A league that serves up plenty of entertainment, the Premier League is the biggest and best domestic football competition there is.
Of course, the appeal of Spanish and Italian football is clearly there, but England’s top flight typically piques the interest of football fans that bit more, particularly when factoring in its unrivaled popularity. It’s a global league.
Followed around the world, the talented players that ply their trade for European giants like Manchester United and Chelsea is what makes the division what it is today. Alongside the historic stadiums and the passionate supporters, English football’s favorite division is packed full of emerging talents who are aiming to replicate the careers of consistent Premier League performers like Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bruno Fernandes. In fact, the richest league around is filled with bright prospects who are capable of going on to have glittering careers.
With the new season firmly underway, a number of standout prospects are aiming to make a name for themselves at their respective clubs and replicate the success of gifted goal machines like Erling Haaland, a player who the likes of the aforementioned Salah at 16/1, Gabriel Jesus at 25/1, and Darwin Nunez at 33/1 will be hoping to beat in the betting stakes to the Premier League’s Golden Boot prize come the end of the season.
Additionally, there are midfielders who are striving to influence games further, and defenders wanting to add more steel to their game.
Although these bright prospects face strong competition given the huge sums of money that clubs spend on established players, there is always an opportunity to impress as the season progresses, with some youngsters gaining experience in cup competitions before being given a chance to turn it on in the biggest league around.
With that in mind, below is a look at some emerging talents who are more than capable of standing out this season.
Rico Lewis is the heir to Kyle Walker’s full-back spot at Manchester City
After managing to showcase his immense potential for Manchester City on numerous occasions last season, bigger things are expected of Rico Lewis this campaign. While he does have a lot to learn under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, Lewis possesses the maturity needed to succeed after captaining the club’s Under-18 team. The young full-back’s potential is evident, with his ability on the ball allowing him to drift into midfield and influence games, while his defensive instincts and solid positional sense makes him a player who clearly enjoys the art of defending. Aged just 18 at the time of writing, Rico Lewis is clearly a star in the making and the obvious heir to Kyle Walker’s full-back spot at Manchester City.
Anthony Elanga will be given more of a chance at Nottingham Forest
There are various aspects of Anthony Elanga’s game that highlight his overall rawness, but the gifted winger wasn’t really given enough of chance to fine-tune his performances at Manchester United. Now, after signing for Nottingham Forest, the 21-year-old has the platform he needs to develop further by playing on a weekly basis.
The Swedish wide man certainly makes things happen with the ball at his feet, with his direct running and notable pace capable of striking fear into any full-back. Also known to work hard off the ball and do the ugly stuff many youngsters shy away from, Anthony Elanga seems to have found the perfect home to gain consistent minutes and flourish further.
Michael Olise is one of Crystal Palace’s main threats
After winning the EA Sports Young Player of the Season award following his exploits in the Championship for Reading, Michael Olise’s future was evidently away from the Royals as a number of clubs tried to snap him up.
Crystal Palace eventually got their man, with the former Chelsea academy graduate joining the club in 2021 and showcasing his immense ability on the ball in the months that followed. Last season was another impressive campaign for Olise, although his Palace career has been blighted by injuries.
Now, though, with the likes of Eberechi Eze there to supplement Olise’s skillful game, the Palace star could have an even more influential season.
Aged just 21, Olise signed a new deal with the club in the summer as he aims to kick his career on and shine even more brightly in a Palace shirt. A fit and firing Michael Olise is certainly a handful for any opponent, that’s for sure.
Josko Gvardiol could become one of the Premier League’s best defenders
(Image via https://twitter.com/mcfc_lads)
Manchester City certainly know how to attract players, particularly after winning a historic treble last season and having the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland within their ranks. Josko Gvardiol is the latest star to join Pep Guardiola’s troops, after signing for £77.6m from RB Leipzig.
A defender with massive potential, the Croatian international’s game is perfect for Premier League football. Big, strong, good on the ball, and possessing the aerial prowess needed to succeed in the biggest league around, Gvardiol could easily become one of the division’s best defenders as the season progresses.
Other emerging talents to follow include Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Amadou Onana (Everton), Julio Enciso (Brighton), Cameron Archer (Sheffield United), and Cole Palmer (Chelsea).
