The Premier League is not only a stage for established stars but also a breeding ground for the next generation of footballing prodigies. With its world-class academies and competitive environment, the English top flight consistently produces young talents who captivate fans and pundits alike.
In this article, we take a look at the top 10 Under-19 players currently making waves in the Premier League.
Note: In line with the figures from Transfermarkt.co.uk, we use the Euro (€) as the currency, and transfers that took place till September 2024 have been fact-checked with other sources.
Market Value: €12 million
The next Swedish talent to try his luck in one of Europe’s leading clubs is Lucas Bergvall. Born and raised in Stockholm, Bergvall progressed through the academy of IF Brommapojkarna, before joining top-flight side Djurgårdens.
Over the next few months, Bergvall would emerge as a key figure in the center of the pitch and earn a spot as one of the best U19 players in Europe. On February 1, one day before turning 18, Bergvall signed a five-year contract at Tottenham Hotspur for a transfer fee of £8.5 million.
The 18-year-old is creative enough to be a top-level no.10, but he’s also a tall, physically imposing player whose duel-winning ability and stamina makes him a good fit as an #8 as well. With strong finishing, impressive ball-carrying and a mental focus that belies his tender age, Bergvall’s excellent footballing IQ makes him stand out amongst his age mates.
Market Value: €12 million
Born in Amsterdam to Dutch parents, Huijsen left for Spain at five years of age, beginning his youth career in Spain at Costa Unida CF De Marbella before joining Malaga just aged 10 in 2015. He would then spend six years at Malaga before joining Juventus in 2021 to play for the Juventus under 17. After a successful loan spell at AS Roma last season, Huijsen was roped in by the Cherries on a €15 million permanent deal from Turin.
Huijsen is naturally right-footed, but rarely looks concerned when forced to use his weaker left, and standing at 6”4’ (195cm), he possesses the physical attributes to dominate games among his peers. What makes Huijsen stand out from other top defenders is his ability in attacking areas, whether that is carrying the ball into the final third himself or when faced with an opportunity to shoot. A penalty-kick specialist, his ability from 12 yards does bulk up those numbers somewhat, but he has shown himself to be dangerous in open play too.
Market Value: €12 million
Ethan Nwaneri is a player with unique qualities for such a young age. Nwaneri became the youngest ever player to feature in a premier league game, coming on as a substitute at age 15 for Arsenal.
Nwaneri has the technical ability and close control of a #10, able to combine in central and wide areas, whilst also further possessing the calmness and maturity to aid in 1st and 2nd phases of play. Nwaneri seems to be the perfect fit for a multi-phase, all-action #8, whilst also possessing the qualities to specialise in the 3rd phase and become an output machine.
He is calm and composed when receiving in deeper areas, and his tight turning radius, close control and awareness make him relatively press resistant. In terms of Nwaneri’s ball striking, he consistently strikes through the ball cleanly when crossing and taking free kicks. However, when shooting, particularly under pressure, his ball striking is still quite raw, which is understandable given he’s only 17.
Market Value: €18 million
Facundo Buonanotte, the young 19-year-old Argentine talent, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising players in world football. His exceptional technical ability, creativity, and attacking flair have made him a standout performer for Brighton & Hove Albion and now on-loan at Leicester City.
Buonanotte’s primary strength lies in his dribbling ability. His quick feet, agility, and close control allow him to effortlessly glide past defenders, creating goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. In addition to his dribbling, Buonanotte is also a gifted passer. He possesses excellent vision and can deliver accurate passes into dangerous areas.
Defensively, Buonanotte is diligent and contributes to his team’s efforts. He is a tenacious presser, often winning the ball back in dangerous areas. His work rate and willingness to track back make him a valuable asset to his team. With continued development and experience, he has the potential to become one of the world’s top attacking midfielders.
Market Value: €20 million
Currently playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, Jack Hinshelwood has showcased a unique blend of technical ability, tactical awareness, and composure that belies his age. He possesses the ability to play incisive through balls, switch play effortlessly, and dictate the tempo of the game from deep midfield positions.
In addition to his passing ability, Hinshelwood is also a tenacious tackler and a strong defensive presence. He reads the game intelligently, anticipates opponents’ moves, and intercepts passes with precision. Moreover, his ability to keep his head in high-pressure situations is a testament to his mental strength and footballing intelligence.
