3 promising U-21 players to look out for in 2022/23 Premier League season
The 2022/23 Premier League season is just under a month away from kicking off and there is a lot of excitement for the upcoming campaign. A tight title race between Manchester City and Liverpool is set to continue with both sides having bolstered their squad with quality talent.
Chelsea will look to challenge for the trophy under new ownership, while Tottenham Hotspur are poised for a major charge under Antonio Conte. The league is splashed with world-class players capable of winning games by themselves and creating special moments for the fans.
While a lot of the spotlight is on the “world class” talent as well as the newcomers, some promising youngsters are poised to make their impact too. Many Premier League sides have quality young players ready to grab their opportunities to stardom. So let’s look at the three most promising U21 players to keep an eye on in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Harvey Elliot to light up the Premier League?
Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliot was cursed by bad luck last season, suffering a dislocated ankle against Leeds United early in the campaign. That ruled him out of action for almost six months before he returned towards the end of the season, but a recovery process and Liverpool having a set squad didn’t allow for many chances.
However, the 19-year-old is now fit and raring to go for the Reds. Elliot is held in high regard by Jurgen Klopp and can play a major role for Liverpool this season. With Sadio Mane gone and Liverpool not signing a midfielder yet, they can use Elliot in both roles. The youngster is proficient in a central position as well as on the wings.
Elliot boasts impressive creativity, having that eye for creating something special out of nothing. He is efficient, hard-working and pinpoint with through balls, chance-creating passes and finishing (as per WhoScored). The Englishman is craving for a breakthrough season and if he stays fit, Elliot could really light up the Premier League and contribute 10-15 goals for Klopp’s side.
Alejandro Garnacho as Manchester United’s new surprise package
Erik ten Hag’s revolution at Manchester United should be seen as good news for the up-and-coming young players in the squad. The Dutchman gave debuts to many youth academy products at Ajax and is expected to follow suit at Old Trafford as well.
A player with a great chance of playing a formidable role next season is exciting young winger Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine forward was one of the best players for United’s U18 side last season and helped them win the FA Youth Cup, scoring 7 goals in the campaign too.
Garnacho also won United’s U18 Player of the Season award and is highly regarded by those within the club. The 18-year-old is quick, blessed with impressive dribbling skills and high on confidence. He is prolific in the final third, boasting clinical finishing ability and movement to torment defenders.
There is a strong chance Garnacho will be involved in United’s Premier League campaign and get quite a few appearances. With the unpredictability factor as well as his relentless hunger, the 18-year-old can have his breakthrough campaign and surprise many Premier League opponents.
Michael Olise to enjoy second-season success
Michael Olise proved to be a real breath of fresh air for Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace side last season with his exciting attacking style. The winger is very versatile in attacking areas, able to play on either wing and even in a No. 10 role.
However, Olise is at his best on the wings where he can find space to maneuver. The 20-year-old is thrilling to watch, as he uses his pace and trickery to glide past defenders with ease. He loves to send crosses into the box, draw fouls and take up long-range shots at will.
Olise is a real live wire in the attacking front, with his strengths including creating big chances, crossing, set-piece ability, long-range shooting, dribbling and splitting defenses with through balls (as per WhoScored).
Next. Reasons why Ronaldo should be kept/sold by Man United. dark
He had an impressive campaign last time around, scoring 2 goals and registering 5 assists in the Premier League. But now with more experience and knowledge of how to thrive under Vieira’s system, the 20-year-old can light up the league with his trickery and be a contender for the best young player of the season award.