After Kobbie Mainoo’s impressive breakout season last year, several promising young talents are poised to make their mark in the upcoming Premier League season.
With the new Premier League season about to begin, there’s much to anticipate for the 2024-25 campaign. From what is expected to be another exciting race for the title to a competitive battle for the top four spots and the potential struggles against relegation, there are captivating storylines to follow throughout the season.
Among the most exciting aspects of a Premier League season is witnessing the rise of new talents—players who may become key figures in English football for years to come, showing they can compete with the best despite their youth. For instance, at this time last year, few outside of Manchester United were familiar with Kobbie Mainoo. By the end of the season, he had earned a starting spot in the Euro 2024 final.
Who will be Mainoo’s equal this season, then? We’ve listed some of the players born in or after 2005 with fewer than 10 Premier League appearances that you should be watching out for between now and May using our NXGN expertise of the top youngsters in world football.
Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)
Securing a spot in the Chelsea first team has become increasingly challenging under Todd Boehly, but the club might have to act decisively to retain Josh Acheampong for the long term.
The 18-year-old made his Premier League debut late last season and is viewed as a promising talent for both Chelsea and his national team. Nonetheless, his future might not be at Stamford Bridge, as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly shown interest in signing the right-back.
Reece James’ ongoing injury problems could provide Acheampong with a chance to make a mark under Enzo Maresca. However, Maresca will need to demonstrate to the young player that there is a clear path to regular first-team action at Chelsea, or risk losing him to one of the top clubs in Europe.
Harry Amass (Manchester United)
As Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia persist with injury issues, Harry Amass may find a chance to shine at Manchester United, particularly following his strong performances during pre-season.
The 17-year-old left-back notably contained Mohamed Salah in United’s match against Liverpool in early August. Having shown impressive form at the academy level since his transfer from Watford a year ago, Amass now appears poised to become a regular fixture in Erik ten Hag’s matchday squads.
Sam Amo-Ameyaw (Southampton)
Sam Amo-Ameyaw made a mark on the final day of the 2022-23 season by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a Premier League match for Southampton. However, after the Saints’ relegation, he faced a lengthy wait for another chance to showcase his talents in the top flight.
The 18-year-old did make seven appearances for Russell Martin’s team during their successful Championship campaign, which saw them promoted back to the Premier League on their first attempt. This season, Amo-Ameyaw will be eager for more opportunities at St Mary’s. The England youth international, who can play as a winger or an attacking midfielder, has shown his potential at the highest level, contributing to 11 goals in 12 Premier League 2 appearances last season.
Harrison Armstrong (Everton)
After a challenging few seasons, Everton fans are hoping for a positive change as the Toffees approach their final season at Goodison Park. One source of optimism is the potential impact of homegrown talent Harrison Armstrong on Sean Dyche’s squad.
The 17-year-old, who plays as a box-to-box midfielder, has made a strong impression during pre-season following his initial integration into the senior team. With Amadou Onana’s departure to Aston Villa creating a gap in the midfield, Armstrong is eager to seize the opportunity and contribute to Everton’s climb up the table.
Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham)
In early February, it appeared that Lucas Bergvall was on the verge of signing with Barcelona. His family and he were seen meeting with Barcelona’s officials in Catalunya, and it seemed like a contract with the Spanish club was imminent.
However, within 24 hours of that meeting, it was announced that Bergvall had declined Barcelona’s offer and instead opted to join Tottenham in a deal valued at £8.5 million ($11 million). After completing the rest of the season with Djurgardens in Sweden, the 18-year-old has now arrived in north London and delivered several impressive performances during pre-season.
Often compared to Frenkie de Jong in terms of both appearance and playing style, Bergvall has the potential to add a new dynamic to Ange Postecoglou’s squad. It’s likely that he could become a regular starter for Spurs sooner rather than later.
Amario Cozier-Duberry (Brighton)
Amario Cozier-Duberry, once compared to Bukayo Saka during his time at Arsenal, moved from north London this summer seeking first-team opportunities and secured a four-year contract with Brighton.
The 19-year-old made an immediate impact by scoring twice on his debut against Kashima Antlers during pre-season. He has continued to receive opportunities to impress Brighton’s new manager, Fabian Hurzeler, throughout the summer. Given Brighton’s track record of developing young talent into stars, Cozier-Duberry could quickly become a prominent name in the football world.
Eric da Silva Moreira (Nottingham Forest)
Nottingham Forest acquired full-back Eric da Silva Moreira for just £1.25 million ($1.6 million) over the summer, a transfer fee that doesn’t quite capture the young talent’s potential, despite his limited experience.
A contract dispute limited Da Silva Moreira’s first-team chances at St. Pauli last season, but he demonstrated his capabilities on a major stage by playing a crucial role in Germany Under-17s’ victories at both the Euros and the World Cup in 2023. His talents should prove valuable to Nuno Espírito Santo throughout the upcoming season.
Tyler Dibling (Southampton)
Tyler Dibling initially gained attention in April 2022 by scoring a hat-trick of identical goals for Southampton’s U21s against Newcastle. He soon joined Chelsea but struggled to establish himself and returned to Southampton shortly after. Now 18, Dibling has continued to impress with Southampton’s academy teams and is poised to make his mark in the first team. Known for his skill and powerful long-range shooting, he could have a significant role in the 2024-25 season following a strong pre-season performance.
Ben Doak (Liverpool)
Ben Doak, a winger known for his agility and physical play, made history as the youngest Scotsman to debut in the Premier League in December 2022. However, an injury sidelined him for six months and caused him to miss Euro 2024, despite receiving a call-up from Steve Clarke. Now fully recovered, Doak faces slim chances of rejoining Liverpool’s first team, with the club considering a sale before the transfer window closes. Despite this, he could still influence the Premier League season, with Leicester City, Southampton, and even his former club Celtic showing interest.
Tyrique George (Chelsea)
Under Todd Boehly’s ownership, Chelsea’s approach to academy graduates has shifted, viewing them more as assets for sale rather than long-term first-team contributors. Despite this trend, there is hope that Tyrique George, an 18-year-old England youth international, will break the mold. George signed an extended contract with Chelsea this summer and impressed during pre-season. Having been on the Premier League bench last season, he aims to be part of the new manager Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Michael Golding (Leicester City)
While Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s move from Leicester City to Chelsea was widely reported, the transfer of Michael Golding from Chelsea to Leicester City received less attention. Leicester paid £4 million ($5.1 million) for the 18-year-old, who is expected to integrate into Steve Cooper’s squad. Golding, who has captained England at youth level, brings a level of maturity beyond his experience, with his only senior appearance to date being a late substitute for Chelsea last January.
