Sport
Best young players in the Premier League (who aren’t Mason Greenwood) – top 5
Mason Greenwood is enjoying a stunning breakout season. Since scoring in his first start for Manchester United, the Bradford born forward has notched up 9 goals in 32 Premier League appearances and cemented himself as a key member of a destructive front three alongside Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. The plaudits have been consistent and unequivocal; Mason Greenwood is a generational talent. Comfortable on either foot, a natural finisher with pace to boot. Greenwood is undeniably an exciting young player, but he’s not the only one. Here are the 5 best young players in the Premier League, other than Greenwood, who are 20 or younger.
Best young players in the Premier League
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka has been deployed in several positions for Arsenal this season but predominantly plays on the left-wing or at left-wing back. Having recently signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates after a season which has seen him rack up 4 goals and 11 assists, Bukayo Saka is set to become a lynchpin in Mikel Arteta’s gunners rebuild.
He’s superb with the ball at his feet, has the ability to split defences with his passing and has been a constant supplier to Aubameyang with his pinpoint delivery. Reminiscent of a young Raheem Sterling, Saka has the potential to become one of the best in the division but is already one of the best young players in the Premier League.
Oliver Skipp (Tottenham Hotspur)
Jose Mourinho recently identified Oliver Skipp as a future Tottenham captain. Whilst he has been used sparingly this campaign, with his 6 Premier League appearances coming largely from the bench, it’s easy to see why he is so highly rated by the Portuguese manager.
Skipp is most effective as a deep-lying playmaker, sitting in-between the midfield and back four, ready to interrupt play, drive the team forward and pick a pass. Mauricio Pochettino lauded Skipps’ energy and aggression prior to his departure last November. Signed until 2024, Skipp will likely head out on loan, potentially to the Championship, before nailing down a starting spot at Spurs.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Wolves
Wolves academy graduate Morgan Gibbs-White was a key part of the England U-17 team that lifted the World Cup in 2017. Playing as an attacking central midfielder, he has shown a diverse range of passing and a creative flair that indicates he could be the future for Wolves.
It’s been a tough season for Gibbs-White, with a prolonged back injury meaning he has made just 6 Premier League appearances, compared to 26 last term. Wolves’ number 17 will be eyeing next season as an opportunity to establish himself as one of the best young players in the Premier League.
Luke Thomas 19 – Leicester City
Luke Thomas started his first Premier League game earlier this month and had the sort of debut that young players dream about. 80% pass accuracy, 4 chances created (the highest by anyone on the pitch), and an assist. Not bad from the young left wing-back.
With Ben Chilwell attracting attention from Chelsea, it may not be long before Thomas is starting regularly for Leicester City and, on the strength of his debut, perhaps even England. Playing expansive passing football under the management of Brendan Rodgers and learning from the likes of Johnny Evans, there a few clubs better than Leicester for a young player developing their game.
Reece James 20 – Chelsea
It hasn’t always been easy for youth to flourish at Stamford Bridge. The likes of Nathan Ake and Nathanial Chalobah had to leave to guarantee first-team opportunities. However, the combination of a transfer ban and a manager that priorities youth has seen several young players given an opportunity this season. None have been more impressive than Reece James.
After a successful loan spell with Wigan Athletic, James has forced his way into Lampard’s team with some excellent performances. Playing predominantly as an attack-minded right-back, James has displayed incredible ability to move Chelsea up the pitch. Factor in his strength, pace, and crossing ability and you have the ideal full back for the Premier League in 2020.
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