20 Best Young Players in the Premier League [Ranked]
Summary
The Premier League continues to be a breeding ground for elite young talent, with rising stars such as Adam Wharton and Myles Lewis-Skelly standing out as potential world-class athletes.
Manchester United’s duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho also remain key figures for the future, while Brighton’s powerhouse Carlos Baleba and Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall underline the league’s incredible depth of youth quality.
From historic academy systems to bold investments in potential, the league remains home to the next generation of global superstars. Below, we rank the 20 best Premier League players aged 21 or under, based on performances, potential, consistency and opportunity for development.
Ranking Factors
When compiling this top 20, the following were considered:
- Appearances
- Potential ceiling
- Goals
- Assists
- Effect on team performance
20. Malick Diouf — West Ham United
West Ham’s emergence as a hub for youth development took another step forward with the rise of Malick Diouf, the energetic attacker who joined the Hammers setup ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Still only 20, the forward has shown glimpses of explosive promise whenever called upon.
Diouf’s direct running, fearless pressing and willingness to take on defenders have quickly earned him admirers in East London. His game remains raw, and his end product will need fine-tuning, but the foundations for a high-ceiling Premier League forward are already visible.
Malick Diouf’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 1 |
19. Abdukodir Khusanov — Manchester City
Abdukodir Khusanov’s Manchester City debut was a nightmare—an error leading to a goal, a booking, and a substitution inside 54 minutes. But the Uzbekistan international quickly changed the narrative, earning the trust of Guardiola’s staff with steady improvement.
A composed ball-player who thrives in structured systems, Khusanov benefits massively from training alongside Ruben Dias and John Stones. At just 21, the defender has the tools to become another quiet Guardiola masterpiece.
Abdukodir Khusanov’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 0 | 0 |
18. Romeo Lavia — Chelsea
Once a revelation at Southampton, Romeo Lavia has endured a more complicated spell since moving to Chelsea. Despite his clear natural ability as a ball-winning, forward-driving midfielder, consistency has eluded him so far at Stamford Bridge.
Still just 21, the Belgian remains a high-upside talent whose ceiling depends on staying fit and finding rhythm. If he recaptures his St. Mary’s form, Chelsea could finally unlock the player they heavily invested in.
Romeo Lavia’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 46 | 1 | 1 |
17. Matheus Fernandes — West Ham United
A dynamic and technically gifted midfielder, Matheus Fernandes has been one of the bright sparks in West Ham’s youth-driven rebuild. Only 21, the Brazilian has already shown he can dictate tempo, recover possession and progress the ball through tight spaces—key attributes for a modern Premier League midfielder.
After shining during his loan spell away from the London Stadium, West Ham brought him back with a clear plan to integrate him into their long-term project. His blend of industry, intelligence, and flair gives the Hammers a midfielder capable of evolving into a top-level Premier League engine.
Matheus Fernandes’ Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0 | 0 |
16. Yankuba Minteh — Brighton & Hove Albion
Yankuba Minteh arrived at Brighton with plenty of hype—and he has delivered. The Gambian winger’s speed, dribbling and explosiveness have reshaped Brighton’s counter-attacking threat, leaving Newcastle to watch on after financial regulations forced them to sell.
With six goals and four assists already, Minteh looks destined to be another Seagulls gem polished and prepared for a future mega-move.
Yankuba Minteh’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 6 | 4 |
15. Jorrel Hato — Chelsea
Chelsea’s acquisition of Jorrel Hato was a statement. One of Europe’s most promising defenders, Hato brings balance, physicality and technical ability down the left side. At Ajax, he displayed maturity well beyond his years, playing 50 matches last season.
His Chelsea career is only just beginning, but the 19-year-old looks tailor-made for Premier League football.
Jorrel Hato’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
14. Lucas Bergvall — Tottenham Hotspur
Signed as part of Tottenham’s bold youth recruitment, Lucas Bergvall has adapted well to the Premier League. Injuries pushed him into the starting XI earlier than expected last season, but the young Swede embraced the challenge.
Composed, tactically clever and technically excellent, Bergvall has become one of Spurs’ most promising midfield assets.
Lucas Bergvall’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 0 | 1 |
13. Archie Gray — Tottenham Hotspur
A midfielder by trade, Archie Gray spent much of the campaign covering defensive roles due to Tottenham’s injury crisis. Despite being out of position, the 19-year-old performed admirably.
His calmness, leadership and intelligence hint at a future Premier League star once he is restored to midfield.
Archie Gray’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | 0 | 0 |
12. Leny Yoro — Manchester United
Manchester United’s record-breaking teenage signing was always going to attract scrutiny. But despite turbulence in United’s defensive setup, Leny Yoro delivered a strong debut campaign.
Smooth on the ball and imposing in duels, the Frenchman is viewed as United’s long-term successor to Raphael Varane.
Leny Yoro’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 0 | 0 |
11. Alejandro Garnacho — Manchester United
Garnacho has already delivered some unforgettable moments for United—from his iconic bicycle kick at Goodison Park to match-saving contributions in tight games. His directness and flair remain elite, though uncertainty over his long-term future persists.
