The landscape of English football is witnessing an influx of young talent, particularly in the Premier League and the Championship. Clubs are increasingly focused on nurturing homegrown players, with an emphasis on integrating them into first-team squads.
Now, more than ever, we are seeing young players being given an opportunity to show how much they are worth. Playing first-team football has helped them develop and, in some cases, even debuting for their national teams. Here are some of the young English football players who might develop into stars.
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a standout talent at Manchester United. At just 18 years old, he has already made his senior debut and is regarded for his technical ability and vision on the pitch.
Mainoo’s performances in youth competitions have drawn attention, and he should play a significant role in Ruben Amorim’s plans for the upcoming season. His ability to control the midfield and create opportunities mirrors the style of past United legends like Paul Scholes.
Last season, he scored five goals, three of which were in the Premier League. We are still waiting for his first goal of the season now, but we think that he will be given much more room to manoeuvre in the midfield, particularly under Amorim.
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri made headlines when he debuted at 15 years and 181 days, becoming the youngest player in Premier League history. Known for his agility and football IQ, Nwaneri has been training with the first team under Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
His potential to influence games at such a young age suggests he could follow in the footsteps of other Arsenal greats like Cesc Fabregas. He scored his first Premier League senior goal against Nottingham Forest this year. But also has three in the EFL Cup in just two games played.
Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
Rico Lewis is another exciting prospect making waves at Manchester City. The 19-year-old right-back has impressed with his defensive capabilities and ability to join the attack effectively. His performances have earned him praise from Pep Guardiola, who sees Lewis as a future mainstay in the City lineup.
His versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical setups, making him a valuable asset as City continues to compete on multiple fronts. Last year, he made 27 appearances all together in every competition. While this season, he already has 23 caps and we are still not even at the half-season mark.
Lewis Koumas (Liverpool)
Another name to watch is Lewis Koumas, who scored on his full senior debut in the FA Cup for Liverpool. Pros see Koumas as a versatile forward, noted for his pace and goal-scoring ability. Reminiscent of former Liverpool star Raheem Sterling.
Koumas is currently playing on loan at Stoke in the Championship, where he has four goal contributions in 19 appearances. Unfortunately for him, Liverpool’s attacking line is so strong that there is still nor room for him. But if he continues developing as he has, Arne Slot could give him an opportunity in the future.
