The Premier League has always been the best stage for young players to make their mark. In this competitive league, young players like Maynoo and Hinchelwood have caught a lot of attention from fans and coaches alike. It is vital for these young players to seize their chances and continue to perform well because the Premier League is a very demanding and competitive environment. However, it's really impressive to see these teenage teens playing alongside experienced pros. They have developed a resilient body that can handle high-intensity matches.
English football has gradually shifted to more possession of the ball, thanks in large part to Pep Guardiola's influence since he arrived in England from Bayern Munich in 2016. However, to compete in what is widely regarded as the best league in all of Europe and beyond, young players must mature quickly or possess excellent skills. Manchester United's 18-year-old Mainou has made his debut at Goodison Park in Everton in recent weeks and has been in fine form with a glimpse of his potential to become the next superstar. Mainou looks destined to be a key asset to United's midfield in the future, and perhaps he will be called up to the England squad next year.
In addition to Maynoo, there are a number of other young players who have also made their mark in the Premier League this season. Surprisingly, despite their young age, these young players have already shown great performance and potential in the game. This article takes a look back at the 10 youngest players in the English top flight this season. It is important to note that the age of each player is determined based on their age at the time of their debut this season.
10. Rico Lewis - Manchester City 18 years, 8 months, 21 days
Manchester City's Rico Lewis had his breakthrough year in 2022/23 and has become a key part of the Etihad Stadium. The versatile defender has excelled in midfield and made his England debut in November 2023. Next year he could travel to Germany for the European Championships. Lewis started four of Manchester City's five Champions League group games and was praised by Pep Guardiola against RB Leipzig. Guardiola said after the game: "What kind of player is this! I've been a manager for 14 or 15 years and I've been lucky enough to train one of the best players in the world outside of Barcelona. He's one of the best players I've ever trained. He was a humble man who didn't talk much. He hasn't played many games this season, but he'll play a lot. ”
9. Ben Parkinson - Newcastle United 18 years, 8 months 1 day
Ben Parkinson made his debut against Newcastle United against Bournemouth in November 2023 when they suffered a heavy 0-2 defeat. The 2005-born winger signed his first professional contract with Newcastle United in July 2023 and manager Eddie Howe has a high level of confidence in his talent. Parkinson has been particularly good in the under-18 games, but his output in scoring goals has decreased after being promoted to an age group. However, this is to be expected as he continues to switch between first-team and youth teams, having been named on the first-team bench six times, including in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
8. Mainou - Manchester United 18 years, 7 months 7 days
The aforementioned Mainou's starting debut against Everton in November 2023 was impressive and was seen as the future of United's midfield. The Stockport-born Academy graduate was on the radar of Manchester City's carefully designed scouting network during his upbringing at Carrington's academy, but he opted to stay at Manchester United. However, Manchester City continue to be linked with the promising teenager and as we head into the January transfer window, Mainou said after his debut against Charlton Athletic in January 2023 that he wants to stay at the club: "[My goal] is to stay here and continue to get more games is the ultimate goal. I want to stay in this club, I've always been here. ”
7. Luke Harris - Fulham 18 years, 5 months and 21 days
Fulham gave Luke Harris his debut in August 2022 and has been given a couple of appearances since then. At the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the Welsh playmaker was once again caught up in Fulham's fringe line-up, but made two appearances against Tottenham and Manchester City. Despite his impressive performances at the Under-21s, the midfielder, who resembles Frank Lampard, is still waiting for a full Premier League debut. Silva said: "Last summer there was a plan for Luke to play some professional games and get stronger, but unfortunately we didn't have time because of Joe Garnier's situation. "If he leaves, he has to play football, he's still a young man and knowing which level is not the most important thing. Therefore, Harris is likely to leave in the winter and he may not be short of loan opportunities.
6. Hinchellewood - Brighton 18 years, 5 months, 19 days
Hinchelwood is the most promising young player to emerge from Brighton's sprawling academy and has become a regular in the squad despite just turning 18 at the start of the year. The England youth player can play at the back and at the back, making seven appearances for the Seagulls in the 2023/24 season. Hinchelwood scored his first Brighton goal against Brentford last week. The versatile teenager has an impressive goalscoring record at youth level and is well-positioned in De Zebi's tactics.
5. Ozor - Crystal Palace 18 years, 5 months, 15 days
Ozor made his debut against Newcastle United in January 2023, becoming the youngest Premier League player in Crystal Palace's history at the age of 17. The 2005-born midfielder was named Under-21 Player of the Season in May 2023 and began working his way up the ranks of the first team. The England national has already made three brief substitute appearances under Roy Hodgson, but is still waiting to make his debut. However, with the team having won just one of their last nine matches due to recent woes, the former England boss could turn to the teenage phenom to bring a sense of presence to the midfield.
4. Davide Washington - Chelsea 18 years, 4 months 23 days
Chelsea showed their confidence in his talent by signing David Washington from Santos for £17.2 million in the summer of 2023 and signing him to a seven-year contract. The tall centre-forward scored goals in the Brazilian side's youth squad. Football's outstanding scout Jassek Coolig described the 18-year-old as an "all-round modern striker" but noted that he must work to improve his ability in terms of "shooting and using his left foot". Washington made his debut for Chelsea against Brentford in October 2023 but has not featured since.
3. Ben Dock - Liverpool 17 years, 9 months 2 days
Liverpool signed high-profile winger Ben Dork in 2022 and paid £600,000 in compensation to Celtic, who has since made nine appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side. The technically and agile winger, who turns 18 in November 2023, is awaiting his chance to get more opportunities in the starting line-up. Doke has been in excellent form for the youth team in 2022/23, particularly in the UEFA Youth League, where he has scored four goals and provided four assists in eight games. He made his debut for Scotland Under-21s at the age of 17 and scored two goals in seven games, so his progress has clearly been rapid.
2. Lewis Milley - Newcastle United 17 years, 6 months, 11 days
In the 2023/24 season, Newcastle's Lewis Milley began to make his mark in the position of injured player, becoming a key figure in the team. The manager has put full faith in the tall all-round midfielder and even started him in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. Milley has started each of his last five games and has been praised by the head coach for being "calm" and "having a great mind". Milley's midfield partner Guimaraes said: "I can't imagine myself being able to do that at 17. He's fantastic. ”
1. Ryan Wing - Sheffield United 17 years, 4 months 2 days
Ryan Wing is the youngest player to make a Premier League appearance in 2023/24, making his debut for Sheffield United against Arsenal in October 2023 at just 17 years, four months and two days. The 2006-born centre-forward moved to Sheffield United in the summer of 2023 from Hamilton College in the Scottish Second Division for a 'six-figure sum'. The youngster has 36 senior appearances at Hamilton College, scoring four goals. In an interview with the Daily Record, former teammate Lewis Smith said: "Ryan is an incredible player, especially at his age. It's great that he knows what to do with the ball. ”