EPL Prospects Who Could Make The Leap This Season
Another exciting English Premier League season is upon us, as Manchester United is set to take on Fulham on Friday to kick things off. Arguably the most challenging domestic league in the world, it is filled with some of the world’s best players and clubs. In this environment, it can sometimes be difficult for young players to find consistent playing time. But each year, a handful manage to make the leap. Let’s take a look at some young stars who may be ready to shine.
Evan Ferguson, CF, Brighton & Hove Albion
THE STORY SO FAR
• Has scored six goals in each of first two seasons in the epl
• has been linked with big money move to Manchester united
What’s Next?
• establish himself as regular starter
• Help Brighton improve on last year’s slightly disappointing 11th-place finish
What They’re Saying
• “I don’t know whether it was his exuberance or confidence, the touch of arrogance, but that little strut, the way he handled himself, was very reminiscent of how I felt at that age. Goals were my drug, and we share the addiction.” – EPL record goalscorer Alan Shearer
Lewis Miley, CM, Newcastle United
THE STORY so far
• made 17 EPL appearances in first full season
• youngest player in club history to record an assist
• youngest player in EPL history to score since 2009
WHAT’S NEXT?
• find more consistent role in loaded Newcastle midfield
• improve goal and assist threat
What they’re saying
• “He has a massive future ahead of him, and I am massively excited. His talent shines out. When he fills out a bit more, he’s going to be a beast.” – Newcastle club captain Jamaal Lascelles
Alejandro Garnacho, LW, Manchester United
The story
• established himself as regular starter with impressive attacking efforts
• scored in 2-1 fa cup final win over rival Manchester City
• Represented Argentina at this summer’s Copa America
what’s next?
• help take the struggling Manchester United attack to next level
• improve finishing and decision-making
• make claim for starting role with Argentina after retirement of Angel di Maria
what they’re saying
• “He is a showman sometimes who plays to the crowd, in a positive sense. He has a desire to entertain.” – United Youth Academy Director Nick Cox
Harvey Elliott, AM, Liverpool FC
the story
• career-high ten assists in all competitions last season
• Helped England to under-21 European championship title in June of 2023
what’s next
• cement role in new manager Arne Slot’s midfield
• build on impressive preseason (two assists in recent win over Arsenal)
• work his way into the senior England squad
what they’re saying
• “He’s up against Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, the list goes on. That’s the only reason, but his quality is there. I think he’s fantastic.” – England legend Gary Lineker
Adam Wharton, CM, Crystal Palace Football Club
The story
• rapid rise following midseason move from Blackburn Rovers
• started all 15 of Crystal Palace’s games after joining (palace lost only three of those matches)
• included in England’s UEFA Euro 2024 squad
what’s next?
• continue to impress the biggest clubs in Europe
• Help Crystal Palace build on impressive close to last season
what they’re saying
• “Adam is something special. He really is going to be world class; he really is like a Messi with bags of God-given talent.” – Wharton’s former coach Charlie Jackson
