Five Premier League youngsters taking their chance this season | OneFootball

Young players must take their chance when opportunity knocks and several Premier League starlets have impressed during the season’s opening weeks.

Five Premier League youngsters taking their chance this season

Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool’s failed move for Martin Zubimendi has provided Ryan Gravenberch with an unexpected opportunity and it’s one the Dutchman has taken this season. After a mixed debut campaign with the Reds, there appeared to be no obvious place for the 22-year-old in the side, but he has passed his audition as Liverpool’s new number six to date.

Gravenberch did not appear an ideal fit as Liverpool’s deepest-lying midfielder but he has thrived in the new role during the season’s opening game. In a Liverpool team with maximum points and no goals conceded, he leads his teammates for tackles (eight), interceptions (seven), and ground duels won (15).

A crucial cog in the 3-0 win at Manchester United at the weekend, Gravenberch might just be fulfilling the potential that could save Arne Slot millions in the market.

Morgan Rogers

Some raised their eyebrows at Aston Villa’s signing of Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough in January but the midfielder has repaid Unai Emery’s faith. The 22-year-old helped Villa to Champions League qualification last season and has started the new season in fine form, impressing in an advanced role off Ollie Watkins.

A bullish physical presence but with delicate footwork, his display up against Declan Rice and Thomas Partey in the recent clash with Arsenal underlined his potential, even in defeat. The exit of Moussa Diaby to the Saudi Pro League has opened up a more regular role in the side and Rogers’ intelligent positioning and ball-carrying have been notable.

Such has been his level, Emery has bemoaned his call-up to the England u-21 side with the Spaniard believing that the midfielder is already a level above the age group.

Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke was in danger of becoming one of Chelsea’s forgotten men this season. After 18 months of limited first-team football, the summer signings of Joao Felix and Pedro Neto further increased competition for a place.

However, a goal in the Europa Conference League handed the winger a chance in the Premier League and he grasped it with a stunning second-half hat-trick at Wolves last month. Madueke became just the third Englishman to score an away Premier League treble for Chelsea in a ruthless 14-minute blitz of Gary O’Neil’s side.

Lee Carsley, who has worked with Madueke with the England u-21 side, has certainly been impressed. The interim England boss has handed the 22-year-old his first senior call this month.

Rico Lewis

Kyle Walker’s late return to the Manchester City team has handed Rico Lewis minutes this season and the 19-year-old might just be difficult to oust from the team.

Lewis has been exceptional as the Premier League champions have made a flawless start to the campaign, demonstrating just why Pep Guardiola is such an admirer.

There’s tenacity and intelligence to the right-back’s game with Lewis at ease stepping into midfield when required. His understanding of Guardiola’s complex tactics is remarkable for a footballer so young and he is another who is fully deserving of an England call-up this month. The Citizens have their long-term Walker replacement.

Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo has had to be patient for his chance at Manchester United, with his involvement limited since signing from Atalanta in January 2021.

After a brilliant loan spell at Sunderland that earned the winger the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Year in 2022/23, injuries impacted his campaign last term.

He had moments, including that FA Cup quarter-final winner against Liverpool, and has done enough to convince Erik ten Hag over the summer.

A lively start to the Premier League campaign saw the Ivorian score his first top-flight goal against Brighton and earn Manchester United’s Player of the Month award for August. Surprisingly dropped for last weekend’s game with Liverpool, another encouraging cameo from the bench suggests the 22-year-old will be back in the XI after the break.

Read – 60 free agents Premier League and Championship clubs can still sign

See more – Five Premier League players facing uncertain futures after the transfer window closed

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok