With the upcoming 2023-24 Premier League soon upon us, here is a list of 10 youngsters who could set the league alight this season.
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton, Dutch, 20 years-old)
The 6”4’ goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, has just signed from Anderlecht to Brighton for £16.3m. Verbruggen is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe and recently made the Dutch senior squad for the March internationals. He is known for being a sweeper keeper and should be a very exciting watch for this campaign.
Jhon Duran (Aston Villa, Colombian, 19 years-old)
After signing for an initial fee of £14.8m in January, Jhon Duran showed glimpses of his potential in the 12 Premier League games he featured in. Despite scoring zero goals so far, the 6”1’ centre-forward has a left foot that can blast powerful shots towards the goal. With more time under Unai Emery, Duran could be a vital tool for Villa with their added games in Europe.
Julio Enciso (Brighton, Paraguayan, 19 years-old)
Versatile forward Julio Enciso had a breakout season for Brighton in the 2022-23 season. After playing a handful of positions, Enciso ended the season with four Premier League goals, including two thunderbolts against Chelsea and Manchester City. He has also been representing his country since the age of 17. Last season showcased his ability and if his levels remain the same next season, we could see big things from the tricky forward.
Evan Ferguson (Brighton, Irish, 18 years-old)
Since making his Premier League debut last Boxing Day, Evan Ferguson has displayed his fantastic attacking ability. With six goals in 19 league matches, the 6”2’ Irishmen is one for the future. The upcoming campaign could be a breakthrough for Ferguson and double figures for goals should be the target. At only 18 years-old, he is one of the most exciting forwards in English football.
Jordan Beyer (Burnley, German, 23 years-old)
At the beginning of last season, Jordan Beyer swapped Borussia Monchengladbach for Burnley on a loan deal. After 30 Championship appearances and one goal, Beyer helped Burnley become champions. With the loan having a £13m buyout clause, Vincent Kompany has permanently added the German defender to his team. The former Germany under-21 central defender possesses strong aerial ability and a good reading of the game, which could see him flourish next season.
Stefan Bajcetic (Liverpool, Spanish, 18 years-old)
Unfortunately, the Spanish midfielder had his season cut short due to a muscle injury, but in his six league starts he made a huge impression on the Premier League. Since joining Liverpool in January 2021, he has grown into a promising talent. As he gains further top-flight experience when he comes back from injury, Bajcetic will be one to watch for next season.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Manchester City, English, 21 years-old)
The season that has just passed for Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been one of important learning. The Stockport-born defender spent the season being educated by Kompany at Burnley. Very recently, Harwood-Bellis captained England’s under-21 team to the European Championship title and was included in the team of the tournament for the Euros. With transfer links to Fulham and West Ham, the exciting young centre-half is set to embark on his first Premier League season.
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle, English, 22 years-old)
Along with Harwood-Belis, Anthony Gordon has had a very successful summer. The former Everton winger was named Player of the Tournament at the under-21 Euros in Georgia. Now that he has had six months to settle into his new club Newcastle, the approaching season should be one where Gordon can demonstrate his electrifying flair.
Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest, Welsh, 22 years-old)
Since making his debut just under four years ago for Liverpool, Neco Williams has already had an explosive start to his career. The Wrexham-born full-back scored once at his old club Liverpool in the league last season and unveiled the talent he has. Now the Welsh international has had a full season playing top-flight football, this upcoming campaign should see Williams feature more as a lively right-back.
Hugo Bueno (Wolves, Spanish, 20 years-old)
Left Back Hugo Bueno has made a solid start to his Premier League career. In his first full season with the Wolves first team, Bueno grabbed 16 league starts and even won Man of the Match from Gary Neville in Wolves’ game against Fulham away in late February. Despite having competition from Jonny Otto and Rayan Ait-Nouri, the Spaniard will get his chances to impress once again next season.
