2019-20 Premier League: 5 starlets to keep an eye on
The 2019-20 season of the Premier League might still be in its early stages but the fans have already been lucky enough to witness some end-to-end thrillers, mesmerizing individual performances and of course, the emergence of a few quality young talents who have adapted seamlessly to the immensely competitive nature of the English top flight.
It was James Maddison and David Brooks who made most of the headlines as two of the most successful breakout stars in the Premier League last season and several youngsters have already laid down an early marker this term as well.
Considering the high level of competition and the intense style of play, the Premier League is often known to be an unforgiving platform for bright young talents but the tough ones have managed to achieve big.
With that in mind, here are 5 young starlets to keep an eye on in 2019-20 Premier League season:
1. Reiss Nelson (Arsenal)
The 19-year-old made as many as 16 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners in the 2017-18 season under Arsene Wenger.
Although he was deemed surplus to the first-team requirements by Unai Emery last summer, the talented academy graduate was always going to be in contention for a role this term following a fruitful spell at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last season.
Having scored 7 goals in 23 Bundesliga outings last term, Nelson started against Newcastle and Burnley this season, showing what a menace he can be with his pace and trickery.
With Alex Iwobi no longer in the picture, Nelson is likely to get his fair share of opportunities in the first-team this season.
2. Joe Willock (Arsenal)
The tenacious central midfielder has found himself on the fringes of the first-team ever since he burst onto the scene a couple of years back but Unai Emery seems to have the 20-year-old in his plans for the Premier League this season.
Willock, who regularly featured for the Gunners in their Europa League run last season, started each of Arsenal’s first three fixtures in the Premier League this term and caught the eye with his energetic displays in the middle of the park.
Given his versatility to play in multiple positions, Emery’s love for tough players and the club’s lack of depth in the midfield, the door remains ajar for Willock to go on and establish himself as a first-team regular.
3. Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Having enjoyed an incredible loan spell under Frank Lampard at Derby County in the Championship last season, Mason Mount has grabbed his opportunities at Chelsea with both hands this term and going by whatever we have seen from him so far, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 20-year-old evolve into a future star at Stamford Bridge.
The England U-21 international has started each of Chelsea’s first four games in the Premier League this season and has impressed with his energy, stamina, technical abilities and superb all-around displays in a central attacking midfield role, also bagging a couple of goals in the process.
With the fountain of youth beginning to flow at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Lampard, Mount is likely to get abundant opportunities to establish himself at his boyhood club.
4. Harry Wilson (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth successfully beat off competition from a number of Premier League clubs to sign Harry Wilson on loan from Liverpool in the summer and Eddie Howe’s masterstroke has already shown signs of paying rich dividends, with the Welsh international scoring a couple of absolute stunners in August, including an unbelievable free-kick goal against Man City.
Wilson, who was instrumental in propelling Derby County to the playoff finals last season, is still unsure about his future at Anfield but a promising loan spell at Bournemouth might pave the way for a move to a bigger club next summer.
5. Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)
The towering centre-forward was tipped to make a big impact at Stamford Bridge since his early days in the club’s academy and a couple of successful loan stints in the Championship coupled with Lampard’s arrival at the club have finally provided him with an opportunity to showcase his talent at the highest level.
Abraham already finds himself amongst the top-scorers in the Premier League with his 4 goals coming as back-to-back braces against Norwich City and Sheffield United.
There are tougher tests in the top-flight awaiting him but the talented striker could prove to be a handful for defences later on in the season if he continues to fire on all cylinders.
