The English Premier League has always been one of the great hotbeds for unearthing up-and-coming talent. Whether it be via the ever improving academy structures throughout the clubs, or the dedicated scouting systems that rummage overseas.
The 2024/25 season has been no different, introducing Premier League audiences to a plethora of fresh and exciting new names. Here’s a look at just some of the divisions young players who’s early performances have attracted plenty of focus and attention.
Ethan Nwaneri- Arsenal
Despite being the youngest in this list, Ethan Nwaneri has arguably the most first team experience of all. That’s because he made his Premier League debut at age 15 years 181 days, placing him as the current youngest player in the leagues history.
His performances this season in particular have made him one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s team sheet. He has stepped up as the ideal replacement for Bukayo Saka, after the Arsenal talisman suffered a long-term hamstring tear back in December.
His pace and directness down the right-hand side has been a driving force behind the Gunners maintaining second place. His three league goals this season, including a crucial one at Brighton, were crafted by his increasing trademark of coming inside onto his left foot and curling in.
Lewis Miley- Newcastle United
Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley made his Premier League debut on the final day of the season in 2023. In doing he became the club’s youngest-ever appearance maker in the divisions history.
After entering the record books, he was forced to be patient after a spell on the sidelines with a broken foot. But since then he hasn’t looked back. The 18-year-old Geordie has slotted seamlessly into a midfield that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton.
He may be a diminutive figure, but he’s creating a big impact at St James’ Park. He’s added goals to his already impressive game in recent weeks, including a precise low shot against Nottingham Forest.
Lucas Bergvall- Tottenham Hotspur
Lucas Bergvall signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer and has arguably been one of few bright sparks this season. Already a fully capped Sweden international at just 18, he has certainly hit the ground running in North London.
The man who joined from Djurgarden scored his first Spurs goal, the winner in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool. His most exciting attribute is his pace of dribbling when in full flow, already possessing the ability to get the fans of their seats.
Bergvall could be a key asset in Spurs’ attempts to salvage their season by winning the Europa League. In a season of overall underachievement for Ange Postecoglu’s side, they may have at least unveiled a serious talent in Bergvall.
Tyler Dibling- Southampton
While Southampton may have struggled badly upon their top-flight return, it has provided Tyler Dibling with the ideal platform to develop and stand out. The teenager has taken his opportunity, and demonstrated why he is held in such high regard.
The performances of Dibling in his 23 league appearances this season have placed him firmly in the shop window. It has been reported that scouts have been in regular attendance at St Mary’s keeping tabs on the 19-year-old.
His first senior goal in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich perfectly summed up his fearless and direct style. In his breakout season, Dibling is showing all the ingredients to be one of the country’s brightest prospects.
Jack Hinshelwood- Brighton & Hove Albion
Jack Hinshelwood is Brighton and Hove Albion through and through, a shining figurehead indicative of the Seagulls being one of recent success stories. The 19-year-old has a rich pedigree, as he is the fourth generation of Hinshelwood to be a professional footballer.
He is a manager’s dream for Fabian Hurzeler, due to his remarkable versatility to play across positions. Hinshelwood has already been deployed at right back, left back and in central midfield.
He also appears to have a keen eye for goal too, already with five to his name in his early career. The England youth international has quickly become a vital cog in the Brighton machine, exhibiting boundless potential.
Nico O’Reilly- Manchester City
In addition to the established superstars at Pep Guardiola’s disposal at Manchester City, there is also a steady stream of the next generation emerging. The latest to emerge from their state-of-the-art training facility is 6ft 2in centre back Nico O’Reilly.
So far, the 19-year-old has made just a couple of Premier League appearances, but must be closing in on greater opportunities. His goal scoring exploits in the FA Cup against giant killers Plymouth Argyle was the moment he fully stuck his head above the parapet to stake his claim.
Manchester-born, O’Reilly has matured as a young footballer surrounded by the most successful of role models, growing up in an era of relative Manchester City dominance.
The FA Cup has been his domain this campaign, and the competition is the only remaining hope of silverware on the blue side of Manchester. After a season of transition at the Etihad, O’Reilly will be more keen than ever to be the spearhead for an assault again next season.
Justin Devenny- Crystal Palace
This season has seen Justin Devenny break into the first team at Crystal Palace. The midfielder has appeared 13 times this season for Palace, thrust into the big time after an impressive loan in the Scottish Championship with Airdrieonians.
The 21-year-old has more than repaid the faith placed in him by Oliver Glasner. This was particularly the case at Villa Park, when he scored his first Eagles goal in a 2-2 draw.
His seamless transition into Premier League football saw him called into the Northern Ireland senior squad in November. Despite being born in Scotland, he pledged his allegiance, and made his international debut in a 2-2 Nations League draw with Luxembourg.
Mikey Moore- Tottenham Hotspur
Another Spurs player making big waves is academy product Mikey Moore. Ange Postecoglou has given him regular opportunities to impress both domestically and in the Europa League this season.
During an indifferent season on their side of North London, Moore’s development is one of the main reasons for cheer for Spurs fans. He has featured heavily in the Europa League, and played a major role in Tottenham progressing in the competition.
He even entered the record books, as the youngest ever Englishman to score in major European competition, breaking Jimmy Greaves’ 68-year-old record. His goal against IF Elfsborg in January, came at 17 years and 245 days old.
Ollie Scarles- West Ham United
West Ham United’s Ollie Scarles is a player that has benefitted hugely from the change in manager at the London Stadium. The 19-year-old has been given his opportunity by Graham Potter in recent months and he has undoubtedly impressed at left back.
The academy graduate played major starting roles in recent clean sheet victories over Leicester and notably away to Arsenal. His exuberant performances have made him an instant hit in East London, and given his manager a ready made option at left wing-back.
Scarles recently spoke of his gratitude at having role models such as Aaron Cresswell to look up to and learn from. Early signs strongly suggest that West Ham have gotten themselves a homegrown heir apparent.
Myles Lewis Skelly- Arsenal
Another Arsenal youngster that is enjoying a breakout campaign is defender Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old has quickly become the preferred left back at the Emirates, and he’s a player that certainly hasn’t arrived on the scene quietly.
He has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, including four in the UEFA Champions League till this point. He scored his first senior goal in Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Manchester City in February.
Lewis-Skelly has certainly become known as a combative and physical in his fledgling career. Already this season he has been at the centre of two huge red card decisions that have sparked major debate.
His red card against Wolves was dubbed ‘the worst decision ever’ by some and was subsequently rescinded. More recently his yellow card against West Ham was upgraded to red after a VAR review for denial of a clear and obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
It’s fair to say that every player mentioned in this list has had a major impact on their respective club’s season. These exceptional and exciting fresh talents will continue to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience over the coming months, establishing themselves as fan favourites along the way.