The Premier League is back from its World Cup break on Monday, and already this season we have seen a number of under-21 stars who have broken through to make a name for themselves.
Arsenal‘s Ethan Nwaneri became the Premier League’s youngest player when he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win at Brentford in September at 15 years, 5 months and 23 days, breaking the record previously held by Liverpool‘s Harvey Elliott (16 years, 30 days) when he was at Fulham.
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But while Nwaneri might have to wait a little longer before making the full step up to the first team, here’s a list of 10 youngsters aged 21 or under who, having already been given opportunities in their respective first teams, have a chance to impress further in the new year.
Arguably the most impactful teenage newcomer, the Belgian midfielder signed for £12 million this summer from Manchester City (who included a reported £40m clause to re-sign him in the deal.) He has shown no signs of timidity after being exposed to Premier League football as part of a struggling Southampton side and though the sample size might be small — six starting appearances as an injury kept him out of action in September and October — Lavia has impressed against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Dynamic, technically gifted and safe in possession, Lavia presses, wins back the ball (six ball interceptions per 90 minutes) and distributes with measure, intelligence and precision. His well-taken goal against Chelsea — he controlled a cleared corner neatly with his left foot before expertly curling it into the right corner from the edge of the box — proved a telling snapshot of his maturity.
