The fact that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is only 19 went under the radar somewhat last season after he was introduced by Tim Sherwood, but the fact that Mauricio Pochettino has stuck with the Algerian international is telling. He was once again solid and industrious in the centre for Spurs.
6) Calum Chambers (Arsenal)
Summer Arsenal signing Calum Chambers continued at centre back alongside Laurent Koscielny for Arsenal as they edged out Crystal Palace, and largely did himself justice in what is an unfamiliar position. The former Southampton man continues to put in the displays to suggest that his long term future may be in the centre of defence.
5) Liam Moore (Leicester City)
Centre back Liam Moore made his Premier League debut for newly promoted Leicester City against Everton at the King Power Stadium, and helped to keep £28m man Romelu Lukaku quiet along with teammate Wes Morgan. Moore is an exceptional, composed young defender and will be important to Leicester’s survival hopes this season.
4) Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)
Eric Dier had the perfect senior debut for Tottenham Hotspur after signing from Sporting Lisbon this summer, skipping around the goalkeeper to slide in an injury time winner against West Ham United. Defensively he was also excellent, however, both in the centre of the park four and when shifted to right back following Kyle Naughton’s red card.
3) James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Midfielder James Ward-Prowse is seen as the next big thing to emerge from the production line at Southampton and put in a fine performance even in defeat at Anfield, particularly in the second half as the Saints rallied. His set piece delivery is well known, but Ward-Prowse was also industrious and creative in open play.
2) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
Liverpool wonderkid Raheem Sterling was perhaps the Premier League’s finest young player last season and he continued with that form, notching a goal and assist as the Reds beat Southampton. He still looks as though there is more sharpness to be gained after the summer, however, a terrifying prospect for Premier League defenders.
1) Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion)
Young English striker Saido Berahino was the star man as West Brom drew 2-2 with Sunderland in new manager Alan Irvine’s first game, scoring both goals for his side at the Hawthorns. Berahino is raw, but has pace, strength and is a fine finisher – he could really flourish as this season unfolds.