Premier League 2024/25: 10 most valuable U19 players

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 topflight consistently produces young talents who captivate fans and pundits alike. 

In this article, we take a look at the most valuable U19 players in the Premier League at the moment.

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.

#10 Lucas Bergvall | Tottenham Hotspur FC

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 Allsvenskan side Djurgårdens.

Over the next few months, Bergvall would emerge as a key figure in the centre of the pitch, earning a spot as one of the best U19 players in Europe. On February 1 this year, one day before turning 18, Bergvall signed a five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur for a transfer fee of £8.5 million. 

The 18-year-old is creative enough to be a top-level #10, but he’s also a tall, physically-imposing player whose duel-winning ability and stamina make 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 among his age mates.

#9 Dean Huijsen | AFC Bournemouth

Market Value: €12 million

Born in Amsterdam to Dutch parents, Huijsen left for Spain at the age of five, beginning his youth career in Spain at Costa Unida before joining Málaga aged ten in 2015. He would then spend six years at Málaga before joining Juventus in 2021. After a successful loan spell at Roma last season, Huijsen was roped in by the Cherries for €15 million. 

Huijsen is right-footed, but he rarely looks concerned when forced to use his weaker left foot. Standing at 6”4’, he possesses the physical attributes to dominate games among his peers. What makes Huijsen stand out from other top defenders is his ability in the attacking areas, whether that is carrying the ball into the final third himself or shooting from distance. A penalty-kick specialist, his ability from the 12 yards does bulk up those numbers somewhat, but he has shown himself to be dangerous from open play too.

#8 Ethan Nwaneri | Arsenal FC

Market Value: €12 million

Ethan Nwaneri is a player with unique qualities for such a young age. He became the youngest-ever player to feature in a Premier League game in 2022 as he came on as a substitute at age 15 for the Gunners. 

Nwaneri has the technical ability and close control of a #10, able to combine in central and wide areas, while also possessing the calmness and maturity to aid in first and second phases of play. He seems to be the perfect fit for a multi-phase, all-action #8, whilst also possessing the qualities to specialise in the third phase and become an output machine.

The 17-year-old is calm and composed when receiving the ball in deeper areas, and his tight turning radius, close control, and awareness make him press-resistant. In terms of 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. 

#7 Facundo Buonanotte | Leicester City FC

Market Value: €18 million 

This 19-year-old Argentine talent has quickly emerged as one of the most promising players in world football. Buonanotte’s exceptional technical ability, creativity, and attacking flair have made him a standout performer for Brighton and currently at Leicester City, where he is on loan. 

Buonanotte’s primary strength lies in his dribbling ability. His quick feet, agility, and close control allow him to effortlessly glide past defenders, creating goalscoring 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.

#6 Jack Hinshelwood | Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Market Value: €20 million

Currently playing for Brighton, 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 opposition 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 skill set and potential make him a valuable asset to his club and a player to watch in the years to come.

#5 Lewis Miley | Newcastle United FC

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 huge 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 opportunities for his teammates.

A tall and lanky operator, Miley 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 to the craft, Miley is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young players in English football, and his future looks incredibly bright.

#4 Luis Guilherme | West Ham United FC

Market Value: €24 million 

Born on February 9, 2006, Luis Guilherme has already showcased his exceptional abilities on the field, earning himself in the process 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 outmanoeuvre defenders, while his precise dribbling skills create havoc in the opposition’s defence. 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 the years to come.

#3 Archie Gray | Tottenham Hotspur FC

Market Value: €25 million 

Following an impressive campaign with EFL Championship side Leeds United, 18-year-old Archie Gray was snapped up by Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou for a reported fee of £30 million. 

Gray’s playing style is characterised by his composure on the ball, ability to read the game, and 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 goalscoring opportunities.

One of Gray’s standout qualities is his versatility. He can operate in various midfield positions, be it as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a centre-back, or even a fullback. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset to any team, as he can fill in multiple roles effectively.

Gray’s talent, work ethic, and mental strength set 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 starter for Spurs.

#2 Leny Yoro | Manchester United FC

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. Leny Yoro is an exceptional talent, and his mature performances for Lille have 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, the Frenchman 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 operator. 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 side.

Yoro is still a young player and 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. 

#1 Kobbie Mainoo | Manchester United FC

Market Value: €55 million

The name Kobbie Mainoo has already become a household name in the red half of Manchester. Born in 2005, this young midfielder possesses a rare blend of technical ability, tactical awareness, and physicality that belies his age.

Mainoo 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 already 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.