When a young footballer emerges from the ranks of a professional academy, the excitement and anticipation that follows can be palpable.
Their journey through the youth system often sets the stage for a professional career, one that can bring great expectations and pressures. For some, like Jude Bellingham and Martin Ødegaard, these expectations are met with exceptional success. For others, such as Hachim Mastour and Freddy Adu, the promise does not always translate into the anticipated stardom.
| Player | Club | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Ethan Nwaneri | Arsenal | 17 |
| Archie Gray | Tottenham | 18 |
| Trey Nyoni | Liverpool | 17 |
| Harry Amass | Manchester United | 17 |
| Myles Lewis-Skelly | Arsenal | 17 |
| Josh Acheampong | Chelsea | 18 |
| Chris Rigg | Sunderland | 17 |
| Amario Cozier-Duberry | Brighton | 19 |
| Tyler Dibling | Southampton | 18 |
| Nico O’Reilly | Manchester City | 19 |
As the new Premier League season begins, football fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching for the next generation of English talent ready to make their mark. This season, several young English prospects are primed to step into the spotlight. Here are ten highly-rated young players to watch in the 2024/25 season:
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
Ethan Nwaneri, now 17, made headlines two years ago by becoming the youngest Premier League player ever when he debuted at just 15 years old, breaking Harvey Elliott’s record. Since then, Nwaneri has continued to develop at Arsenal, and his recent performances in pre-season have been impressive. He has shown significant growth both physically and technically, suggesting he could play a crucial role for the Gunners this season. With Arsenal aiming to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title, Nwaneri’s contributions could be pivotal.
Archie Gray (Tottenham)
Archie Gray’s rise at Leeds United, where he was a standout performer in the Championship, caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur. Although Leeds did not achieve promotion, Gray’s performances were notable, leading to his move to Spurs. The versatile midfielder is expected to bring his energy and creativity to a Tottenham side looking to rebuild and compete at the top. With Tottenham’s ambitious plans, Gray’s adaptation to the Premier League could be a key factor in their success.
Trey Nyoni (Liverpool)
Trey Nyoni, a 17-year-old midfielder who joined Liverpool from Leicester City, has made a significant impression during pre-season. Nyoni’s standout performances, including a memorable goal against Sevilla, suggest he could be set for a breakthrough season. With Liverpool potentially lacking in midfield reinforcements, Nyoni’s talent and recent form could see him become an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
Harry Amass (Manchester United)
Harry Amass, a 17-year-old left-back, has shown promise during Manchester United’s pre-season. With the club dealing with injuries to regular left-backs Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw, Amass may find opportunities to showcase his abilities. His solid performances against high-profile opponents like Mohamed Salah demonstrate his potential to contribute to the first team, especially given the current injury concerns.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Another promising talent at Arsenal is Myles Lewis-Skelly, a midfielder who has been described by former Arsenal U18 manager Jack Wilshere as possessing “things you can’t coach.” The 17-year-old has impressed in pre-season, demonstrating versatility by playing both in midfield and at left-back. His development could see him feature more prominently as Arsenal seeks to challenge for domestic and European honors.
Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong is a talent to watch, especially with the club’s injury issues affecting Reece James. Acheampong, who has attracted interest from top clubs like PSG and Real Madrid, might be presented with more first-team opportunities due to James’ absence. His performances in pre-season and potential role in the team could determine his future at Stamford Bridge.
Chris Rigg (Sunderland)
Chris Rigg, at just 17, has already made a notable impact at Sunderland. Last season, he appeared 21 times in the Championship, scoring twice, and has continued to impress in the current campaign. Sunderland’s aspirations for promotion could hinge on Rigg’s performances, and his continued development may well see him make a significant contribution to the team’s success.
Amario Cozier-Duberry (Brighton)
Amario Cozier-Duberry’s move to Brighton has been one to watch, given his impressive goal tally during his time in the Arsenal academy. His strong start at Brighton, including a brace in a friendly, suggests he may secure a regular spot in the first team. Brighton’s track record of nurturing young talent could provide Cozier-Duberry with the platform to thrive and make a notable impact this season.
Tyler Dibling (Southampton)
Tyler Dibling, known for his impressive hat-trick against Newcastle’s under-23s, has been a standout in Southampton’s academy. His pre-season performances and potential role in the first team highlight his readiness for a step up. With Southampton aiming for a successful season, Dibling’s creativity and goal-scoring ability could play a crucial role.
Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)
Nico O’Reilly, a dynamic central midfielder, has caught the eye during Manchester City’s pre-season. His performance in the Community Shield against Manchester United, despite limited ball time, showcased his energy and potential. Pep Guardiola’s confidence in O’Reilly suggests that the young talent could be an important part of City’s plans, following the footsteps of successful academy graduates like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis.
As these young talents prepare to make their mark, the 2024/25 season promises to be an exciting one for English football fans, with several emerging stars set to capture the imagination and perhaps even change the course of their respective clubs.
