EPL Yutes to watch this season

The Premier League season kicks off August 13th 2016, there a host of talented youth players in the league.

Many of those players will be itching to crack their respective first team squads, not every talented player can make our 18, but we decided to take a look at some of those who you should be on the lookout for this season.

GK- Jordan Pickford- Playing for Sunderland is tough but in being in goal for them? Even more difficult, nonetheless, big things are expected from the 22 year old Sunderland keeper. Pickford made his debut for Sunderland debut on 9 January 2016, sadly it was in a 3–1 FA Cup loss to Arsenal. He went on to make his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on January 16th, again, another loss, this time 4–1. Despite the two losses, he signed a new contract in January 2016 with Sunderland. It is expected for Pickford to compete with Vito Mannone for the number 1 spot at Sunderland.

RB- Moses Odubajo- Moses Odubajo is the only player from Hull’s playoff final winning team to not play in the Premier League. The 22 year old can play right back and right midfield, he offers pace, ingenuity and guile from the right flank. Moses has been working hard his whole career and has been rewarded with an opportunity to show his skills in the top flight. Sadly Moses is out for six months, however, he will be one to look out for when he gets back.

CB- Cameron Carter Vickers- The 18 year old Cameron Carter Vickers is another one from Tottenham’s conveyor belt, the English born, American representing center back has been at Tottenham since he was 11, is hoping Maurico Pochetttino’s eye for talent catches him.

CB- Reece Oxford- Reece needs no introduction. The 17 year old is West Ham’s youngest debutant, making his debut at 16 years old and 198 days. Last season he started in the Europa League match against FC Lusitanos. After that display, Oxford went on to make his league debut against Arsenal in a 2–0 opening day win. Reece put Arsenal’s attackers in his pocket during that match, displaying his talents. Reece has the world at his feet and will be looking to build on his 12 appearances from last season. He can play centre back, right back and even has been employed in midfield.

LB- Ben Chilwell- Quality left backs are hard to come by, but the 19 year old Chilwell is on the path to being a quality left back. Last season he made three appearances during Leicester’s Premier League title-winning season — two in the FA Cup and one in the Capital one Cup. He won Leicester’sAcademy Player of the Year for the 2014/15 campaign and the future is looking promising for the left back, he has attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.

CM- Alex Iwobi- Big 45 no safety! As he was known last season, the Nigerian international burst on the scene, a huge bright spot for the Gunners. Iwobi, is known for being the nephew of Nigerian legend, Jay Jay Okocha. The 20 year old has shown what he can do, his ability to dribble the ball and find the right pass among other talent he possess. He showed this particularly with his display vs Barcelona in the Champions League. Alex Iwobi will be looking forward to build on his impressive showings from last season, to further establish himself as a first team member.

CM- Ovie Ejaria- The 18 year old Ovie has burst onto the scene this preseason. Showing a bunch of impressive displays, the English born Nigerian spent 9 years at Arsenal’s academy before joining Liverpool. Ejaria was earmarked to be a member of the U21 squad but with his impressive displays, who is to say that Ejaria won’t find a way to the first team this season.

CM- Andreas Pereira- The 20 year oldAndreas Pereira is thought of highly by many Man Utd fans. Many think the world of him and are hoping the chances LVG did not give to him, Jose Mourinho will. The Belgian born Brazilian plays as a number 10 but is comfortable in many other roles, on the wings or dictating play from deep. It is a new era at Man Utd, Andreas will be looking to be continue his impressive display in preseason, for which Jose Mourinho has praised him.

ST- Kelechi Ihenacho- 19 year old KelechiIhenacho was very impressive for Manchester City last season. The Nigerian scored 14 goals in 35 appearances last season and looked more than ready every time he stepped onto the pitch. With a new manager at the helm at the Eithad, it’s all down to Kelechi to show Pep what he is about andbuild on from his amazing displays from 2015/2016. Kelechi took massive steps by deciding to stay with Man City, instead of representing Nigeria in the Olympics.

ST- Marcus Rashford- The 18 year old was one of the better things about LVG’s reign, Marcus Rashford was a shining light in an often dull season for Man Utd. Rashford was named on the first-team bench for the first time on 21 November 2015 for a Premier League game against Watford. Opportunity struck on 25 February 2016, when Marcus was added late to the starting lineup when Anthony Martial dropped out because of an injury; scoring twice on his debut. Three days later, Marcus took a break from studying for his classes and finished Arsenal off, scoring twice. Marcus did not look back after those displays, scoring more goals and making the England Euro 2016 team. Marcus took his performances to the international level scoring in a friendly (his debut vs Australia). Marcus is highly valued at Man Utd, this being his first full season with the first team, all eyes will be on the academy product.

