After Kobbie Mainoo enjoyed a breakout campaign last term, there are a host of talented teenagers who look likely to thrive this time around
The new Premier League season is upon us, and there is so much to look forward to in 2024-25. From what promises to be another thrilling title tussle, to an open top-four race and likely nervous battle against relegation, there truly are storylines wherever you look this campaign.
One of the most engaging narratives in any Premier League season is the emergence of new stars; players who will be mainstays of the English top-flight for the next two decades that can mix it with the very best despite their lack of experience. This time last year, for example, very few fans outside of Manchester United had even heard of Kobbie Mainoo. By the season's end, he was starting in the Euro 2024 final.
So who will be this season's answer to Mainoo? Using our NXGN knowledge of the very best teenagers in world football, we've laid out some of those players born in or after 2005 who have fewer than 10 Premier League appearances to their name that you should be keeping an eye out for between now and May…
Getty ImagesJosh Acheampong (Chelsea)
Breaking into the Chelsea first team via the club's academy has become increasingly difficult under Todd Boehly, but the Blues' hand might be forced if they are to keep hold of Josh Acheampong long-term.
The 18-year-old made his Premier League debut towards the end of last season, and is regarded as a potential star of the future for both club and country. However, the next step in his career may lie away from Stamford Bridge, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain both said to be interested in acquiring the right-back.
Reece James' continued injury issues might offer Acheampong hope of making an impact under Enzo Maresca, who regardless needs to show the teenager that there is a pathway towards regular senior football in west London or risk losing him to one of Europe's elite clubs.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesHarry Amass (Manchester United)
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia continuing to struggle with injury problems, an opportunity could be about to present itself for Harry Amass at Manchester United, especially after the youngster impressed during pre-season.
The 17-year-old left-back locked down Mohamed Salah when United took on Liverpool in early August, and having excelled at academy level since joining from Watford a year ago, Amass now looks ready to make the step up into Erik ten Hag's matchday squads on a regular basis.
Getty ImagesSam Amo-Ameyaw (Southampton)
Sam Amo-Ameyaw made history on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign when he became the youngest player to appear in a Premier League match for Southampton. But following the Saints' relegation, he has had to wait over a year to get another opportunity to make an impression on the top-flight.
The 18-year-old did make seven appearances for Russell Martin's side as they earned promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking, and will be hoping for even more chances at St Mary's this term. Certainly the England youth international, who can play as either a winger or No.10, has the attributes to be a success at the highest level having shone for the U21s last term as he directly contributed to 11 goals in 12 Premier League 2 appearances.
Getty ImagesHarrison Armstrong (Everton)
Everton fans are in need of a bit of cheer after a difficult few seasons, but as the Toffees prepare for their final season at Goodison Park, they do so with hope that homegrown talent Harrison Armstrong can play a role in Sean Dyche's side moving themselves up the table.
A box-to-box midfielder, 17-year-old Armstrong has impressed throughout pre-season after making his first step into the senior squad on Merseyside. With Amadou Onana having left to join Aston Villa, there is a hole that needs filling in Dyche's midfield, and Armstrong has certainly thrown his hat into the ring to do just that.