The Premier League is back with a new season and the vast spending on player transfer fees hasn’t stopped. With spending likely to soar as the transfer window deadline approaches on the 2nd September, the clever clubs have also been busy nurturing their own prodigious talent and set to unleash them onto the opposition this season. Using our in-depth knowledge of the game we’ve picked five wonderkids ready to dazzle the crowds and stake their claim as a starlet this season. Let Elysium Magazine introduce you to the likely lads…
MARCOS LOPES
Age: 17
Club: Manchester City
Position: Central Midfield
The Portuguese youth international already made his senior debut for Manchester City last season, scoring in an FA Cup tie against Watford. Manuel Pellegrini is known to favour youth so Lopes will be hoping for more opportunities than under Roberto Mancini’s previous regime. Lopes is a classy midfielder who displays the same potential a certain rookie Cesc Fabregas once did.
JACK GREALISH
Age: 17
Club: Aston Villa
Position: Central Midfield
With an eye for a pass, this could well be the breakthrough year for Grealish in Paul Lambert’s youthful Villa team. He’s already made the bench for Villa in the Premier League whilst still a schoolboy. There’s still the chance of Grealish heading out on loan so that he can gain that valuable first team experience, but Lambert knows Grealish be an asset to his Villa squad.
ROSS BARCLAY
Age: 19
Club: Everton
Position: Central Midfield
Barclay has already made his mark on the Premier League this season, scoring an absolute screamer in Everton’s opening game. Barclay has all the attributes needed to become an Everton, and England, central midfielder and could well eclipse the star billing of former Everton youth product Jack Rodwell.
SERGE GNABRY
Age: 17
Club: Arsenal
Position: Winger
Arsene Wenger’s reluctance to spend big (or spend at all) this summer might have something to do with the youth team talent he has available. Gnabry is the typical Wenger player – both dynamic and skilful. The German made his Premier League and Champions League debuts last season and that could let ignite his appetite to make a bigger impact this term. Gnabry has a powerful shot that will test even the best Premier League goalkeepers.
ADNAN JANUZAJ
Age: 18
Club: Manchester United
Position: Winger
Januzaj is perhaps the biggest talent to emerge from Manchester United’s youth team in the last decade. The young Belgian has already been heavily involved during pre-season and impressed at every opportunity. Although a winger, Januzaj can play in any advanced attacking position. He possesses great balance, has good vision and is extremely skilful. Sir Alex Ferguson raved about him at the end of last season and David Moyes has continued the purring this season. Remember the name, you’ll be hearing much more of it.