The Premier League’s Best Youngsters so Far This Season
By Space Coast Daily // November 29, 2021
The Premier League season is approaching its midway point. There has been plenty of entertainment on offer with so many questions left to answer in terms of both the title race and the relegation battle. With still so much football left to play, it will be interesting to see how sides get on over the festive period, traditionally a busy time in the calendar, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizons.
The turn of the new year often brings a mixed bag of results when you bet on football. As players fatigue and get injured, their side’s squad depth and academies are needed more than ever before the transfer window officially opens, rewarding the young players amongst the ranks with gametime. With that in mind, we thought we would look at some of the best young players in the Premier League this season and see how they’ve got on.
Conor Gallagher
For all the criticism Chelsea get for their loan system, they don’t half produce some quality players. Conor Gallagher traded Cobham for Selhurst Park this summer, linking up with Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace. The attacking midfielder has shown creativity and end product despite playing for a team that sees less of the ball.
Having spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, Gallagher has made his intentions clear that he sees himself very much as a Chelsea player, and if he can replicate his performances of late, it could leave Thomas Tuchel rethinking his plans next summer.
Tino Livramento
When Ryan Bertrand left Southampton this summer, there were a few concerns about Southampton’s solidarity at the back. They had lost a lot of first team players despite struggling to keep their Premier League status last season. One of the bright starts to emerge from this transitional phase at St Mary’s is Tino Livramento. Cast aside at Chelsea’s academy, the Croydon based youngster, whose family are Portuguese, has settled into life in the top flight well and scored a good goal against Burnley. Having only turned 19 last month, the sky is the limit for this flying full back.
Phil Foden
It was very apparent, even at an early age, that Phil Foden was destined for the top. Having been included in Manchester City squads for the best part of four years, it is crazy to think he only celebrated his 21st birthday this spring. Showing maturity beyond his years, Foden’s blend of aesthetic dribbling and dangerous end product have made him an integral member of Pep Guardiola’s side, capable of occupying a variety of positions and still creating chances.
Only time will tell how good Foden can really get, but with his responsibilities becoming greater with each passing season, he doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.
Emile Smith Rowe
The third attacking midfielder on this list, it really is testament to how talented the next breed of English youngsters are. Emile Smith Rowe’s meteoric rise this season in an Arsenal shirt also earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s side, where he made a massive contribution in England’s 10-0 drubbing of San Marino.
Back at the Emirates, and Mikel Arteta has a plethora of young talent at his disposal and with Smith Rowe adding creativity to the industry of Thomas Party and the classy Martin Ødegaard, a bid for European football could still be on the cards.