As 2019 is now upon us, here’s our list of 12 huge prospects who could be ready to make a name for themselves this year.
Of course, some of these Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea talents will already be fairly familiar to you, but we expect a few of them may take their game to the next level over the course of this calendar year.
MORE: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer promotes another Manchester United wonderkid to train with the first-team
Here’s our pick of 12 top young talents to look out for in 2019…
Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
Still only 18 years old, Emile Smith Rowe has made a real impression in limited appearances with the Arsenal first-team this season.
The England Under-19 international is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League with the Gunners, but has three goals in six games coming in the League Cup and Europa League.
It surely won’t be long before Smith Rowe starts playing more meaningful matches for Unai Emery’s side.
Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)
This 17-year-old looks a seriously special talent based on his eye-catching displays at youth level for Manchester United.
Mason Greenwood will have plenty of competition ahead of him at Old Trafford, but with Marcus Rashford breaking through at a similar stage of his career a few years ago, Greenwood looks another who we could be seeing a lot more of very soon.
Bobby Duncan (Liverpool)
Extremely prolific at youth level, Bobby Duncan is one to watch out for at Liverpool as we head into 2019.
Again, the quality is high at Anfield and none of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane will give up their places up front too easily.
Still, whether in an increased role in the Liverpool first-team or perhaps a loan away, Duncan has what it takes to make more of a name for himself this year.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)
Whether his future lies at Chelsea or not remains to be seen, but Callum Hudson-Odoi has shown he can have a big 2019 if everything pans out right for him.
Sky Sports have linked the talented attacker with Bayern Munich, with the 18-year-old perhaps set to become the next English talent to make it big abroad.
Hudson-Odoi scored his first Chelsea goal in the Europa League earlier this season and fans would love to see more of him, even if the Blues don’t have the best track record in that respect.
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
A player slowly working his way into the Manchester City first-team, Phil Foden is surely going to make a step forward in 2019.
The 18-year-old looks a class act on the ball and an intelligent player who would probably get into a number of Premier League sides already.
So whether it’s at City or perhaps on loan somewhere else, Foden is definitely another we can expect to see more of this year.
Reiss Nelson (Arsenal)
Currently tearing it up on loan at Hoffenheim, keep a close eye on Reiss Nelson in 2019 as big things surely lie ahead.
The 19-year-old winger’s form in the Bundesliga surely means an Arsenal first-team place awaits for him in the second half of this year.
And with Jadon Sancho managing a first England cap after his breakthrough in Germany, perhaps one isn’t too far away for Nelson either.
Rodrygo (Santos/Real Madrid)
A 17-year-old with a big future in the game, Rodrygo has shone in his time at Santos and has already been snapped up by Real Madrid.
The Brazilian wonderkid will make the move to the Bernabeu in June this year and while a first-team spot might not come straight away, do make sure you remember this guy’s name.
Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea)
A player who already has six caps for Wales, Ethan Ampadu looks a quality young midfielder who deserves more of a look-in at Chelsea.
If that doesn’t happen, expect Ampadu to make an impact elsewhere, either with a loan move or permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge.
Angel Gomes (Manchester United)
A player talked up by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Angel Gomes recently made a Premier League appearance as a substitute for Manchester United.
The Red Devils have a proud history of promoting from within, and it seems Gomes, 18, is not far away from more involvement in their senior side.
Tahith Chong (Manchester United)
Another Manchester United wonderkid to keep an eye on in 2019 is Tahith Chong, who recently made it into the club’s Champions League squad, even if he didn’t get on the pitch.
The 19-year-old is a skilful winger who’s looked the business at youth level, so can this year be the year he finally makes an impact in senior matches?
Eder Militao (Porto)
An immense young talent who’s been one of the breakthrough performers of the season at Porto, Eder Militao is already being linked with a big move.
The Express have mentioned Liverpool and Manchester City as among the defender’s admirers, and expect more rumours about him to come up soon if he carries on playing as he has been.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Another Arsenal wonderkid rated very highly at the Emirates Stadium, Bukayo Saka made both his debut and full debut in the Europa League earlier this season.
It might be a little soon for the 17-year-old, but such is his natural ability that he could be one to surprise a few with a breakthrough in 2019.