Can Their Young Stars Make Most of Preseason Tour?
The giants of the English Premier League have landed stateside, starting a preseason tour with stops in New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, among others. For many of these squads, some key players, exhausted from playing into the summer on international duty, have been given extra time off.
This has presented an opportunity to some of the league’s best young talents, to show their managers they’re ready for the big time, whether domestically or in UEFA competitions like the Champions League and Europa League. Let’s take a look at five of these prospects, and how the preseason tour may be a sign of things to come.
Leny Yoro, CB, Manchester United Football Club
the story so far
•2nd-most expensive teenage player in epl history ($68 million transfer from lille)
• impressive debut performance against scottish side rangers
What’s Next?
• stake claim for starting spot in epl and uefa europa league
• help restore manchester united’s reputation following 8th-place EPL finish (lowest since 1990)
what they’re saying
• “He has all the qualities and potential to do something huge.” – former teammate Rémy Cabella
Rico Lewis, DM, Manchester City Football Club
THE STORY So far
•manchester city’s youngest ever uefa champions league scorer
• earned first senior england cap against north macedonia
WHAT’S NEXT?
• take advantage of major preseason minutes
• linked with a loan move, says he wants to stay with his parent club
what they’re saying
• “In that position, he’s a master; he’s so intelligent.” – city manager pep guardiola
Ben Doak, F, Liverpool Football Club
THe story SO FAR
• surprisingly started on left wing in liverpool’s unofficial preseason opener
• called up to senior scotland squad for uefa euro 2024 (withdrEw due to injury)
what’s next?
• prove his value to new manager arne slot
• may go on loan to find more consistent playing time
what they’re saying
• “…special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers…super-promising.” – former manager Jürgen Klopp
Jurrien Timber, CB, Arsenal Football Club
the story so far
•big-money move to arsenal last season
•injured in only second appearance (missed rest of the season)
what’s next?
•take advantage of starting center back role on us tour
•work his way into crowded arsenal defensive rotation
what they’re saying
• “He is a leader. He loves to be on show and a big presence in everything that we do. He is very vocal and extremely gifted technically. He is a great addition to the team.” – Arsenal manager, mikel arteta
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, CM, Leicester City Football Club
The story so far
• selected to efl championship team of the season for leicester city
• $38 million transfer to chelsea
•reunited with manager enzo maresca, who is also joining chelsea from leicester
what’s next?
• show advanced understanding of maresca’s system
• find role in a stacked chelsea midfield
what they’re saying
• “He is so dangerous near the box and has the quality to score or assist from anywhere.” – chelsea manager, enzo maresca