ST- Michy Batshuayi- The 22 year old Michy Batshuayi is a highly sought after prospect, Chelsea brought the Belgian striker for €40 million. In 97 matches for Standard Liège, he scored 39 goals, moving to Marseille where he scored26 in 62 appearances. Michy is going to lead the lines for Chelsea, he has incredible pace and an amazing eye for goal, in addition to his composure and technique. Chelsea are hoping he hits the ground running for the Antonio Conte era. The (very lazy) comparisons have begun; calling him the next “Didier Drogba”, another French speaking forwardwho joined Chelsea from Marseille.

Substitutions

Gk- Joel Pereira — Joel Pereira is a victim of circumstance. The 20 year old has been with Man United since 2012 and has moved up the ranks, making the first bench against FC Midtjylland. At 20 years old, Joel is very young for a goalkeeper. With David de Gea at the helm, it’ll be hard for Joel to get match time, however, he is going to the Olympics with the Portuguese squad and will be looking to build on his performances in the U21 league.

CB- Matthew Pennington — Joining Everton at age 11, the 21 year old Pennington has risen among the ranks. He made a few loan moves, including 5 appearances at Walsall in 2016. The opportunity for Pennington to stake a claim with the first team is there, Phil Jagielka is ageing and John Stones is looking likely to move on from Everton.

DM- Aleix García Serran — Manchester City’s youth core is rising to be one of the best in England and the 19 year old Spaniard who plays defensive midfield, is one of those attributed with the rise. Aleix joined City after 10 years with Villareal. Last season he made Man City’s matchday squad vs Leicester. Aleix said, “It’s really difficult for me to speak about me but I know that people praise the way I pass the ball. My style of play suits the passing game and also the way I shape myself with the rest of my team-mates.”. With his fellow Spaniard, Pep Guardiola at the helm and his eye for talent, as well as Pep’s style of passing and possession, Aleix will be looking to crack the first team squad this season.

CB- Axel Tuanzebe- Axel is one of the brightest prospects at Man Utd. The Congolese born center back, Tuanzebe has been at Man Utd since he was very little(there are pictures on the internet of him with Marcus Rashford with Man Utd’s U10 team). Axel made the first team bench last season and when theinjury bug went around Man Utd, injury also hampered18 year old Axel’s season and prevented him from making his debut. Axel’s talent is apparent for everyone to see, after the preseason match vs Wigan, Jose Mourinho said”With Axel, ten minutes is enough! The potential is there, you see it immediately.” “You know him better than me because you know him for a few years but if anyone sees him for the first time, ten minutes is enough to see the potential.”

CM- Emerson Hyndman- Emerson Hyndman is a 20 year old American international that recently secured his move to Bournemouth this past summer. Hyndman a Dallas native first caught the attention of US scouts at FC Dallas. During his first year, former Premier League club Fulham FC acquired his services at the age of 15. He had remained part of the Fulham youth system until receiving his first cap in a 2014 Championship match against Ipswich. He featured 24 times for Fulham over 2 years scoring once. Hyndman is most effectively utilized as a deep lying play maker, which was evident during the United States’ FIFA Under-20 World Cup run in 2015. The team which was captained by Hyndman made it to the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Serbia on penalties. The Cherries definitely have an exciting young player with tremendous upside in the fold. Hopefully his potential comes to fruition and consistent minutes.

CM- Jeff Reine-Adelaide- The French youngster, 18, joined Arsenal last summer from Lens and usually plays in central mid and can be used out wide. Jeff did very well last year in pre-season and got opportunities in the FA Cup the first team. He made his professional debut for Arsenal on 9 January 2016 against Sunderland in the FA Cup, coming on as an 81st-minute substitute for Joel Campbell. The 18 year old was recently promoted to the first team, with Arsenal players being made out of iPhone charger parts, there will be opportunities for Jeff to make a statement.

CF- Isaac Success- Isaac Success joined Watford from La Liga side Granada. The 20 year old Nigerian is known for his quickness and ability to use his body to get space. Also, his whose dribbling causes headaches for defenders. Isaac can play as the main striker, or on the right or left. In some circles, Isaac, was known as having more talent than his fellow Nigerian Kelechi, who as aforementioned did very well last season. Isaac is an interesting prospect, at 20 he is still very raw, his talent is there, it’s going to be interesting to see how he adapts from La Liga to the Premier League. Issac also has his fellow Nigerian Odion Ighalo to help him out.

Bonus-

Chuba Akpom- The 20 year old London born Nigerian is very close with friends with Alex Iwobi and will be looking at his friend as inspiration. Chuba impressed last preseason but was sent on loan to Hull, where he scored 3 goals in 35 outings. With Wenger looking for a striker, Chuba has the perfect chance to stake his claim. Chuba has been on the cusp since 2013, scoring goals in preseason, scoring goals for the youth team, even having four first team appearances. With Giroud, Walcott andYaya Sanogo as the striking options for now, Chuba has to take this preseason and own it.

Hon Mentions; Hiram Boateng, Sullay Kaikai, Harry Chapman, Josh Onomah, Jonathan Leko, Ryan Ledson, Matt Targett, Jason Denayer, Sam Byram, Sean Goss, Tosin Adarabioyo, Manu Garcia, Hamza Choudhury