Another Premier League season is upon us and the stage should be set for new stars to emerge out of nowhere. For some, the opportunity to subtle announce their readiness already presented itself in the pre-season and it is only natural that many are looking forward to seeing what they have to offer on one of the grandest stages in world football.
In no particular order, let's take a look at some of the new generation talents under the age of 22 who could well make their mark in the Premier League and become bonafide superstars this season.
No.10 - Fabio Carvalho
-
Age - 19 years
-
Nationality: Portuguese
-
Club: Liverpool
It is almost criminal to think that Liverpool paid a meagre fee of £5 million to secure the service of Fabio Carvalho from Fulham this summer. The young attacker has been touted as a 'generational talent' by many and it is almost justified considering how instrumental he was in Fulham's charge to secure promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship last season. The Portuguese starlet featured in 38 matches and scored 11 goals amid some eye-catching displays. In Liverpool's pre-season games, Carvalho massively impressed and has been tipped to play a key role for the Reds in the upcoming season.
No.9 - Carney Chukuemeka
-
Age: 18 years
-
Nationality: English
-
Club: Chelsea
Carney Chukwuemeka emerged from Aston Villa's strong youth team and, despite havng limited playing time, did enough interest and earn a move to Chelsea this summer. While the deal is yet to be officially announced, the Blues have added yet another exciting talent to their ranks and could benefit well for the attacking impetus he will bring. Chukwuemeka was adjudged Aston Villa Academy Player of the Season for the 2020/21 season and, 24 hours later, confirmed why the decision was unanimous by helping Aston Villa U18s to defeat Liverpool's U18s 2-1 in the the FA Youth Cup. Although he will be competing with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi for starting places, the young Englishman will certainly be one to keep an eye on.
No.8 - Alejandro Garnacho
-
Age - 18 years
-
Nationality: Argentine
-
Club: Manchester United
Alejandro Garnacho is somewhat a familiar face as he officially made his Manchester United debut under interim boss Ralf Rangnick last season. Although he falls behind several established players at the club, the young Argentine who ironically idolises Lionel Messi's nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to impress whenever he's given the chance. If his performance in United's final pre-season game against Rayo Vallecano is anything to go by, Garnacho could prove to be a handful for Premier League defenders should he stay at Old Trafford for the upcoming season.
No.7 - Levi Colwill
-
Age - 19 years
-
Nationality: English
-
Club: Chelsea
Due to his jersey number, status as a Chelsea academy graduate, and position on the field, Levi Colwill, who progressed through the ranks at the academy, has been likened to club great John Terry (centre-back). Young center-back is heavily adored by a host of Chelsea fans who believe he is ready to take the league by storm. The faith retained in the player is as a result of a remarkable spell he had at the heart of defense for Huddersfield Town where he helped the club to reach the play-off final in the Championship last season. He has been linked with a loan move to Brighton this summer but regardless of where he plays, the Englishman will definitely be one to keep an eye on this season.
No.6 - Elliot Anderson
-
Age - 19 years
-
Nationality: English
-
Club: Newcastle United
After a preseason tryout that gave Eddie Howe something to consider, Elliot Anderson has established his claim to potentially play a role for Newcastle United this season. This coupled with his brilliant loan spell at Bristol Rovers last season has seen expectations rising for the young attacker. A step up from League Two to the Premier League is undoubtedly huge but it will not be surprising to see Anderson making waves at the St James' Park in the coming season.
No.5 - Djed Spence
-
Age - 21 years
-
Nationality: English
-
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Currently on a similar trajectory as Chelsea's Reece James, Tottenham Hotspur's summer acquisition will be one to watch when the season kicks off in the coming days. Djed Spence joined the Whites on a five-year deal from Middlesborough which cost the club a little over $26M. Last season, the 21-year-old made 46 appearances on loan for Nottingham Forest and was an instrumental figure as the Reds clinched Premier League promotion. With his attacking intent, blistering pace, crossing ability and penchant for a shot from distance, he could prove to be a handful should he be given the nod by Antonio Conte.
No.4 - Romeo Lavia
-
Age - 18 years
-
Nationality: Belgian
-
Club: Southampton
Romeo Lavia was seen as Fernandinho's replacement at Man City, but the midfielder seized the chance when Southampton came knocking this summer. He is quick to transition from defence to offence and is already a Belgium U21 international. Following his $13M arrival from the Etihad, he has now been hailed as the direct successor of success of Oriol Romeu and will more or less perform a lot of the grunt work alongside James Ward-Prowse this season.
No.3 - Julian Alvarez
-
Age - 22 years
-
Nationality: Argentine
-
Club: Man City
Joining a club that already has Erling Haaland on its tabs could certainly put any striker at a huge disadvantage in terms of getting game time. However, it is looking increasingly like that it will not be the case for City's new boy Julian Alvarez. Having been signed from River Plates in the winter transfer window by the Premier League champions, the Argentine international has held his own and could well be on the way of building a legacy akin to what Sergio Aguero managed at City. In a gloomy day for Pep Guardiola's side in the FA Community Shield against Liverpool, Alvarez provided a bright spark by getting the Citizens' only goal in the 3-1 defeat after coming on from the bench. Now the mission for him is simple; more of the same, please!
No.2 - Brenden Aaronson
-
Age - 21 years
-
Nationality: American
-
Club: Leeds United
USMNT's $31m star Brenden Aaronson currently looks a shrewd addition to Leeds United after joining the Premier League club in May. While he did not come cheap, the 21-year-old midfielder is already making his mark at the club and drew a lot of praise when he served up three assists in the Peacocks' 6-2 friendly win over Serie B's Cagliari. In hindsight, he is expected to play a key role under Jesse Marsch, having arrived at Leeds following a successful stint in Austria where he made 41 appearances. With his reputation of having an impressive workrate, Aaronson is expected to thrive in Leeds' high-tempo system this season.
No.1 - Brennan Johnson
-
Age - 21 years
-
Nationality: Welsh
-
Club: Nothingham Forest
From the peripherals to being a key member of the team. The story of Brennan Johnson is one that would inspire every other aspiring footballer when told. While Steve Cooper will take his flowers for the remarkable role he played in making the Welsh starlet a 'jewel in the crown' at Forest, Johnson also deserves praise for his resilience to reach the height he has attained thus far. Currently touted as Forest's most-lauded asset, it will be interesting to see how he fares in the Premier League this season.
Honorable mentions:
-
Marquinhos (Arsenal/Brazil, 19 years)
-
Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United/Uruguay, 20 years)
-
Calvin Ramsay (Liverpool/Wales, 18 years)
-
Kayky (Manchester City/Brazil, 19 years)
-
Zidane Iqbal (Manchester United/Iraq, 19 years).
