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Top Premier League Clubs: Keep an Eye on These Five Young Players this Season
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    Top Premier League Clubs: Keep an Eye on These Five Young Players this Season

    A look at five young players who could break through in the Premier League this season:

    JAMES McATEE (Manchester City)

    McAtee is a left-footed, technically gifted attacking midfielder who has been promoted to City’s senior squad by manager Pep Guardiola for this season after spending the last two years on loan at Sheffield United, which was relegated from the Premier League last season. The 21-year-old McAtee impressed on the preseason tour of the United States — when he was handed plenty of game time with many regulars still absent after Euro 2024 — and could be seen as a replacement for the soon-to-depart Julian Alvarez, negating the need for City to dip into the transfer market instead. That’s quite a show of faith by Guardiola.

    AMAD DIALLO (Manchester United)

    After joining United for around 20 million pounds ($25.5 million) in January 2021, Diallo — a 22-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast — had loan stints at Rangers in Scotland and then Sunderland in the English third tier amid concerns he didn’t quite have the talent to flourish at Old Trafford. Things changed in the second half of last season, though, while wingers Marcus Rashford and Antony were out of United’s team. Diallo was given more playing time by manager Erik ten Hag and didn’t look out of place, even scoring a 121st-minute winner in a classic FA Cup quarterfinal match against United’s big rival, Liverpool. Diallo will start this season with hopes of more matches now Ten Hag is staying.

    CONOR BRADLEY (Liverpool)

    Bradley’s development at Liverpool this season will depend much on where new manager Arne Slot sees Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future. Alexander-Arnold has long been Liverpool’s preferred right back but might eventually be pushed into midfield under Slot, giving backup Bradley more chances in the right-back role. Of all the Liverpool kids handed game time last season amid an injury crisis, Bradley stood out mainly because of his attacking dynamism, which showed itself with a goal against Chelsea. The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international was embraced by Liverpool’s fans, too, who clearly see Bradley as a future star.

    LUCAS BERGVALL (Tottenham)

    With his shock of blond hair, Bergvall — an 18-year-old Swede — isn’t hard to miss. He also stands out because of his touch and quality on the ball that made Tottenham spend 8.5 million pounds ($10.8 million) on a player who, in just one season at senior level, quickly became too good for his own country’s top league. So, after joining from Djurgarden, will Bergvall go immediately into the Tottenham team? It’s a big ask, given he is competing against fellow playmakers James Maddison and compatriot Dejan Kulusevski but Bergvall has done well in preseason and looks set to be part of Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans earlier than expected.

    ROMEO LAVIA (Chelsea)

    Last season was a washout for the 20-year-old Lavia, who made just one appearance in all competitions — as a 58th-minute substitute — because of ankle and thigh injuries following his move to Chelsea from Southampton for 58 million pounds ($74 million). He has regained his fitness and will now look to show why he was the subject of a bidding war between Chelsea and Liverpool for his services in the offseason of 2023, despite having only played 29 times in the Premier League by that point. The midfield anchorman was previously at Manchester City and has played for Belgium, so the quality is undoubtedly there. The presence in Chelsea’s squad of Moises Caicedo, another defensive midfielder bought around the same time, threatens Lavia’s potential game time, however.

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    The Premier League is known for being one of the most competitive and exciting football leagues in the world. With top clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal constantly battling it out for the title, there is no shortage of talent on display week in and week out.

    While established stars like Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Harry Kane often steal the headlines, there are also a number of young players who are making a name for themselves in the league. These up-and-coming talents have the potential to become the next big stars of English football, and fans should keep a close eye on them this season.

    Here are five young players from top Premier League clubs that you should watch out for:

    1. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
    At just 21 years old, Phil Foden has already established himself as one of the brightest young talents in English football. The midfielder has been a key player for Manchester City in recent seasons, and his performances have earned him a regular spot in the England national team. Foden’s technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball make him a joy to watch, and he is sure to play a big role for City this season.

    2. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
    Trent Alexander-Arnold burst onto the scene a few years ago and has since become one of the best right-backs in the world. The 22-year-old is known for his incredible crossing ability, vision, and set-piece prowess, and he has been a key player for Liverpool in their recent success. Alexander-Arnold is a player who can change the game with a single pass or cross, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form this season.

    3. Mason Mount (Chelsea)
    Mason Mount has been a standout performer for Chelsea since breaking into the first team a few seasons ago. The 22-year-old midfielder is known for his energy, work rate, and eye for goal, and he has become an important player for both club and country. Mount’s versatility and ability to play in multiple positions make him a valuable asset for Chelsea, and he will be looking to build on his impressive performances this season.

    4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
    Bukayo Saka has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for Arsenal. The 20-year-old winger has been a consistent performer for the Gunners, showcasing his pace, skill, and creativity on the ball. Saka’s ability to take on defenders and create chances for his teammates has made him a fan favorite at the Emirates Stadium, and he will be looking to continue his development this season.

    5. Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)
    Mason Greenwood burst onto the scene a couple of seasons ago and has since become one of the most exciting young talents in English football. The 19-year-old forward is known for his clinical finishing, dribbling ability, and composure in front of goal. Greenwood has already scored some important goals for Manchester United and will be looking to establish himself as a regular starter this season.

    These five young players are just a few of the many talented prospects in the Premier League. With their skill, potential, and determination, they have the ability to make a big impact for their respective clubs this season. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they look to take their game to the next level in one of the toughest leagues in the world.