While Hinshelwood’s potential is undeniable, it is important to remember that he is still a young player with room for growth and development. His technical ability, tactical awareness, defensive prowess, composure, and maturity make him a valuable asset to his club and a player to watch in the years to come.
Market Value: €22 million
Lewis Miley is a name that has quickly become synonymous with the future of Newcastle United and English football. The 18-year-old midfielder has already made waves in the Premier League with his mature performances and exceptional ball-playing skills.
Miley exhibits an uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure, making accurate decisions even in the most chaotic situations. This composure is coupled with an excellent range of passing, allowing him to dictate the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Standing at a tall and lanky frame, he possesses impressive strength and stamina, enabling him to dominate midfield battles and cover vast areas of the pitch. Moreover, despite his young age, Miley already demonstrates a high football IQ and tactical awareness.
With his exceptional talent and dedication, Lewis Miley is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young players in English football, and his future looks incredibly bright.
Market Value: €24 million
Born on February 9, 2006, Luis Guilherme has already showcased his exceptional abilities on the field, earning him a move to the Premier League with West Ham United last summer.
Guilherme’s playing style is a captivating blend of raw speed, technical finesse, and an innate understanding of the game. His lightning-fast pace allows him to effortlessly outmaneuver defenders, while his precise dribbling skills create havoc in the opposition’s defense. He possesses a keen eye for goal and a knack for delivering accurate crosses, making him a potent attacking threat.
Beyond his technical prowess, Guilherme approaches games with a maturity that belies his young age, exuding confidence and composure under pressure. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and tactical nuances demonstrates his versatility and intelligence. Guilherme possesses immense potential, and under the right guidance can become one of the brightest stars in world football in years to come.
Market Value: €25 million
Following an impressive campaign with Championship side Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou snapped up the young 18-year-old versatile player for a reported fee of £30 million.
Gray’s playing style is characterized by his composure on the ball, his ability to read the game, and his knack for making incisive passes. He possesses a remarkable range of passing, capable of threading through balls with precision or launching long, accurate diagonal passes. His dribbling skills are also impressive, allowing him to navigate through tight spaces and create goal-scoring opportunities.
One of Gray’s standout qualities is his versatility. He can operate in various midfield positions, including as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a centre-back, or even as a full-back. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset to any team, as he can fill in multiple roles effectively.
His combination of talent, work ethic, and mental strength sets him apart from his peers. As he continues to develop and gain experience, there’s every chance he will soon cement his place as a regular in the Spurs teamsheet.
Market Value: €55 million
When a club of Real Madrid’s stature comes knocking on your door, it means there’s something special about you. The young 19-year-old is an exceptional talent and his mature performances for Lille landed him a big money move to Premier League giants Manchester United.
One of Yoro’s most impressive qualities is his remarkable composure and decision-making on the field. Despite his young age, he possesses excellent positional sense and anticipation, allowing him to read the game effectively and intercept passes with precision.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Yoro is also a capable ball-playing defender. He possesses excellent technique and distribution skills, enabling him to initiate attacks from the back with precise long passes. His ability to play out from the back and contribute to build-up play makes him a valuable asset to any team.
While Yoro is still a young player with room for improvement, his potential is undeniable. He has already shown glimpses of his immense talent and has the potential to develop into one of the world’s top defenders.
Market Value: €55 million
The name Kobbie Mainoo has becone a household name in the Red half of Manchester. Born in 2005, the young midfielder possesses a rare blend of technical ability, tactical awareness, and physicality that belies his age.
He effortlessly glides past defenders with his nimble footwork and possesses the vision to pick out incisive passes. His ability to retain possession under pressure and create scoring opportunities is reminiscent of some of the game’s greatest midfielders.
Moreover, the young 19-year-old reads the game exceptionally well, anticipating the next move and making timely interceptions. His positional sense is impeccable, allowing him to cover ground effectively and break up opposition attacks. Physically, he possesses a strong frame and is adept at shielding the ball from defenders. His tenacity and determination in challenges make him a formidable opponent.
Mainoo’s potential is immense, and he has the potential to become a key player for Manchester United in the years to come. His versatility, allowing him to play in various midfield positions, adds to his value to the team. With continued development and experience, he could emerge as one of the most influential midfielders in world football.
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