A move to a top-four-chasing side like Chelsea would only raise his profile further.
Alejandro Garnacho’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 93 | 16 | 8 |
10. Lewis Hall — Newcastle United
Leaving Chelsea for consistent minutes at Newcastle has proven a smart decision for Lewis Hall. Versatile and technically sleek, Hall is comfortable both in midfield and at full-back, though Eddie Howe has primarily used him on the left side of defence.
He remains one of England’s most promising utility players.
Lewis Hall’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 1 | 4 |
9. Kobbie Mainoo — Manchester United
A breakout star of 2023/24, Mainoo became a staple in the England midfield at Euro 2024 and showcased tremendous composure for his age. Though he has recently struggled for minutes under Ruben Amorim, the midfielder’s talent is unquestionable.
As he develops physically and tactically, Mainoo is expected to re-emerge as a central figure for club and country.
Kobbie Mainoo’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 3 | 1 |
8. Savinho — Manchester City
One of Girona’s breakout stars, Savinho arrived at Manchester City with high expectations—and has lived up to them. His daring dribbling, unpredictability and creativity have added a valuable alternative threat in Pep Guardiola’s attack.
If he maintains this trajectory, he could become one of Europe’s elite wingers.
Savinho’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | 1 | 8 |
7. Estevao — Chelsea
Nicknamed “Messinho,” Estevao arrived in England with enormous expectations after shining at Palmeiras. Despite heavy competition in Chelsea’s frontline, he has already shown flashes of his immense potential.
A gifted dribbler with superstar upside, the 18-year-old could soon become one of the league’s most watchable attackers.
Estevao’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 1 |
6. Ethan Nwaneri — Arsenal
Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant continues to develop brilliantly under Mikel Arteta. Nwaneri has already demonstrated creativity, composure and goal threat at senior level.
At just 18, he looks destined to play a major role in Arsenal’s long-term project.
Ethan Nwaneri’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 4 | 2 |
5. Rico Lewis — Manchester City
Versatile, intelligent and tactically advanced, Rico Lewis is one of Pep Guardiola’s favourite academy graduates. Capable of operating at full-back or midfield, Lewis brings structure and security to City’s system.
His England debut further underlines his fast ascent.
Rico Lewis’ Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | 3 | 3 |
4. Milos Kerkez — Liverpool
After excelling at Bournemouth, Kerkez stepped into a bigger spotlight with his move to Liverpool. His aggressive, high-energy style is perfectly aligned with Arne Slot’s system.
The Hungarian left-back looks more than capable of becoming Liverpool’s long-term successor to Andy Robertson.
Milos Kerkez’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 67 | 2 | 6 |
3. Adam Wharton — Crystal Palace
Wharton has transformed Crystal Palace’s midfield since arriving in January 2024. Intelligent, composed and aggressive, he dictates tempo and provides structure both in and out of possession.
His development under Oliver Glasner has been one of the league’s most impressive youth stories.
Adam Wharton’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 0 | 5 |
2. Myles Lewis-Skelly — Arsenal
Despite his age, Lewis-Skelly became central to Arsenal’s outstanding defensive record last season. Whether defending one-on-one, covering transitions or contributing in attack, the 18-year-old is a phenom.
He is already positioning himself as a future England regular.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | 1 | 0 |
1. Carlos Baleba — Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton have done it again. Carlos Baleba is widely regarded as their next nine-figure sale waiting to happen. Dominant in duels, tactically sharp and physically imposing, he has become the beating heart of Brighton’s midfield.
Manchester United and other European giants are now circling.
Carlos Baleba’s Premier League Statistics
| Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 3 | 1 |
The 20 Best Under-21 Players in the Premier League
| Position | Name | Club | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Baleba | Brighton | 21 |
| 2 | Myles Lewis-Skelly | Arsenal | 18 |
| 3 | Adam Wharton | Crystal Palace | 21 |
| 4 | Milos Kerkez | Liverpool | 21 |
| 5 | Rico Lewis | Manchester City | 20 |
| 6 | Ethan Nwaneri | Arsenal | 18 |
| 7 | Estevao | Chelsea | 18 |
| 8 | Savinho | Manchester City | 21 |
| 9 | Kobbie Mainoo | Manchester United | 20 |
| 10 | Lewis Hall | Newcastle United | 20 |
| 11 | Alejandro Garnacho | Manchester United | 21 |
| 12 | Leny Yoro | Manchester United | 19 |
| 13 | Archie Gray | Tottenham Hotspur | 19 |
| 14 | Lucas Bergvall | Tottenham Hotspur | 19 |
| 15 | Jorrel Hato | Chelsea | 19 |
| 16 | Yankuba Minteh | Brighton | 21 |
| 17 | Matheus Fernandes | West Ham United | 21 |
| 18 | Romeo Lavia | Chelsea | 21 |
| 19 | Abdukodir Khusanov | Manchester City | 21 |
| 20 | Malick Diouf | West Ham United | 20 |
